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Difference between revisions of "X JAPAN"

(Created page with ''''X Japan''', or '''X''' which was their initial name, was a Japanese Visual-Kei band, the brainchild of Yoshiki (Hayashi Yoshiki). Their sound started as [[J-...')
 
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'''X Japan''', or '''X''' which was their initial name, was a [[Japan|Japanese]] [[Visual-Kei]] band, the brainchild of [[Yoshiki]] (Hayashi Yoshiki). Their sound started as [[J-Rock|japanese rock]] [[speed metal]], and later went toward [[alternative rock|alternative rock]], but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.
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<div align="justify">
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[[File:X JAPAN 2018.jpg|500px|thumb|X JAPAN (2018)]]
  
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'''X JAPAN''' or '''X''' is a Japanese [[Visual-Kei|visual-kei]] band formed by [[YOSHIKI]]. Their sound started as [[J-Rock|Japanese rock]] speed metal, and later went toward [[wikipedia:Alternative rock|alternative rock]], but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.
  
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==<span class="mw-headline">Biography</span>==
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==Members==
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* [[YOSHIKI]]: Drums and Piano
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* [[Toshi|TOSHI]]: Vocals
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* [[Pata|PATA]]: Guitar
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* [[HEATH]]: Bass
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* [[SUGIZO]]: Guitar and Violin
  
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Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, [[Toshi]] (Deyama Toshimitsu) and [[Yoshiki|YOSHIKI]], were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.
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===Former Members===
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* [[Taiji|TAIJI]]: Bass and Chorus (1985-1992) (died in 2011)
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* [[hide]]: Guitars and Chorus (died in 1998)
  
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<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px">[[Image:x 1987.jpg|[[Image:180px-x_1987.jpg|180px|X Japan had very punkish looks in the eighties]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:x 1987.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>X Japan had very [[punk|punkish]] looks in the eighties</div></div></div>
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== Biography ==
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[[File:XJapanUSA.jpg|300px|thumb|X JAPAN during a concert at their North American Tour (2010)]]
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Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, [[Toshi|TOSHI]] and [[YOSHIKI]], were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.
  
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Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single オルガスム ("''Orgasm''"). The members at that time were: [[Yoshiki]] on drums and piano, [[Toshi]] on vocals, [[hide]] ([[hide|Matsumoto Hideto]]) (always spelled with a lowercase ''h''), [[Pata]] (Ishizuka Tomoaki) on guitar and [[Taiji]] (Sawada Taiji) on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, [[Yoshiki]] created his own record label, [[Extasy Records]], with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.
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Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single "[[Orgasm]]". The members at that time were: [[YOSHIKI]] on drums and piano, [[Toshi|TOSHI]] on vocals, [[hide]], [[Pata|PATA]] on guitar and [[Taiji|TAIJI]] on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, [[YOSHIKI]] created his own record label, [[Extasy Records]], with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.
  
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In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X Japan. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between [[Yoshiki]] and [[Taiji]] led to [[Taiji|Taiji's]] departure of the band. [[Taiji|Taiji's]] last three live performances were three sold-out gigs in Tokyo Dome 5.-7.1.1992. He was replaced by [[Heath]] (Morie Hiroshi) later in that same year.
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In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X JAPAN. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between [[YOSHIKI]] and [[Taiji|TAIJI]] led to [[Taiji|TAIJI]]'s departure of the band. [[Taiji|TAIJI]]'S last three live performances were ''Tokyo Dome 3 DAYS ~Hametsu ni Mukatte~''. He was replaced by [[HEATH]] later in that same year.
  
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After leaving, [[Taiji]] worked with [[Loudness|Loudness]], [[D.T.R.|D.T.R.]], and [[Cloud 9|Cloud 9]] for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, [[Otokaze|Otokaze]]. They performed at [[hide|hide's]] birthday celebration on 2003.12.13, and [[Taiji]] covered [[hide|hide's]] "ROCKET DIVE" as well.
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After leaving, [[Taiji|TAIJI]] worked with [[LOUDNESS]], [[D.T.R.]], and [[Cloud Nine]] for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, [[Otokaze]]. They performed at [[hide]]'s birthday celebration on December 13, 2004, and [[Taiji|TAIJI]] covered [[hide]]'s "[[Rocket Dive|ROCKET DIVE]]" as well.
  
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X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of [[Yoshiki]], never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "Sadistic Desire," "Phantom of Guilt" and "Vanishing Love;" even more acclaimed ones like "Kurenai" and "Silent Jealousy;" moving piano ballads like "Forever Love" (the ending theme for the [[anime]] film [[X]]) and "Tears;" and alternative yet powerful tracks like "DAHLIA" and "Rusty Nail." One particularly notable song was "ART OF LIFE," a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their "X JAPAN RETURNS" shows in 1993.12.30~31.
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X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of [[YOSHIKI]], never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "[[Sadistic Desire|SADISTIC DESIRE]]", "[[PHANTOM OF GUILT|Phantom of Guilt]]" and "[[Vanishing Love|VANISHING LOVE]]"; even more acclaimed ones like "[[Kurenai (X JAPAN)|KURENAI]]" and "[[Silent Jealousy]]", moving piano ballads like "[[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]" (ending theme for the [[Anime|anime]] adaption of [[X (manga)|X]]) and "[[Tears (X JAPAN)|Tears]]"; and alternative yet powerful tracks like "[[Dahlia (X JAPAN single)|DAHLIA]]" and "[[Rusty Nail]]". One particularly notable song was "[[Art of Life (song)|ART OF LIFE]]", a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their ''X JAPAN RETURNS'' shows in December 30 and 31, 1993.
  
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Almost all X Japan tracks were composed by [[Yoshiki]] with a handful of pieces composed by [[hide]] and even some early ones by [[Taiji]]. [[Yoshiki]] loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "ROSE OF PAIN", "ART OF LIFE" or his symphonic composition "Amethyst." He led a project called ''Eternal Melody'' which consisted in X's songs rearranged by George Martin and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in 1993. YOSHIKI also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called ''YOSHIKI Selection'' and ''YOSHIKI Selection II''. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's Kiss My Ass album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.
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Almost all X JAPAN tracks were composed by [[YOSHIKI]] with a handful of pieces composed by [[hide]] and even some early ones by [[Taiji|TAIJI]]. [[YOSHIKI]] loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "[[Rose of Pain|ROSE OF PAIN]]", "[[Art of Life (song)|ART OF LIFE]]" or his symphonic composition "[[Amethyst]]". He led a project called ''Eternal Melody'' which consisted in X's songs rearranged by [[wikipedia:George Martin|George Martin]] and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the [[wikipedia:London Philharmonic Orchestra|London Philharmonic Orchestra]], was released in 1993. [[YOSHIKI]] also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called ''[[YOSHIKI Selection]]'' and ''[[YOSHIKI Selection II]]''. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's ''[[Tribute -Kiss My Ass-|Tribute -KISS MY ASS-]]'' album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.
  
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In May 1997, [[Toshi]], shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. [[Toshi]] then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced [[Toshi|Toshi's]] departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. [[Toshi]] himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore Yoshiki's sad and touching songs.
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In May 1997, [[Toshi|TOSHI]], shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. [[Toshi|TOSHI]] then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced [[Toshi|TOSHI]]'S departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. [[Toshi|TOSHI]] himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore [[YOSHIKI]]'s sad and touching songs.
  
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<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px">[[Image:x lastlive.jpg|[[Image:180px-x_lastlive.jpg|180px|X Japan's very last live concert on December 31, 1997 at Tokyo Dome.]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:x lastlive.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>X Japan's very last live concert on December 31, 1997 at Tokyo Dome.</div></div></div>
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After the dissolution of the band, [[hide]] continued his very successful solo career with his band [[hide with Spread Beaver]], [[Pata|PATA]] performing with him sometimes.
  
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After the dissolution of the band, [[hide]] continued his very successful solo career with his band [[hide with Spread Beaver]], [[Pata]] performing with him sometimes.
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Posterior to these events, it is said that [[YOSHIKI]] and [[hide]] were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans [[Toshi|TOSHI]], looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case [[hide]] would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when [[hide]] died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. [[hide]] died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following [[hide]]'s death, [[YOSHIKI]] entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.
  
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Posterior to these events, it is said that [[Yoshiki]] and [[hide]] were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans [[Toshi]], looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case [[hide]] would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when [[hide]] died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. [[hide]] died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following [[hide|hide's]] death, [[Yoshiki]] entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.
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In late 2000, [[YOSHIKI]] recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, [[Violet UK]], a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some [[Violet UK]] music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from [[Violet UK]] has been shown or released. In 2002 also, [[YOSHIKI]] announced he was joining the [[J-Pop|Japanese pop]] band [[globe]], to help his long time friend [[Komuro Tetsuya]] (in 1991, [[YOSHIKI]], on drums, and Komuro, on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of [[V2]], releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently [[YOSHIKI]] is working with his new project, [[S.K.I.N.]], with famous Japanese musicians [[Gackt]], [[SUGIZO]], [[Miyavi]] and Ju-Ken.
  
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In late 2000, [[Yoshiki]] recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, [[Violet UK]], a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some [[Violet UK]] music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from [[Violet UK]] has been shown or released. In 2002 also, [[Yoshiki]] announced he was joining the [[J-Pop]] band [[globe]], to help his long time friend [[Komuro Tetsuya]] (in 1991 [[Yoshiki]], on drums, and [[Komuro Tetsuya|Komuro]], on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of [[V2]], releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently [[Yoshiki]] is working with his new project, [[S.K.I.N.]], with famous Japanese musicians [[Gackt]], [[Sugizo]], [[Miyavi]] and Ju-Ken.
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As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister [[Koizumi Junichiro]] has said that he is a big fan of X JAPAN and that his favorite song is "[[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]", which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.
  
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As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister [[Koizumi Junichirou]] has said that he is a big fan of X Japan and that his favorite song is Forever Love, which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.
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News has been posted both at [[YOSHIKI]]'s official blog as well as at [[Toshi|TOSHI]]'s website that plans are underway to re-form the band.
  
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News has been posted both at Yoshiki's official blog as well as at Toshi's website that plans are underway to re-form the band.
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The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the [[PV]] for their new digital single called "[[I.V.]]", written by [[YOSHIKI]] and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by [[hide]]. This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie ''[[Saw IV]]'' all over the world.
 +
On July 17, 2011, [[Taiji|Taiji]] died after attempting suicide.
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</div>
  
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The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4th, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the PV for their new Single called "[[I.V.|I.V.]]" (pronounced "Aye-vee"). This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie "Saw IV" all over the world. Written by Yoshiki and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by hide. As they announced, the group is going to perform on the December 31 broadcast of [[Kouhaku Uta Gassen]].
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== Discography ==
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===Albums===
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* [1988.04.14] [[Vanishing Vision|VANISHING VISION]]
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* [1989.04.21] [[Blue Blood (album)|BLUE BLOOD]]
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* [1991.06.01] [[Jealousy (X JAPAN)|Jealousy]]
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* [1993.08.28] [[Art of Life (mini-album)|ART OF LIFE]] (mini-album)
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* [1996.11.04] [[Dahlia (X JAPAN album)|DAHLIA]]
  
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==<span class="mw-headline"> Discography </span>==
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===Best Albums===
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* [1993.11.21] [[X Singles|X SINGLES]]
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* [1996.03.21] [[B.O.X ~Best of X~]]
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* [1997.12.19] [[Ballad Collection|BALLAD COLLECTION]]
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* [1997.12.25] [[Singles ~Atlantic Years~]]
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* [1997.12.25] [[Special Box (X JAPAN)|Special Box]]
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* [1999.01.30] [[Star Box X|STAR BOX X]]
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* [1999.02.24] [[Perfect Best (X JAPAN)|PERFECT BEST]]
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* [2001.12.19] [[X JAPAN Best ~Fan's Selection~|X JAPAN BEST ~FAN'S SELECTION~]]
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* [2005.10.01] [[X JAPAN Complete II|X JAPAN COMPLETE II]]
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* [2014.05.21] [[X JAPAN World Best|X JAPAN WORLD BEST]]
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* [2014.06.17] [[The World ~X JAPAN Hatsu no Zensekai Best~|THE WORLD ~X JAPAN Hatsu no Zensekai Best~]] (THE WORLD~X JAPAN 初の全世界ベスト~)
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* [2014.12.10] [[X JAPAN CM Selection|X JAPAN CM SELECTION]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2014.12.10] [[X JAPAN Movies Selection|X JAPAN MOVIES SELECTION]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2014.12.14] [[X JAPAN Love Best -Memories-|X JAPAN LOVE BEST -FOREVER MEMORIES-]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2014.12.14] [[X JAPAN Rock Best -Forever Records-|X JAPAN ROCK BEST -FOREVER RECORDS-]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2014.12.24] [[X JAPAN Media Selection|X JAPAN MEDIA SELECTION]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2015.03.04] [[X JAPAN -Revives Records- (from 0 to 1)]] <small>(Digital)</small>
  
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===<span class="mw-headline">Studio Albums</span>===
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===Live Albums===
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* [1995.01.01] [[Hametsu ni Mukatte (CD Edition) 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live|Hametsu ni Mukatte  (CD EDITION) 1992.1.7 TOKYO DOME LIVE]] (破滅に向かって (CD EDITION) 1992.1.7 TOKYO DOME LIVE)
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* [1997.10.15] [[Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996|LIVE LIVE LIVE TOKYO DOME 1993-1996]]
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* [1997.11.05] [[Live Live Live Extra]]
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* [1998.01.21] [[Live in Hokkaido 1995.12. Bootleg|LIVE IN HOKKAIDO 1995.12.4 BOOTLEG]]
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* [1998.03.18] [[Art of Life Live|Art of life live]]
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* [2001.05.30] [[The Last Live]]
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* [2011.12.21] [[Aoi Yoru Kanzenban]] (青い夜完全版) <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2011.12.21] [[Shiroi Yoru Kanzenban]] (白い夜完全版) <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2011.12.21] [[Dahlia Your Final|DAHLIA TOUR FINAL]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2011.12.21] [[X JAPAN Return Kanzenban 1993.12.30|X JAPAN RETURN Kanzenban 1993.12.30]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2011.12.21] [[X JAPAN Return Kanzenban 1993.12.31|X JAPAN RETURN Kanzenban 1993.12.31]] <small>(Digital)</small>
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* [2011.12.21] [[X JAPAN the Last Live Kanzenban|X JAPAN THE LAST LIVE Kanzenban]] <small>(Digital)</small>
  
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* ''[[Vanishing Vision]]'' (1988) - First studio album
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===Remix Albums===
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* ''[[Blue Blood]]'' (1989) - Second studio album
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* [2002.12.04] [[Trance X]]
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* ''[[Jealousy]]'' (1991) - Third studio album
 
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* ''[[Art of Life]]'' (1993) - Mini album containing only the 29 minute song with the same title.
 
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* ''[[Dahlia]]'' (1996) - Fourth and last studio album
 
  
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===<span class="mw-headline">Singles</span>===
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===Soundtracks===
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* [2017.03.03] [["We Are X" Original Soundtrack|"WE ARE X" Original Soundtrack]]
  
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* ''[[I'll kill you|I'll kill you]]'' (1985)
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===Singles===
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* ''[[Orgasm|Orgasm]]'' (1986)
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* [1985.06.16] [[I'll Kill You|I'LL KILL YOU]]
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* ''[[Endless Rain|Endless Rain]]'' (1989)
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* [1986.04.20] [[Orgasm]] (オルガスム)
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* ''[[Kurenai|Kurenai]]'' (1989)
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* [1989.09.01] [[Kurenai (X JAPAN)|KURENAI]] (紅)
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* ''[[Week End|Week End]]'' (1990)
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* [1989.12.01] [[Endless Rain|ENDLESS RAIN]]
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* ''[[Silent Jealousy|Silent Jealousy]]'' (1991)
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* [1990.04.21] [[Week End|WEEK END]]
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* ''[[Standing Sex / Joker|Standing Sex / Joker]]'' (1991)
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* [1991.09.11] [[Silent Jealousy]]
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* ''[[Say Anything|Say Anything]]'' (1991)
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* [1991.10.25] [[Standing Sex / Joker]]
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* ''[[Tears|Tears]]'' (1993)
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* [1991.12.01] [[Say Anything]]
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* ''[[Rusty Nail|Rusty Nail]]'' (1994)
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* [1993.11.10] [[Tears (X JAPAN)|Tears]]
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* ''[[Longing ~togireta melody~|Longing ~togireta melody~]]'' (1995)
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* [1994.07.10] [[Rusty Nail]]
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* ''[[Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~|Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~]]'' (1995)
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* [1995.08.01] [[Longing (X JAPAN)|Longing ~Togireta melody~]] (Longing ～跡切れたmelody～)
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* ''[[Forever Love]]'' (1996)
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* [1995.12.11] [[Longing (X JAPAN)|Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~]] (Longing ～切望の夜～)
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* ''[[Crucify My Love|Crucify My Love]]'' (1996)
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* [1996.02.02] [[Dahlia (X JAPAN single)|DAHLIA]]
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* ''[[SCARS|SCARS]]'' (1996)
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* [1996.07.08] [[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]
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* ''[[Forever Love (Last Mix)|Forever Love (Last Mix)]]'' (1997)
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* [1996.08.26] [[Crucify My Love|CRUCIFY MY LOVE]]
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* ''[[The Last Song|The Last Song]]'' (1997) - Toshi's departure of the band leading to X Japan's dissolution inspired Yoshiki to compose ''The Last Song''.
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* [1996.11.08] [[Scars (X JAPAN)|SCARS]]
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* ''[[Forever Love]]'' (2001) (Maxi single)
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* [1997.12.18] [[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love (Last Mix)]]
−
* ''[[I.V.|I.V.]] (2007)''
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* [1998.03.18] [[The Last Song|THE LAST SONG]]
 +
* [2001.07.11] [[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love (All Version)]]
 +
* [2018.xx.xx] [[Red Swan (X JAPAN)|Red Swan]] feat. [[HYDE]]
  
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===<span class="mw-headline">Live albums and compilations</span>===
+
===Digital Singles===
 +
* [2008.01.23] [[I.V.]]
 +
* [2011.06.08] [[Scarlet Love Song|Scarlet Love Song -BUDDHA MIX-]]
 +
* [2011.06.28] [[Jade]]
 +
* [2014.09.03] [[I.V.|I.V. (English Ver.)]]
 +
* [2015.11.06] [[BORN TO BE FREE]]
 +
* [2018.xx.xx] [[Red Swan (X JAPAN)|Red Swan (TV Edit)]] feat. [[HYDE]]
  
−
* ''[[X - Hametsu ni Mukatte 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (On the Verge of Destruction|X - Hametsu ni Mukatte 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (On the Verge of Destruction]]'') - Two CD album recorded live in the Tokyo Dome on the 7th of January, 1992.
+
===Video Releases===
−
* ''[[X Singles|X Singles]]'' (1993)
+
* [1989.06.01] [[Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig|BLUE BLOOD TOUR Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG]] (BLUE BLOOD TOUR 爆発寸前GIG)
−
* ''[[B.O.X. (Best of X)|B.O.X. (Best of X)]]'' (1996)
+
* [1989.12.31] [[Shigeki! Visual Shock Vol.2|Shigeki! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2]] (刺激! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2)
−
* ''[[Ballad Collection|Ballad Collection]]'' (1997)
+
* [1990.09.01] [["Celebration" Visual Shock Vol.2.5|"CELEBRATION" VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2.5]]
−
* ''[[Special Box|Special Box]]'' (1997)
+
* [1991.09.30] [[Visual Shock Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 刺激2 -夢の中にだけ生きて-)
−
* ''[[Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996|Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996]]'' (1997) - Recording of live events between 1993 and 1997 in the Tokyo Dome.
+
* [1991.12.21] [[Visual Shock Vol.3.5 Say Anything|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3.5 SAY ANYTHING]]
−
* ''[[Live Live Extra|Live Live Extra]]'' (1997)
+
* [1992.11.01] [[Visual Shock Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 破滅に向かって)
−
* ''[[X Japan Singles -Atlantic Years-|X Japan Singles -Atlantic Years-]]'' (1997)
+
* [1995.01.01] [[X Clips|X CLIPS]]
−
* ''[[Live in Hokkaido 1995.12.04 Bootleg|Live in Hokkaido 1995.12.04 Bootleg]]'' (1998)
+
* [1997.01.01] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part I|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK 5 PART I]]
−
* ''[[Art of Live|Art of Live]]'' (1998)
+
* [1997.03.05] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part II|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK 5 PART II]]
−
* ''[[Star Box|Star Box]]'' (1999)
+
* [1997.10.29] [[Dahlia Tour Final 1996|DAHLIA TOUR FINAL 1996]]
−
* ''[[X Japan Perfect Best|X Japan Perfect Best]]'' (1999)
+
* [2001.10.24] [[Clips II|CLIPS II]]
−
* ''[[The Last Live|The Last Live]]'' (2001)
+
* [2002.03.29] [[The Last Live Video|THE LAST LIVE VIDEO]]
−
* ''[[X Japan BEST ~Fan's Selection~|X Japan BEST ~Fan's Selection~]]'' (2001)
+
* [2003.09.24] [[Art of Life - 1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome|ART OF LIFE - 1993.12.31 TOKYO DOME]]
−
* ''[[Trance X|Trance X]]'' (2002)
+
* [2007.07.25] [[Aoi Yoru Kanzenban]] (青い夜 完全版)
−
* ''[[X Perfect Singles|X Perfect Singles]]'' (2002)
+
* [2007.07.25] [[Shiroi Yoru Kanzenban]] (白い夜 完全版)
 +
* [2008.02.29] [[X JAPAN Returns Kanzenban 1993.12.30|X JAPAN RETURNS Kanzenban 1993.12.30]] (X JAPAN RETURNS 完全版 1993.12.30)
 +
* [2008.02.29] [[X JAPAN Returns Kanzenban 1993.12.31|X JAPAN RETURNS Kanzenban 1993.12.31]] (X JAPAN RETURNS 完全版 1993.12.31)
 +
* [2008.07.23] [[X Visual Shock DVD Box 1989-1992|X VISUAL SHOCK DVD BOX 1989-1992]]
 +
* [2010.10.20] [[X JAPAN PREMIUM DVD -X JAPAN Showcase in L.A. Premium Prototype-]]
 +
* [2011.10.26] [[X JAPAN THE LAST LIVE Complete Edition Collector's BOX]]
 +
* [2011.12.21] [[X JAPAN DAHLIA TOUR FINAL Complete Edition Collector's BOX]]
 +
* [2013.09.25] [[Blu-Ray Box|Blu-ray BOX]]
 +
* [2017.01.18] [[X Visual Shock Blu-ray 1989-1992|X VISUAL SHOCK Blu-ray BOX 1989-1992]]
 +
* [2017.04.25] [[We Are X]]
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Compilations by various artists</span>===
+
==Publications==
 +
===Band Score===
 +
* [2011.08.xx] Densetsu no Visual Rocks
  
−
* ''[[Heavy Metal Force III|Heavy Metal Force III]]'' (1985) - One song by X Japan
+
===Magazines===
−
* ''[[Skull Thrash Zone 1]]'' (1987) - One song by X Japan
+
* [2008.04.xx] Rock on J Vol.4 (''Feature'')
−
* ''[[KISS My Ass: Classic KISS regrooved|KISS My Ass: Classic KISS regrooved]]'' (June, 1994) - Song ''Black Diamond'' by Yoshiki
+
* [2010.09.xx] FOOL'S MATE 2010 November Issue (''Feature'')
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Other</span>===
+
==External Links==
 +
* [http://www.xjapanmusic.com/JPHome.html/ Official Japanese Website]
 +
* [http://www.xjapanmusic.com/ Official English Website]
 +
* [http://wmg.jp/artist/x/ Official Warner Music Profile]
 +
* [http://www.myspace.com/xjapanofficial Official MySpace]
 +
* [http://twitter.com/xjapanofficial Official Twitter]
 +
* [http://www.facebook.com/XJapan Official Facebook]
 +
* [http://plus.google.com/114456011706841066067/posts Official Google+]
 +
* [http://www.youtube.com/xjapanpodcast Official Youtube]
 +
* [https://www.instagram.com/xjapanofficial/ Official Instagram]
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">LP Records</span>===
+
[[Category:Japanese Bands]]  
−
 
+
[[Category:J-Rock]]
−
* ''[[Vanishing Vision]]'' (1988)
+
[[Category:J-Metal]]
−
* ''[[BLUE BLOOD|BLUE BLOOD]]'' (1989)
+
[[Category:Visual-Kei]]  
−
* ''[[DAHLIA -Analogue LP-|DAHLIA -Analogue LP-]]'' (1997)
+
[[Category:Tofu Records Artists]]
−
 
+
[[Category:1985 Debut]]
−
===<span class="mw-headline">DVDs and Videos</span>===
 
−
 
 
−
====<span class="mw-headline">DVDs</span>====
 
−
 
 
−
* ''[[Blue Blood Tour ~Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG~|Blue Blood Tour ~Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG~]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki|Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration|Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2|Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything|Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Clips II|Clips II]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[The Last Live Video|The Last Live Video]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[Aoi Yoru|Aoi Yoru]]'' (2007)
 
−
* ''[[Shiroi Yoru|Shiroi Yoru]]'' (2007)
 
−
 
 
−
====<span class="mw-headline">Videos</span>====
 
−
 
 
−
* ''[[XCLAMATION|XCLAMATION]]'' (1987/8)
 
−
* ''[[VOS Dai 9 go|VOS Dai 9 go]]'' (1988)
 
−
* ''[[ThanX|ThanX]]'' (1989)
 
−
* ''[[Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG|Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG]]'' (1989)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki|Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki]]'' (1989)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration|Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration]]'' (1990)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2|Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2]]'' (1991)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything|Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything]]'' (1991)
 
−
* ''[[Extasy Summit 91 at Nipponbudokan|Extasy Summit 91 at Nipponbudokan]]'' (1992)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]]'' (1992)
 
−
* ''[[Minna Mumei Dattakeredo ... Mutekidatta Extasy Summit 1992|Minna Mumei Dattakeredo ... Mutekidatta Extasy Summit 1992]]'' (1993)
 
−
* ''[[X CLIPS|X CLIPS]]'' (1995)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 1|Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 1]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 2|Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 2]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Dahlia Tour Final 1996.12.31|Dahlia Tour Final 1996.12.31]]'' (1997)
 
−
 
 
−
==<span class="mw-headline">Links</span>==
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/ X JAPAN Official site]
 
−
* [http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/ Extasy Records Official Site]
 
−
* [http://yoshiki.net/ Yoshiki.net]
 
−
* [http://www.x-japan.de/ X Japan fansite]
 
−
* [http://endlessdream.no-ip.org/ Endless Dream fansite]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Category:Groups]] [[Category:J-Rock]] [[Category:Visual-Kei]] [[Category:Disbanded]] [[Category:Tofu Records Artists]]
 

Latest revision as of 19:39, 19 November 2018

X JAPAN (2018)

X JAPAN or X is a Japanese visual-kei band formed by YOSHIKI. Their sound started as Japanese rock speed metal, and later went toward alternative rock, but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.

Members

Former Members

  • TAIJI: Bass and Chorus (1985-1992) (died in 2011)
  • hide: Guitars and Chorus (died in 1998)

Biography

X JAPAN during a concert at their North American Tour (2010)

Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, TOSHI and YOSHIKI, were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.

Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single "Orgasm". The members at that time were: YOSHIKI on drums and piano, TOSHI on vocals, hide, PATA on guitar and TAIJI on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, YOSHIKI created his own record label, Extasy Records, with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.

In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X JAPAN. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between YOSHIKI and TAIJI led to TAIJI's departure of the band. TAIJI'S last three live performances were Tokyo Dome 3 DAYS ~Hametsu ni Mukatte~. He was replaced by HEATH later in that same year.

After leaving, TAIJI worked with LOUDNESS, D.T.R., and Cloud Nine for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, Otokaze. They performed at hide's birthday celebration on December 13, 2004, and TAIJI covered hide's "ROCKET DIVE" as well.

X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of YOSHIKI, never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "SADISTIC DESIRE", "Phantom of Guilt" and "VANISHING LOVE"; even more acclaimed ones like "KURENAI" and "Silent Jealousy", moving piano ballads like "Forever Love" (ending theme for the anime adaption of X) and "Tears"; and alternative yet powerful tracks like "DAHLIA" and "Rusty Nail". One particularly notable song was "ART OF LIFE", a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their X JAPAN RETURNS shows in December 30 and 31, 1993.

Almost all X JAPAN tracks were composed by YOSHIKI with a handful of pieces composed by hide and even some early ones by TAIJI. YOSHIKI loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "ROSE OF PAIN", "ART OF LIFE" or his symphonic composition "Amethyst". He led a project called Eternal Melody which consisted in X's songs rearranged by George Martin and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in 1993. YOSHIKI also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called YOSHIKI Selection and YOSHIKI Selection II. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's Tribute -KISS MY ASS- album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.

In May 1997, TOSHI, shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. TOSHI then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced TOSHI'S departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. TOSHI himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore YOSHIKI's sad and touching songs.

After the dissolution of the band, hide continued his very successful solo career with his band hide with Spread Beaver, PATA performing with him sometimes.

Posterior to these events, it is said that YOSHIKI and hide were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans TOSHI, looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case hide would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when hide died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. hide died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following hide's death, YOSHIKI entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.

In late 2000, YOSHIKI recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, Violet UK, a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some Violet UK music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from Violet UK has been shown or released. In 2002 also, YOSHIKI announced he was joining the Japanese pop band globe, to help his long time friend Komuro Tetsuya (in 1991, YOSHIKI, on drums, and Komuro, on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of V2, releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently YOSHIKI is working with his new project, S.K.I.N., with famous Japanese musicians Gackt, SUGIZO, Miyavi and Ju-Ken.

As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro has said that he is a big fan of X JAPAN and that his favorite song is "Forever Love", which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.

News has been posted both at YOSHIKI's official blog as well as at TOSHI's website that plans are underway to re-form the band.

The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the PV for their new digital single called "I.V.", written by YOSHIKI and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by hide. This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie Saw IV all over the world. On July 17, 2011, Taiji died after attempting suicide.

Discography

Albums

Best Albums

Live Albums

Remix Albums

Soundtracks

Singles

Digital Singles

Video Releases

Publications

Band Score

  • [2011.08.xx] Densetsu no Visual Rocks

Magazines

  • [2008.04.xx] Rock on J Vol.4 (Feature)
  • [2010.09.xx] FOOL'S MATE 2010 November Issue (Feature)

External Links

Retrieved from "http://www.generasia.com/w/index.php?title=X_JAPAN&oldid=624127"