In 1999, friends Manabu Deto (vocals, guitar) and Norihito Hiraide (bass) teamed up with Kei Mabuchi (guitar) and Takashi Katsuura (drums) to form
Ogre You Asshole. Originally called
Joy Division, the group changed its name in 2001 after
Modest Mouse bassist
Eric Judy scribbled the enigmatic phrase on Deto's arm in lieu of an autograph. Inspired by
Modest Mouse,
Built to Spill, and
Television, among others, the group began touring and released its self-titled debut in 2005. ~ Katherine Fulton