Official X Japan Thread

[Nyokou]

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden concert go on sale soon. 

[Nikki B.]

YOSHIKI Twitter Q&A to take place on August 6th

 

 

 

 

X JAPAN's co-founder and leader YOSHIKI tweeted that he will announce big news on August 6th via his official Twitter account (@YoshikiOfficial) during a special Q&A session, where he will answer questions from fans using the hashtag #AskYoshiki. 

 

YOSHIKI successfully completed "Yoshiki Classical World Tour Part I" after 13 shows in 10 countries in June, which was followed by a performance in front of 4,000 European fans at the 15th annual JAPAN EXPO in Paris. Yoshiki is scheduled to make an appearance and perform at OTAKON on August 9th and 10th, an anime culture event happening in Maryland, featuring guest performers PATA and HEATH from X JAPAN.

 

Tickets for X JAPAN's highly anticipated October 11th concert at Madison Square 

Garden are available for purchase on August 1st. (The GA floor tickets were sold out within the hour of sale.) 

 

Since their debut at Rockefeller Center press conference in New York on August 24th 1992, X Japan's explosive live show has captivated a worldwide audience. The band has had a notoriously tumultuous career, which includes the loss of two of its five founding members to tragic death and breakups. Despite its hardships, the band has steadfastly maintained the X Japan vision and brought themselves together to perform this October where their U.S. story started, in New York City.

 

This performance will no doubt be a historical event. The band will be performing both fan favorites and previously unreleased music from their decades of recordings. 

 

In June 2014, "THE WORLD -X JAPAN- The World's First Best of Album" was released after 13 years since their last release. On August 6th (Japan Time), YOSHIKI will announce details of an exclusive Japan concert during his Twitter Q&A. Fans can tweet in their questions using the hashtag #AskYoshiki.

 

[Twitter Q&A Session: YOSHIKI]

Date & Time: Wednesday Aug 6th 2014 7PM Japan Time [Aug 6th 3AM PST]

Twitter Account: @YoshikiOfficial

Official hashtag: #AskYoshiki

 

 

#1

 

Cr:  tokyohive

 

 

 

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN to hold a 2-day live at Yokohama Arena

 

 

 

It's been revealed that X JAPAN will hold a 2-day live on September 10 and October 1 at Yokohama Arena. 

 

This was announced on August 6 through YOSHIKI's official Twitter account. The tweet included an artist photo with a message saying, "prelude to Madison Square Garden, long-awaited Japan concert determined!!!"  

 

[X JAPAN Japan Concerts]
 

Tuesday, September 30 - Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Wednesday, September 1 - Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)

 

Source & Image: natalie

 

Credit:  tokyohive

Edited August 8, 2014 by Nikki B.

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN to appear on 'MUSIC STATION SUPER LIVE'

 

 

It's been revealed that X JAPAN will be appearing on TV Asahi's 4-hour music special 'MUSIC STATION SUPER LIVE 2014' on December 26 at 7:00 pm. 

 

The last time X JAPAN made an appearance on 'MUSIC STATION' was back in December of 1997. Moreover, this will mark their first live performance on a TV program since 1997's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'. On their first 'MUSIC STATION' appearance in about 17 years, leader YOSHIKI expressed, "We hope to represent a X JAPAN that 'presses on towards the future while carrying the past on our shoulders'." 

 

Besides X JAPAN, over 40 artists such as Sheena Ringo, SMAP, SEKAI NO OWARI, Perfume, B'z, Mr.Children, and L'Arc~en~Ciel will be appearing on the music special. 

 

 

 

[MUSIC STATION SUPER LIVE 2014]

 

Friday, December 26 from 7:00 pm to 11:10 pm

 

aiko / Arashi / E-girls / Ikimonogakari / EXILE / EXILE TRIBE / AKB48 / KAT-TUN / Kanjani8 / Kanda Sayaka / Kis-My-Ft2 / Kyary Pamyu Pamyu / KinKi Kids / King Cream Soda & Dream5 / Kuraki Mai / Kobukuro / Golden Bomber / Sandaime J Soul Brothers / Sheena Ringo / JUJU / Superfly / SMAP / SEKAI NO OWARI / Sexy Zone / TOKIO / Nishino Kana / Nogizaka 46 / Hata Motohiro / Perfume / Hamasaki Ayumi / B'z / Hey! Say! JUMP / BABYMETAL / Porno Graffitti / Mr.Children / miwa / May J. / Momoiro Clover Z / Yuzu / L'Arc-en-Ciel / X JAPAN

 

Source & Image: natalie

 

Cr:  tokyohive

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN's YOSHIKI & ToshI to perform in 'HYPER JAPAN Festival 2015' in London

 

 

X JAPAN's YOSHIKI (Dr, Piano) and Toshl (Vo) will be hold a live concert at the event 'HYPER JAPAN Festival 2015' on July 11 in London, England. 

 

The live will be titled "YOSHIKI x TOSHI from X JAPAN special show case live", and it will be held on the "HYPER Live! Stage" for about 2,700 people. YOSHIKI has uploaded a video called "Message from Yoshiki - #XDAY coming soon!" onto his official YouTube channel. In the video, he revealed that he will be visiting Europe in July to announce an upcoming big event. Fans can look forward to when this "XDAY" will be.

 

From July 10 to 12, there will be an X JAPAN booth in the exhibition hall of 'HYPER JAPAN Festival 2015'. It will feature YOSHIKI's crystal drum set as well as X JAPAN's photo gallery. In addition, there will be X JAPAN CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, and original goods on sale. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5-MFGed4uw 

 

 

Source & Image: natalie

Cr:  allkpop

 

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN announce new album after 20 years

 

 

X JAPAN's new album (currently untitled) will be released worldwide on March 11, 2016.

 

The new album announcement was made on July 4 by YOSHIKI (Dr, Piano) during the event 'Japan Expo' in Paris, France. This album comes about 19 years and 4 months after the band's last studio album "DAHLIA", which was released way back in November of 1996. 

 

 

To commemorate this album's release, X JAPAN will hold a release party called "#XDAY" on March 12, 2016 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in England. Besides a live concert, the event will screen X JAPAN's documentary movie directed by Stephen Kijak. Tickets are currently on sale via Live Nation's official website.

 

 

Source & Image(s): natalie

Cr:  allkpop

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN offers euro tour packages to 'Wembley SSE Arena' concert

 

 

Shortly after announcing their new studio album release, documentary film premiere, and Wembley SSE Arena Concert event, X JAPAN announced special travel packages that will be made available to fans across Europe for the London events. The travel packages will offer fans located across Europe an easy and cost-effective opportunity to travel to London for the X Japan's album release event: #XDAY.

 

Detailed pricing for the travel packages will be announced soon. Fans can request more information as soon as it becomes available at: http://eepurl.com/buSI6r

 

For more information visit http://www.xjapanmusic.com/
 

VIP Packages from Live Nation will be available at a later date.

For details regarding travel packages for territories excluding Japan and Europe visit 

http://entame.knt.co.jp/2016/xjapan/world/

 

Iconic rock powerhouse X JAPAN will release the band's first new studio album in 20 years on March 11, 2016 in conjunction with #XDAY, a special album release concert and worldwide film premiere event at London's SSE Arena at Wembley on Saturday, March 12, 2016.  Tickets for #XDAY are available now via Live Nation at http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/x-japan-tickets.

 

In addition to the long-awaited studio album release, X JAPAN will premiere its untitled film on March 12 at the #XDAY event prior to the band's performance. The film chronicles the evolution and groundbreaking history of Japan's most iconic rock band from their start to their current projects - including 2014's magnificent Madison Square Garden concert, the band's first US show in 4 years. The film is produced by (UK-based) Passion Pictures' John Battsek and directed by Stephen Kijak, who was commissioned by The Rolling Stones to direct their 2010 documentary "Stones in Exile".

 

 

X JAPAN is regarded as the visionary force that founded the Visual Kei genre of music expression and has long been celebrated by some of the most devoted and ardent fans in the J-Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam Rock and Anime worlds.

 

Cr:  tokyohive

[whitedove]

Ah there's an X JAPAN thread! Anyway, YOSHIKI will appear on music variety show KanJAM (hosted by Kanjani8) on Aug 30th, and they will talk about X and new album and other happenings as well as live music collab in the studio.

Edited August 22, 2015 by whitedove

[rinahamu]

So when will we get that brand new album? 

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN to release a digital single next month

 

 

It's been revealed that X JAPAN will release a digital single, titled "BORN TO BE FREE", on November 6.

 

"BORN TO BE FREE" is a song loved by fans, and it's regularly performed at the band's lives. It will be included in their new album (currently untitled) that's scheduled to be released on March 11 of next year. On the song, YOSHIKI (Dr, Piano) commented, "When I started composing 'BORN TO BE FREE', I believed that it would be a special song for X JAPAN... I believe everyone was born to be free and has the ability to live toward infinite dreams." The full song will be available for listening for 24 hours on UK music magazine Metal Hammer's official website from October 13 at 6:00 pm JST. 

 

X JAPAN are currently recording their album at a studio in Los Angeles. In the past, big name bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones have used this studio. 

 

 

Furthermore, X JAPAN are getting ready to hold their tour "X JAPAN JAPAN TOUR" from late-November to mid-December. Then on March 12 of next year, they will hold an event called "#XDAY" at The SSE Arena, Wembley to commemorate the release of their documentary film and new album. 

 

[BORN TO BE FREE]

 

Cr:  tokyohive

[Guest]

Cr: Yoshiki's facebook

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN premieres video for new single 'BORN TO BE FREE' from upcoming studio album

 

 

X JAPAN premiered the music video for their new single "Born To Be Free", with Kerrang! Magazine. The fan-driven video, released on Yoshiki's birthday as a gift to X Japan fans, celebrates the worldwide commercial release of the single "Born To Be Free," released on November 6th. The single is currently available on iTunes.
 

"Born To Be Free" is a fan favorite that the band has performed over the years, but is now being released for the first time ever as a studio recording. In its first week of release the single hit number 1 on the iTunes rock charts in France, Sweden, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan.  The track will be on X Japan's upcoming full-length album, which will be released on March 11th, 2016.
 

"X Japan fans are the best in the world. We hope this video shows that we appreciate all their love and support," said X Japan's leader Yoshiki.
 

The video premiere follows X Japan's recent audio premiere of the single with the UK's Metal Hammer Magazine, which drew so much streaming traffic the site was inundated and crashed multiple times during the 24 hour exclusive premiere. The single has since been added to UK rock powerhouse Planet Rock's playlist, and is garnering increased spins across UK specialty rock stations.
 

Yoshiki recently made a special appearance in the UK at the 11th annual Classic Rock Awards at The Roundhouse in London.  The star-studded awards show featured music luminaries and industry heavyweights including Iron Maiden, Jimmy Page, Motorhead, Alice Cooper and Brian May, of Queen.  X Japan's leader and drummer opened the awards ceremony with a performance of  "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a tribute to Queen before performing a medley of X Japan's "Without You" and his composition "Art of Life."  It was the first time in the history of the award show that a Japanese artist had performed live.
 

X Japan will release their first new studio album in 20 years on March 11, 2016 in conjunction with #XDAY, a special album release concert and worldwide film premiere event at London's SSE Arena at Wembley on Saturday, March 12, 2016. The lead track "Born To Be Free" was recorded at Yoshiki's own recording studio, formerly Larrabee East, in Los Angeles. It was mixed by 5-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge.

 

In addition to the long-awaited studio album release, X JAPAN will premiere its untitled documentary film on March 12th at the #XDAY event prior to the band's performance, making the event a 4-hour, multimedia rock experience. The film is produced by two-time Academy Award winner ("Searching For Sugar Man" & "One Day In September") John Battsek of the UK based Passion Pictures. Directed by Stephen Kijak ("Stones In Exile"), the film takes viewers on a 20 year journey through the tumultuous history of the legendary Japanese band and their dynamic leader Yoshiki.
 

Through triumph and tragedy, X JAPAN has remained resolute about reuniting in the studio to produce a follow up to their 1996 studio album Dahlia, their fifth studio release that went platinum in Japan. Dahlia preceded the band's break up in 1997 following their fifth consecutive sold out New Year's Eve concert, at Japan's famed 55,000 seat Tokyo Dome.
 

For updates and more information on X Japan and #XDAY please visit:

http://www.xjapanmusic.com/. 
 

For tickets to #XDAY at SSE Arena at Wembley please visit http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/x-japan-tickets
 

ABOUT X JAPAN:

BIO: http://www.xjapanmusic.com/Bio.html
 

ABOUT YOSHIKI:

Yoshiki.net

 

Cr:  tokyohive

Edited November 26, 2015 by Nikki B.

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN's documentary film to be screened at Sundance Film Festival

 

 

X JAPAN's documentary film "We Are X" will be screened on January 23 in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States. 

 

"We are X" traces X JAPAN's career from the beginning until now. It features topics such as the band's influence on the Japanese rock scene and members' deaths. Stephen Kijak, who was also in charge of The Rolling Stones' documentary film "Stones in Exile", spent over one year directing the film. It's produced by production company Passion Pictures from the UK.

 

Source & Image: natalie

 

Cr:  tokyohive

[Nikki B.]

X Japan Announces World Premiere of Documentary Film 'WE ARE X' at Sundance Film Festival

 

 

As X JAPAN lay down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album,  Japan's most iconic rock band have announced that the world premiere of the new 

documentary film from Passion Pictures--'WE ARE X'--will take place this week at the 

Sundance Film Festival.

'WE ARE X' explores the evolution, groundbreaking history, and hopeful future of the land of the rising sun's most legendary rock group. X JAPAN have sold 30 million singles and albums combined and continue to tour the world performing sold-out shows to massive arenas in 16 countries throughout the U.S. and Europe.
 

On Friday, January 22 at 9pm, YOSHIKI -- songwriter, drummer, classically-trained 

pianist, and the creative force of X JAPAN -- will perform live with a string quartet for the 

first-ever Sundance Festival Base Camp party presented by Canada Goose. 

YOSHIKI will headline the Festival Base Camp, a new outdoor venue located at 

Swede Alley behind Main Street. Other artists confirmed to perform include Dan 

Deacon, Flying Lotus, and Neon Indian.
 

"It's overwhelming to see the full documentary 'WE ARE X,'" says Yoshiki of X JAPAN. 

"Stephen Kijak and John Battsek opened doors, which I shut and never intended to re-

open. I didn't realize that on the other side, dark memories could co-exist with a 

meaningful future. Audiences will be a witness to our history and future."

Saturday, January 23 will mark the world premiere of 'WE ARE X' in the World

Cinema Documentary Competition at Prospector Square Theater in Park City at 2:30pm. YOSHIKI and the film team will be on hand for the red carpet at 2:00pm and a Q&A after the premiere. 'WE ARE X' was created by the production team behind the 
Academy Award-winning film Searching For Sugarman: producer John Battsek 

(Passion Pictures) alongside renowned director Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile and 

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man-- (executive produced by David Bowie). From X JAPAN's massive success (over 30 million albums, singles and videos sold) and sold-out tours worldwide, 'WE ARE X' chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of this legendary quintet who will never give up. On Sunday, January 24, YOSHIKI will perform live at the ASCAP CAFÉ at Sundance at 4:00pm. For the full Sundance 2016 schedule for performances and screenings of 'WE ARE X,' see the grid below.
 

X JAPAN initially split up in 1997 after playing their fifth New Year's Eve show at the 

55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome; they have now sold out the Tokyo Dome a record 18 

times. The group reformed in 2007 and have released three singles: "I.V." in 2008, 

"Jade" in 2011, and "Born To Be Free" in late 2015. They've been touring worldwide 

ever since--and in October 2014, the group performed their debut Madison Square 

Garden show in New York before announcing the new album and 'WE ARE X' film 

releases slated for 2016.
 

Catch YOSHIKI of X JAPAN's performances and the 'WE ARE X' screenings at

Sundance 2016:

YOSHIKI Performance at Sundance Festival Base Camp
1/22 Fri (9:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Outdoor Venue (Swede Alley, behind Main Street)
'WE ARE X' World Premiere
1/23 Sat (2:30 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Prospector Square Theatre
'WE ARE X' Press and Industry Screening
1/24 Sun (9:00 am) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Holiday Village Cinema 2
YOSHIKI Performance
1/24 Sun (4:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : ASCAP CAFÉ (Rich Haines Gallery)
'WE ARE X' Public Screenings
1/24 Sun (6:00 pm) : Salt Lake City, UT : Tower Thatre
1/26 Tue (10:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Redstone Cinema
1/28 Thur (9:00 am) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Yarrow Hotel Theatre
1/29 Fri (9:15 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT  : Holiday Village Cinema 2

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zggyy_qxbrY

 

Cr:  tokyohive

Edited January 22, 2016 by Nikki B.

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN guitarist PATA diagnosed with diverticulitis and pylethrombosis

 

 

It's been reported that X JAPAN guitarist PATA has been diagnosed with diverticulitis and pylethrombosis, making it difficult for him to be musically active. As such, the band have announced that they will temporarily halt their activities. 

 

On January 15, PATA was suddenly hospitalized and admitted into the intensive care unit. He is currently receiving IV drip and is in a state of reduced activity. 

 

Due to this urgent situation, X JAPAN's concert "X Japan World Tour 2016 #XDAY", which was originally scheduled to be held on March 12 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in England, will be rescheduled to March 4, 2017. As for the release date of their new album (currently untitled, March 11 release), it will be announced after further discussion. 

 

We hope PATA gets well soon!

 

Source & Image: natalie

Cr:  tokyohive

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN reveal trailer for documentary film

 

 

X JAPAN have revealed the trailer for their documentary film 'We Are X'. 

 

'We Are X' was nominated for the movie division in the event 'SXSW 2016', which is taking place in Texas. The two-minute trailer shows interview footage of YOSHIKI and other persons concerned. 

 

YOSHIKI is scheduled to make an appearance in 'SXSW 2016' on March 18 after the showing of the film. He plans on performing classical versions of X JAPAN's songs with a string quartet. 

 

Source & Image: natalie

 

[Nikki B.]

Yoshiki's Charity Auction Closing Bid at 604 Million JPY

 

 

X Japan's leader, Yoshiki auctioned his premier special edition of signature TAMA drum

set to commemorate the 5 year anniversary of The Great Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 

on March 14th JST. The last hour of the auction saw a bidding war that spiked the closing 

bid to JPY6.04 million ($53,870 USD). There were some 766 bids made worldwide and the 

proceeds will be donated in their entirety to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief 

Fund through the Japan Red Cross.

 

Yoshiki announced his participation in the charity auction by joining forces with the Japan 

Red Cross, which offers ongoing support to the victims of the Japan Earthquake and 

Tsunami and donating his drum set on March 11th. This donation was made by Yoshiki 

Foundation America, a 501©(3) organization, on Yahoo Auction Japan. The special drum 

set includes Yoshiki's autographed signature drumsticks. If the winner resides in Japan 

and is able to pick up the item in Tokyo, Yoshiki will personally hand it to the winner and 

they will be granted a photo op with Yoshiki.

 

X JAPAN and Yoshiki have continuously done charitable work. Yoshiki put his own favorite "crystal" piano up for auction in 2011, as well as donating X Japan's entire performance fee from their appearance at one of Japan's biggest summer festivals a-nation to help provide aid for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Most recently in 2015, X Japan kicked off their Japan Tour in a club size venue in Ishinomaki, a city that was most severely affected by the 3.11 disaster. They held a charity concert performing to a very intimate crowd, raising 28 million JPY. Proceeds were donated to Central Community Chest of Japan to help aid the children in need who were affected by the disaster. Other charitable contributions from Yoshiki Foundation America include donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Points of Light, Grammy Foundation, etc.

 

YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA Official Website:

http://www.yoshikifoundationamerica.org/
 

YOSHIKI Official Website:

http://www.yoshiki.net/

 

​Cr:  tokyohive

 

[Nikki B.]

YOSHIKI donates 10 million yen to support Kumamoto earthquake victims

 

 

YOSHIKI (X JAPAN) has donated 10 million JPY (approximately $90,499 USD) to support victims of the Kumamoto earthquake. This donation was made by his nonprofit foundation Yoshiki Foundation America. 

 

YOSHIKI, who was in Japan at the time of the disaster, was disheartened by the amount of damage caused by the earthquake. He wanted to do something for the victims, so he donated 10 million JPY to Japanese Red Cross' Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Fund. 

 

"As with the time of the Tohoku Earthquake, I am impressed at how orderly the disaster stricken areas are and also how composed the victims are. I want to continue to show the world this Japanese spirit, which has been admired worldwide," he expressed. 

 

Source & Image: natalie

​Cr:  tokyohive

 

[Nikki B.]

X Japan's Yoshiki On Pain, Loss, Prince and the Band's First Album in 20 Years

 

 

Yoshiki photographed in the Getty Images SXSW Portrait Studio powered by Samsung at the Samsung Studio on March 13, 2016 in Austin, Texas.

 

 

At first, the story of X Japan feels familiar, almost like un-ironic stock footage left on Spinal Tap's cutting room floor. Five musicians dressed in over-the-top glam outfits with huge multi-colored hair and too much makeup ride a delicately-balanced mix of speed metal and power ballads out of the 1980s Tokyo rock scene to become the defining band of their generation, inspire legions of fans and innovate a new cultural aesthetic -- called visual kei -- on the way to selling 30 million albums and, by the mid-'90s, earning the undisputed title of the biggest band in Japan. It's a tale that could apply to many bands of the '70s and '80s in the Western Hemisphere; Kiss, Queen, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin and plenty more bands have had similar success.

 

But, at the height of its success, X Japan's story takes such a hard left turn that it seems barely believable, as if Quentin Tarantino got hold of the script and decided to turn everything upside down. In the early '90s, as massive success in its home country led to a deal in the U.S. with Atlantic Records, an awkward arrival to fizzled enthusiasm and led to an American release being kept on the shelf. In September '97, the band announced lead singer Toshi was leaving the group for a "simpler" lifestyle. More than a decade later, he would admit to being "brainwashed" by a Japanese religious cult. And in May 1998, the band's lead guitarist hide was found dead in his apartment with a towel tied around his neck, sparking an outpouring of mourning that included at least three copycat suicides before the remaining members of X pleaded with fans to stop.

 

Thus, in short succession, X Japan was broken. Bandleader, drummer and keyboardist Yoshiki retreated from the spotlight for years. That rise, fall and inevitable reunion -- Yoshiki got the band back together tentatively in 2007, then more officially in 2011 -- is documented in the film We Are X, which focuses on the insanity of X Japan through the eyes of its conflicted, emotional leader. Executive produced by John Battsek and directed by Stephen Kijak, the documentary has already won awards at Sundance and SXSW's Film Festival, and just yesterday locked in a deal with Mongrel International for international distribution.

 

And now, finally, 20 years after the release of their last album Dahlia, X Japan is on the verge of a new LP, due out this fall. Billboard speaks with Yoshiki about We Are X, the band's triumphant but emotional reunion, the influence of Prince on X's visual kei aesthetic and what to expect from X Japan's first new album in 20 years.

 

Why did you decide to make this film?

 

Yoshiki: My agent from WME, Marc Geiger, and I have been talking about the film for several years; actually, it was his idea. He knew the X Japan story was crazy and very dramatic, so he kind of told me to create the film. It was a very painful project, and at the beginning I was very hesitant because I didn't want to go back to those old memories, I didn't want to open that door. So in the past five or six years he convinced me.

 

Did you have any input or final say in putting it together?

 

Well, because we had an amazing [executive] producer -- John Battsek from London -- and also the director, Stephen Kijak, I kind of gave them pretty much everything in our archive, everything. So they just created it. I might have said, "I hate this face," or something like that, but pretty much they created it all.

 

What was the most difficult part of opening up for the cameras?

 

You know, it's like... My father committed suicide. We lost our guitar player [Hide Matsumoto], he passed away also. So whenever we're talking about X Japan's past -- and also my past -- it's not always easy to recall, easy to talk about how [my father] died or how I saw his face when I saw his dead body, stuff like that was pretty painful. Unconsciously, I'd kind of shut the door on talking about it, even though when the band reunited the media asked me, "How do you feel?" and I said I was feeling very positive, very positive. But when you talk about your entire life when you're creating a documentary, it's a different story. I kind of remember one part of my life, but if you look at pretty much everything, it's very impactful.

 

 

 

You said you were apprehensive to even start the project. I can only imagine what it must have been like to put everything out there to the public for the first time -- especially when you'd never done it before.

 

It's kind of like something you have to conquer. I can't ignore those things for the rest of my life. It's just... you just have to conquer it. I thought this was a very good opportunity to face it. I think I've seen the film like five times so far; every time I've seen it I've cried over 10 times.

 

The film depicts your health issues and the injury to your arm, which was forcing you to choose between a surgery that would allow you to continue playing drums and one that would allow you to continue playing piano. Have you decided what you're going to do?

 

Yes, actually, I just saw a doctor again. That thing is still going on, even after all this time. [Laughs] Actually, I was in Tokyo last week and saw the best doctor in Tokyo. Then I got back to Los Angeles and I'm going to see a doctor next week. I'm looking at some kind of a small surgery, and I'm still trying to find some alternative treatment as well. So it's still going on. I can play, it's just really painful; I [play] through the pain. I can move my fingers and play drums, it's just still really painful.

 

X Japan

 

At the height of X Japan, did you ever get a sense that things had gotten too big?

You know, at the height of it I didn't really think about that. At that time we took everything for granted. I think every rock star starts to feel, when they're at the height of the mountain or something, you don't really think -- it's almost like anything is possible. At that moment we didn't really think that much, we just took everything for granted. I mean, we thought that moment would keep going on and on and on. Then, you know, we started losing members; our vocalist got brainwashed, then our guitar player passed away. And there was that feeling like, "Whoa... what happened?" And at that moment we started thinking, you know, we shouldn't take anything for granted. Especially now, I just appreciate everything happening in my life.

 

How important was it for you to get the band back together -- and how difficult was it after everything that had happened?

 

To be honest, it's still a mixed feeling, because every time I play on stage I'm thinking about the old members [of the band]. So it's painful. But at the same time, I'm looking at fans' faces and realizing that I'm still playing on stage... So it's a mixed feeling. But I would say it's positive. But I do cry on stage every time I play.

 

Visual Kei's aesthetic is very much influenced by David Bowie, but did Prince influence you guys in any way?

 

Completely. I mean, we were into David Bowie, all sorts of hard rock bands. But Prince, his guitar technique and everything gave off a very hard rock vibe. He had like a very new wave-ish, innovative music style. Yeah, Prince, especially a song like "Purple Rain," that's a [great] music style. So yeah, Prince was one of our biggest influences as well. I never met Prince; he was the one I always wanted to meet.

 

X Japan rehearsing in New Jersey.

 

 

You guys haven't put out an album of new material since 1996. How does you feel about coming back with a new album now? Rock music has changed so much.

 

Right... That's a good question. I have some pressure because some X Japan fans may expect for us to create something like a continuous version, a new version of our previous album. But at the same time in this industry we've seen change. I would say it's still very edgy, still very hard -- I would say even edgier -- but somehow a little experimental as well. I just didn't want to do the same speed metal and classic vibe on top of it, I just wanted to make it even edgier. So there's more of an electronic music element. We already had that 20 years ago, but I added more, more strings. It's hard to explain. [Laughs] I always have a problem explaining music... People ask me what I do and I say, "I play piano, I play drums. What do you mean?"

 

When is the album coming out? I think I've seen you mention this fall.

 

Yes, as of now -- and we're going to the studio tonight, too, so we're working very hard. If everything goes well, I would say this fall, like October or something like that.

 

How do you feel about the current state of rock music?

 

You know, these things kind of cycle around. So rock music was huge, then R&B and rap took over, then EDM became huge -- I think it's about time that rock comes back. Rock needs to come back. I'm pretty positive about the scene, so I think if there are a bunch of rock artists then hopefully our album can [become] a little part of this [current] rock scene.

 

What else do you guys have coming up?

 

We were supposed to play Wembley Arena in March, but one of our members, our guitar player Pata, got really sick; I think he went to the ICU and I couldn't even reach him for over two weeks. But he survived. So we had to postpone the Wembley show, so it's going to be happening next March 4. Then meanwhile we're finishing the album, so I'd say starting around this fall we're going to start being more active.

 

When you look back at the legacy of X Japan to this point, what do you think?

 

You know, people always say rock is not just music, it's a lifestyle. X Japan is my life. I don't know... Not only the music parts, but I'm really glad I'm still alive, I'm still doing music, I'm still on stage. Our fans always supported us. I don't know. It's not over yet. [Laughs]

 

Billboard

Edited May 9, 2016 by Nikki B.

[Nikki B.]

Yoshiki announces New York concert with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

 

 

Yoshiki — songwriter, drummer/percussionist, classically-trained pianist, and the creative force of the rock group X Japan — has announced a special concert event presented by Knitting Factory, "Yoshiki Classical Special Featuring Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra".

 

The special classical performance will take place on January 12 and 13, 2017 at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City. Tickets, priced at $105/ $85/ $75/ $65/ $55/ $40, will be available at 11am (EST) on September 29th at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street, or can be charged to major credit cards by calling Carnegie Charge at 212-247-7800 and the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org.

 

"I began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four and became interested in classical works by Beethoven and Schubert," explained Yoshiki. "In elementary school, I played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten, I started composing songs for piano. I've been writing classical music ever since. Needless to say, classical music has been a major influence in my musical career, including X Japan. I was fortunate enough to play Madison Square Garden 2 years ago with my band X Japan. Now I'm playing Carnegie Hall as a pianist with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, which was another dream of mine. Words can't describe how honored I am to be performing at such a prestigious venue with an amazing orchestra."

 

For the Carnegie Hall concert, Yoshiki will perform his original compositions alongside the world-renowned Tokyo Philharmonic; he will also play several traditional classical pieces. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra was named one of the Top 10 greatest orchestras in the world by CNN in 2015. This classical concert will also take place in Japan and Hong Kong.

 

YOSHIKI CLASSICAL SPECIAL WORLD TOUR
Japan -Presented By UDO Artists, Inc.-
DEC 5TH (Mon): OSAKA Castle Hall
DEC 6th (Tue): Tokyo International Forum
DEC 7th (Wed): Tokyo International Forum
DEC 8 (Thu): Tokyo International Forum
For Tickets and information, please visit www.udo.jp
 

Hong Kong -Presented By Big Honor Entertainment-
DEC 29th (Thu) Hong Kong Asia World Expo
For Tickets and information, please visit: www.puffinent.net
 

Yoshiki composed a piano concerto and performed it with a 77-piece orchestra to celebrate the tenth year of the Emperor of Japan's reign in 1999. In 2015, he composed the theme song and conducted the Super World Orchestra at the opening ceremony of the World Expo. In 2012, Yoshiki composed the official theme song for the Golden Globes®. His classical concerts in 2014 captivated crowds earning him standing ovations and sold out shows in over 10 countries as he performed classical versions of X Japan songs and popular rock tracks with a string sextet live on stage as well as some traditional Classical pieces. His album,Yoshiki Classical, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries around the world. Pianist Magazine raved Yoshiki Classical "is a true labor of love from a talented artist who's made an impressive mark within the classical and rock genres." The album featured performances by Yoshiki as both the composer and pianist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra. Produced by Yoshiki, the album included two songs produced by the legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

 

In film news, the new music documentary about Yoshiki's rock group X Japan titled We Are X, from Passion Pictures, will be released by Drafthouse Films in New York and Los Angeles on October 21, 2016, followed by nationwide expansion. Since its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival — where it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for editing — the film has continued to garner critical acclaim due to its remarkably candid portrayal of its enigmatic subject, Yoshiki, leader of the Japanese band X Japan.

 

Chronicling the band's exhilarating, tumultuous, and unimaginable history over the past three decades – persevering through personal, physical, and spiritual heartache – the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking concert at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), We Are X is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted – but truly unstoppable – virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world's most devoted fans.

 

X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined — captivating such a wide range of admirers as Sir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor — and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon. The group is currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album, which is due for a worldwide release in early 2017.

 

For more information about the Yoshiki Classical album, visit: http://www.yoshiki.net/classical.html. Yoshiki is a Kawai Artist.

 

 

Yoshiki Official Website: www.Yoshiki.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial

 

Cr:  tokyohive

 

[neemy]

 

Yoshiki announces New York concert with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

 

 

Yoshiki — songwriter, drummer/percussionist, classically-trained pianist, and the creative force of the rock group X Japan — has announced a special concert event presented by Knitting Factory, "Yoshiki Classical Special Featuring Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra".

 

The special classical performance will take place on January 12 and 13, 2017 at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City. Tickets, priced at $105/ $85/ $75/ $65/ $55/ $40, will be available at 11am (EST) on September 29th at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street, or can be charged to major credit cards by calling Carnegie Charge at 212-247-7800 and the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org.

 

"I began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four and became interested in classical works by Beethoven and Schubert," explained Yoshiki. "In elementary school, I played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten, I started composing songs for piano. I've been writing classical music ever since. Needless to say, classical music has been a major influence in my musical career, including X Japan. I was fortunate enough to play Madison Square Garden 2 years ago with my band X Japan. Now I'm playing Carnegie Hall as a pianist with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, which was another dream of mine. Words can't describe how honored I am to be performing at such a prestigious venue with an amazing orchestra."

 

For the Carnegie Hall concert, Yoshiki will perform his original compositions alongside the world-renowned Tokyo Philharmonic; he will also play several traditional classical pieces. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra was named one of the Top 10 greatest orchestras in the world by CNN in 2015. This classical concert will also take place in Japan and Hong Kong.

 

YOSHIKI CLASSICAL SPECIAL WORLD TOUR

Japan -Presented By UDO Artists, Inc.-

DEC 5TH (Mon): OSAKA Castle Hall

DEC 6th (Tue): Tokyo International Forum

DEC 7th (Wed): Tokyo International Forum

DEC 8 (Thu): Tokyo International Forum

For Tickets and information, please visit www.udo.jp

 

Hong Kong -Presented By Big Honor Entertainment-

DEC 29th (Thu) Hong Kong Asia World Expo

For Tickets and information, please visit: www.puffinent.net

 

Yoshiki composed a piano concerto and performed it with a 77-piece orchestra to celebrate the tenth year of the Emperor of Japan's reign in 1999. In 2015, he composed the theme song and conducted the Super World Orchestra at the opening ceremony of the World Expo. In 2012, Yoshiki composed the official theme song for the Golden Globes®. His classical concerts in 2014 captivated crowds earning him standing ovations and sold out shows in over 10 countries as he performed classical versions of X Japan songs and popular rock tracks with a string sextet live on stage as well as some traditional Classical pieces. His album,Yoshiki Classical, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries around the world. Pianist Magazine raved Yoshiki Classical "is a true labor of love from a talented artist who's made an impressive mark within the classical and rock genres." The album featured performances by Yoshiki as both the composer and pianist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra. Produced by Yoshiki, the album included two songs produced by the legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

 

In film news, the new music documentary about Yoshiki's rock group X Japan titled We Are X, from Passion Pictures, will be released by Drafthouse Films in New York and Los Angeles on October 21, 2016, followed by nationwide expansion. Since its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival — where it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for editing — the film has continued to garner critical acclaim due to its remarkably candid portrayal of its enigmatic subject, Yoshiki, leader of the Japanese band X Japan.

 

Chronicling the band's exhilarating, tumultuous, and unimaginable history over the past three decades – persevering through personal, physical, and spiritual heartache – the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking concert at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), We Are X is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted – but truly unstoppable – virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world's most devoted fans.

 

X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined — captivating such a wide range of admirers as Sir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor — and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon. The group is currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album, which is due for a worldwide release in early 2017.

 

For more information about the Yoshiki Classical album, visit: http://www.yoshiki.net/classical.html. Yoshiki is a Kawai Artist.

 

 

Yoshiki Official Website: www.Yoshiki.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial

 

Cr:  tokyohive

 

 

wow i wish i could go 

[Aya Sama]

I saw we are x earlier today and that film is amazing

 

I need this movie on blu ray like now

Edited November 6, 2016 by Aya Sama

[Nikki B.]

X JAPAN's new song 'La Venus' nominated for the Academy Awards

 

 

X JAPAN's new song "La Venus" will be released in early 2017 under Sony Music Entertainment's label Legacy Recordings. 

 

"La Venus" is the theme song for X JAPAN's documentary film "We Are X" and has been nominated for Best Original Song for the 89th Academy Awards. On "La Venus", Legacy Recordings president Adam Brock released a comment, stating, "I am very happy. This beautiful and powerful track, which was the theme song for a wonderful film, is a strong candidate for this year's Academy Awards' best original song." 

 

In related news, X JAPAN will release a Blu-ray box called "VISUAL SHOCK Blu-ray BOX 1989-1992" on January 18. It will be packed with live footage, off shots, and music videos from their 'X-days' to their days with Sony Music. 

 

Source & Image: natalie

Credit: tokyohive

Edited December 28, 2016 by Nikki B.

[Nikki B.]

X Japan 'We Are X' In-Store Signing Event at Tower Records, Yoshiki Wows Fans With Surprise Visit

 

X Japan held their first signing event in Japan in 29 years at Tower Records Shibuya on March 17, 2017 for 300 lucky fans who won admission through a special drawing with purchase of the chart-topping "We Are X" film soundtrack.

 

Afterward, Yoshiki made a surprise visit to fans watching "We Are X" in Toho Cinemas in Roppongi Hills, Shinjuku, and Futago Tamagawa, where he greeted film-goers, posed for photos, and answered questions about the X Japan documentary. "When one fan tells me 'you can do it', that's enough to keep me going," said Yoshiki. "This film is my way of giving thanks to our fans for the miracle that is happening right now."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X JAPAN Official Website: http://www.xjapan.com

X JAPAN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XJapan
 

YOSHIKI Official Website: http://www.yoshiki.net

YOSHIKI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial
 

WE ARE X Official Film Website: http://wearexfilm.com

WE ARE X Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearexfilm

 

Credit: tokyohive

[Nikki B.]

YOSHIKI to undergo surgery for cervical disc herniation

 

 

It's been announced that YOSHIKI (X JAPAN) will undergo emergency surgery for cervical disc herniation on May 16 in Los Angeles. 

 

Back in July of 2009, YOSHIKI was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis and had both a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy performed. Over the past six months, his condition worsened, and he had been experiencing numbness in his hands and arms. After detailed examination, he was diagnosed with radiculopathy of his left arm and cervical disc herniation. It was decided he would undergo surgery as his doctor had determined that he would have no hope for recovery should his condition continue to worsen. 

 

Due to his emergency surgery, YOSHIKI's schedule for May has been completely cancelled. Discussions are currently underway with his agent and promoter regarding X JAPAN's upcoming tour "X JAPAN WORLD TOUR 2017 WE ARE X" in July and YOSHIKI's dinner shows in August and September. On his Twitter account, YOSHIKI wrote, "No matter what happens to my life..I'll be back."

 

Source & Image: natalie

Credit: tokyohive

Edited May 10, 2017 by Nikki B.