X Japan
305752
225768083
2008-07-15T08:59:36Z
Kanabekobaton
622297
/* Since 2007: Reunion */
{{Infobox musical artist
| Name = X Japan
| Img =
| Img_capt =
| Img_size =
| Landscape =
| Background = group_or_band
| Origin = [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]], [[Japan]]
| Genre = [[Glam metal]], [[speed metal]], [[symphonic metal]], [[thrash metal]]
| Years_active = 1982–1997<br />2007–present
| Label = [[Extasy Records|Extasy]], [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Sony]], [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| Associated_acts = [[Globe (band)|Globe]], [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]], [[RAIN (band)|RAIN]], [[Skin (Japanese band)|Skin]], [[Zilch (band)|Zilch]]
| URL = [http://www.xjapan.ne.jp www.xjapan.ne.jp]
| Current_members = [[Toshi (musician)|Toshi]]<br />[[Pata (musician)|Pata]]<br />[[Heath (musician)|Heath]]<br />[[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]]
| Past_members = [[Taiji (musician)|Taiji]]<br />[[Hide (musician)|Hide]]
}}
{{nihongo|'''X Japan'''|エックス ジャパン|Ekkusu Japan}} is a popular [[Japan]]ese band founded in 1982 by [[Toshi (musician)|Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama]] and [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki Hayashi]].<ref name="amg_bio">
{{cite web
| last = Seida
| first = Linda
| title = X Japan biography at the All Music Guide
| work = allmusic.com
| url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:ulf1zfooeh5k~T10
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> Originally named '''X''' ({{nihongo2|エックス}}), the group achieved its breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album ''[[Blue Blood (album)|Blue Blood]]''. They started out as a [[power metal|power]]/[[speed metal]] band and later gravitated towards a [[Progressive metal|progressive]] sound, at all times retaining an emphasis on ballads. After three more albums, X Japan disbanded in 1997.
Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label,<ref name="eastern_standard_time">
{{cite book
| last = Yang
| first = Jeff
| coauthors = Can, Dina; Hong, Terry
| title = Eastern Standard Time
| publisher = Houghton Mifflin
| date = 1997
| location = Boston
| pages = p. 264
| isbn = 0-395-76341-X
}}
</ref> the group is widely credited for pioneering the [[visual kei]] movement,<ref name="nytimes_matsumoto">
{{cite web
| last = Strauss
| first = Neil
| title = "The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era"
| work = nytimes.com
| date = [[1998-06-18]]
| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EFD7103DF93BA25755C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref><ref name="asiaarts_x_best">
{{cite web
| last = Minnie
| first = Chi
| title = ''X Japan Best'' review
| work = asiaarts.ucla.edu
| url = http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=7936
| accessdate = 2007-09-10
}}
</ref> though most of the group's members toned down their on-stage attire in later years.<ref name="looks_videos">
See the ''[[On the Verge of Destruction 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (video)|On the Verge of Destruction]]'' and ''[[The Last Live Video]]'' releases for comparison.
</ref> As of 2007, the band has sold over twenty million records and over two million [[home video]]s.<ref name="sales_saw4soundtrack">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan unveils "I.V." in "Saw IV," bringing emotional catharsis to end tittles"
| work = saw4soundtrack.com
| date = [[2007-10-19]]
| url = http://www.saw4soundtrack.com/XJapan/XJapanSAW4_PressRelease.pdf
| accessdate = 2007-10-28
}}
</ref>
On [[June 4]], [[2007]] it was announced the band would reunite<ref name="blabbermouth_reunion">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan Reunites for New Single, Tour"
| work = blabbermouth.net
| date = [[2007-06-04]]
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=73874
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> with [[I.V.|a new song]] released via [[digital download]] in January 2008<ref name="jrr_new_releases">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan New Releases"
| work = jrockrevolution.com
| url = http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php/news/article/x_japan_new_releases/jrock_news
| accessdate = 2008-04-19
}}
</ref> and live performances scheduled for March and May.<ref name="japanzone_new">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan Announce Concert Details"
| work = japan-zone.com
| url = http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2008/01/21/x_japan_announce_concert_details.shtml
| accessdate = 2008-01-21
}}
</ref>
==History==
===1982–1992: X===
[[Image:X_promo_shot.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Promotional shot of X, showing the group's distinct appearance. (Left to right: Toshi, Taiji, Yoshiki, Pata, Hide.)]]
X was founded in 1982 while vocalist Toshi and drummer Yoshiki were attending [[high school]] together. The band began to actively perform live in the [[Tokyo]] area in 1985, its lineup at that time being completed by a number of changing [[Sideman|support musician]]s. A first single, titled "[[I'll Kill You]]" was released on Dada Records in June and in November of the same year, the group contributed the song "Break the Darkness" to the [[Sampler (record)|samplers]] ''Heavy Metal Force III''.<ref name="jrr_early_history">
{{cite web
| title = Early band history
| work = jrockrevolution.com
| url = http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php/webzine/article/indies_explosion/features
| accessdate = 2008-04-19
}}
</ref><ref name="jp_metal_samplers">
{{cite web
| title = List of Japanese heavy metal samplers
| work = japanesemetal.gooside.com
| url = http://japanesemetal.gooside.com/index_page/collection/collection_4_va_omnibus.htm
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref>
To ensure a continuous outlet for the band's publications, Yoshiki founded the [[Indie (music)|independent]] label [[Extasy Records]] in the following year on which a second single, "[[Orgasm (song)|Orgasm]]", was released.<ref name="extasy_profile">
{{cite web
| title = Extasy Records company profile
| work = extasyrecords.co.jp/eng
| url = http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/eng/company.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> The songs "Stab Me in the Back" and "No Connexion", recorded for the 1987 [[Victor Records]] sampler ''Skull Thrash Zone Volume I''<ref name="jp_metal_samplers"/> mark the group's first material featuring [[Pata (musician)|Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka]] as a support guitar player. He formally joined the group later that year. Likewise, guitarist [[Hide (musician)|Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto]] and bassist [[Taiji (musician)|Taiji Sawada]] both briefly performed with X on separate occasions before completing the group's first steady lineup.<ref name="jrr_early_history" />
On [[December 26]], [[1987]], the band participated in an [[Audition (performing arts)|audition]] held by [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|CBS Sony]] which would lead to a recording contract with the label signed in August of the following year. In the meantime, the band released its first album, ''[[Vanishing Vision]]'' through Extasy Records on [[April 14]], [[1988]] and toured extensively in support of the record.<ref name="extasy_profile" /><ref name="jrr_early_history" /> The band also appeared in a [[cameo]] in the film ''[[Tokyo Pop]]'', starring [[Carrie Hamilton]] and [[Diamond Yukai]].<ref name="jrr_early_history" />
X's second album ''[[Blue Blood (album)|Blue Blood]]'' was released on [[April 21]], [[1989]] and spawned several singles, such as "[[Kurenai (song)|Kurenai]]" and "[[Endless Rain]]", as well as the group's first [[home video]] release, a [[VHS]] titled ''[[Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig]]'', containing one of the concerts of the subsequent tour. Recordings for the follow-up album ''[[Jealousy (album)|Jealousy]]'' took place in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="jealousy_liner_notes">
''[[Jealousy (album)|Jealousy]]'' liner notes, 1991.
</ref> It was released on [[July 1]], [[1991]] and followed by the band's first performance in Japan's largest indoor concert venue, the [[Tokyo Dome]].<ref name="tokyo_dome_concerts">
{{cite web
| title = Concerts at the Tokyo Dome, 1991–1993
| work = tokyo-dome.co.jp
| language = Japanese
| url = http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/dome/concerts/1991_1993.htm
| accessdate = 2008-04-22
}}
{{cite web
| title = Concerts at the Tokyo Dome, 1994–1996
| work = tokyo-dome.co.jp
| language = Japanese
| url = http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/dome/concerts/1994_1996.htm
| accessdate = 2008-04-22
}}
{{cite web
| title = Concerts at the Tokyo Dome, 1997–1999
| work = tokyo-dome.co.jp
| language = Japanese
| url = http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/dome/concerts/1997_1999.htm
| accessdate = 2008-04-22
}}
</ref> Footage from most of the band's numerous show in that stadium would later be released on [[Compact Disc|CD]] and [[VHS]]/[[DVD]].<ref name="tokyo_dome_releases">
For example the ''On the Verge of Destruction'' live [[On the Verge of Destruction 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (album)|album]] and [[On the Verge of Destruction 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (video)|video]], the compilation album ''[[Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996]]'' and the ''[[Aoi Yoru]]''/''[[Shiroi Yoru]]'' DVD sets.
</ref>
By 1992 the band's success in Japan made an international breakthrough appear likely enough to warrant the renaming to "X Japan", in order to distinguish the group from the [[United States]] [[punk rock|punk]] band [[X (U.S. band)|X]]. Around the same time Taiji left the group and was replaced by [[Heath (musician)|Hiroshi "Heath" Morie]].<ref name="jrr_band_biography">
{{cite web
| title = Band biography
| work = jrockrevolution.com
| url = http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php/webzine/exclusive/the_jrock_legend_x_japan/
| accessdate = 2008-04-19
}}
</ref> Taiji went on to work with [[Loudness (band)|Loudness]] and Cloud Nine.
===1993–1997: X Japan===
[[Image:X Japan logo.png|thumb|right|100px|The X Japan logo, used by the band's after the name change in 1992.]]
For the release of its next album, X Japan left Sony and signed a deal with [[Atlantic Records]]. ''[[Art of Life]]'' was released on [[August 28]], [[1993]], notable for containing only the 29 minutes long title track, which would only be performed three times for a live audience.<ref name="hidecity_1992>
{{cite web
| title = Hideto Matsumoto, 1992 biography
| work = hide-city.com
| language = Japanese
| url = http://www.hide-city.com/free/biography/1992.html
| accessdate = 2008-02-23
}}</ref><ref name="cdjapan_xjapan_returns_complete">
{{cite web
| title = ''X Japan Returns Complete Edition'' release information
| work = cdjapan.co.jp
| url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UPCH-1139
| accessdate = 2008-02-23
}}
</ref> Another studio album was not released until [[November 4]], [[1996]], though ''[[Dahlia (album)|Dahlia]]'' contained relatively little new material, given that singles included on the record had been coming out as early as a few months after ''Art of Life''. Around that time, the group dropped most of its original [[visual kei]] aesthetics in favor of a more casual look.<ref name="looks_videos" /> ''Dahlia'' would be the band's last major release, since vocalist Toshi had decided to leave the group,<ref name="toshi_official_interview">
{{cite web
| title = Interview with Toshi
| work = iyashi-no-concert.com
| url = http://www.iyashi-no-concert.com/interview.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> a subsequent dissolution being officially announced in September 1997. X Japan performed their farewell show at the Tokyo Dome on December 31, making it the last of five consecutive [[New Year's Eve]]s the group performed in that stadium.<ref name="tokyo_dome_concerts" />
Much has been made of Toshi's departure, including allegations of him joining a [[cult]] and being influenced by it. Toshi has since refuted such claims, stating that his decision to leave X Japan dated back as far as April 1996, more than a year before he met the organization's leader, Masaya and that the glamorous, success-oriented life of a rock star failed to satisfy him emotionally, as opposed to a simpler life and career.<ref name="toshi_official_interview" />
===Solo projects ===
While reissues, compilations and live footage continued to be released,<ref name="cdjapan_releases">
{{cite web
| title = X Japan releases
| work = cdjapan.co.jp
| url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/list_from_code_banner.html?key=26180
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> the members of X Japan pursued various other projects: Hide, who had been releasing solo albums since 1994's ''[[Hide Your Face]]'', continued his solo career as Hide with Spread Beaver, now formally including his previous live band and with a sound distinctively different from X Japan's music, leaning more towards [[alternative rock]]. But the new group did not last long, due to Hide's death in May 1998.<ref name="nytimes_matsumoto">
{{cite web
| last = Strauss
| first = Neil
| title = "The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era"
| work = nytimes.com
| date = [[1998-06-18]]
| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EFD7103DF93BA25755C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref>
Toshi has released several solo albums, along with numerous [[Acoustic music|acoustic]] performances for smaller audiences. According to his website, his Utatabi Traveling Concert tour has included over 3.000 concerts, between 1999 and 2003.<ref name="toshi_official_releases">
{{cite web
| title = "Toshi Official Website - CD Online Shop"
| work = iyashi-no-concert.com
| url = http://www.iyashi-no-concert.com/cd_order.html
| accessdate = 2007-09-29
}}
</ref><ref name="toshi_official_interview" />
Pata and Heath, along with Spread Beaver percussionist/[[Programming (music)|programmer]] I.N.A., founded Dope Headz in 2001 which released two albums but then ceased activity. The trio also provided a track for the Hide tribute album ''Tribute Spirits''.<ref name="hc_tribute">
{{cite web
| title = ''Tribute Spirits'' release information
| work = hide-city.com
| url = http://www.hide-city.com/free/discography/al_PCCM-00002.html
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> Heath is currently pursuing a solo career and Pata is a member of [[RAIN (band)|RAIN]] (Rock and Inspiration).
Before the X Japan breakup, Yoshiki had already independently collaborated with [[Queen (band)|Queen]] drummer [[Roger Meddows-Taylor|Roger Taylor]] on the single "Foreign Sand"<ref name="qph_foreign_sand">
{{cite web
| title = "Foreign Sand" release information
| work = queenpicturehall.com
| url = http://www.queenpicturehall.com/singles/r07fs.shtml
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> and provided the Japanese contribution to the international [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] tribute album ''[[Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved|Kiss My Ass]]'', an [[orchestra]]l arrangement of the song "[[Black Diamond (song)|Black Diamond]]".<ref name="kissfaq_kma">
{{cite web
| title = ''Kiss My Ass'' release information
| work = kissfaq.com
| url = http://www.kissfaq.com/discography/kma.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> A compilation with orchestral treatments of X Japan songs, titled ''[[Eternal Melody]]'' was also released. It was performed by the [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]] and among others featured [[The Beatles]] producer [[George Martin]] as an arranger.<ref name="cdjapan_eternal_melody">
{{cite web
| title = ''Eternal Melody'' release information
| work = cdjapan.co.jp
| url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UPCH-1139
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref>
Since 1998 Yoshiki has engaged in numerous activities, such as being briefly a member of the pop band [[Globe (band)|Globe]],<ref name="globe_profile">
{{cite web
| title = Globe profile
| work = avexnet.or.jp
| url = http://www.avexnet.or.jp/globe/profile.html
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> producing singles for the [[Korea]]n rock band [[TRAX (band)|TRAX]]<ref name="cd_japan_trax_singles">
{{cite web
| title = "Scorpio" release information
| work = cdjapan.co.jp
| url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVCD-30639
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
{{cite web
| title = "Rhapsody" release information
| work = cdjapan.co.jp
| url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVCD-30719
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> and working on his solo project Violet UK, which as of 2007 has not yet published a major release. He has also contributed music to the movie ''Catacombs'' and will be producing the soundtrack of ''[[Repo! The Genetic Opera]]''.<ref name="repo_catacombs">
{{cite web
| title = あのYOSHIKIが、パリス・ヒルトン次回作のプロデューサーに!
| work = cinematoday.jp
| url = http://cinematoday.jp/page/N0011506
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-10-31
}}
</ref> On [[May 25]], [[2007]], the formation of the [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Skin (Japanese band)|Skin]] was announced, which besides Yoshiki consists of pop/rock artists [[Gackt]] and [[Miyavi]], as well as former [[Luna Sea]] guitarist [[Sugizo]]. The band gave its debut at the [[Anime Expo]] convention in [[Long Beach, California]] on [[June 29]],[[2007]].<ref name="anime_expo_skin">
{{cite web
| title = Anime Expo 2007 announcement of Skin
| work = anime-expo.org
| url = http://www.anime-expo.org/?q=story/anime_expo_2007_announces_j_rock_concert_of_the_century
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref>
===Since 2007: Reunion===
[[Image:Xjapan 20071.jpg|thumb|left|225px|X Japan during the recording of the "I.V." video in 2007.]]
In March 2007 Toshi announced on his website that he and Yoshiki had recently resumed working together, stating that a "new project" would commence soon.<ref name="toshi_official_new_project">
{{cite web
| title = "New Project" announcement
| work = iyashi-no-concert.com
| url = http://www.iyashi-no-concert.com/new_project_e.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
}}
</ref> An X Japan reunion was officially confirmed on [[June 4]], [[2007]], with Yoshiki announcing a tour, as well as a new single (a re-recording of the song "Without You", originally from Yoshiki's 2005 solo album ''Eternal Melody II'') to be underway and that he was in talks with Heath and Pata regarding their participation.<ref name="blabbermouth_reunion" />
The band made its first public appearance on [[October 22]], [[2007]], on the rooftop of the [[shopping center]] Aqua City in [[Odaiba]], [[Tokyo]], during which a music video for the newly recorded song "I.V." was filmed. "I.V." also appears on the soundtrack of the movie ''[[Saw 4]]''. It is written by Yoshiki and recorded with all living X Japan members of the pre-breakup lineup. Previously unreleased guitar tracks by Hide were used for the lead guitar part.<ref name="tokyograph_iv_video">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan to film PV on Aqua City rooftop"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-1917
| accessdate = 2007-10-18
}}
</ref><ref name="official_iv_video">
{{cite web
| title = Official announcement of Aqua City performance
| work = xjapan.ne.jp
| url = http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/new_c/xjapan.jpg
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-10-19
}}
</ref> "I.V." was released through the [[iTunes Store|iTunes]] on [[January 23]], [[2008]], topping the store's daily charts on that day.<ref name="blabbermouth_fortus_itunes">
{{cite web
| title = "Fortus to Play with X Japan"
| work = blabbermouth.net
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=93306
| accessdate = 2008-03-20
}}
</ref> It is also set to be included in an upcoming [[greatest hits]] compilation, along with the previously announced "Without You".<ref name="jrr_new_releases" /> When asked whether there would be further new material Yoshiki gave it a "fifty-fifty" chance.<ref name="chunichi_new">
{{cite web
| title = "{{nihongo2|X JAPAN、3月に10年ぶりライブ 解散後初!4人そろってファンの前に}}"
| work = chunichi.co.jp
| url = http://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/entertainment/news/CK2008012102081032.html
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2008-01-21
}}
</ref><ref name="jrr_interview">
{{cite web
| title = "X JapanMySpace Interview by JRR"
| work = jrockrevolution.com
| url = http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php/webzine/article/x_japan_myspace_interview_by_jrr/interviews
| accessdate = 2008-04-19
}}
</ref> Regarding the vacant lead guitar part it was initially stated in June 2007 that about ten guitarists were to fill in for the late Hide during concerts, yet no names were mentioned.<ref name="blabbermouth_reunion" /> Yoshiki was later quoted that a guitarist not from Japan and/or a "new face" may be performing with the band.<ref name="nikkansports_reunion_rehearsals">
{{cite web
| title = Yoshiki discusses rehearsals, guitarists
| work = nikkansports.com
| url = http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20080313-334730.html
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2008-03-13
}}
</ref>
On [[January 20]], [[2008]] two Tokyo Dome concert dates were announced, March 28 and March 30 respectively.<ref name="japanzone_new" /> A third show, scheduled for March 29, was later added to accommodate demand.<ref name="tokyograph_3rd_dome_date">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan adds third date to Tokyo Dome reunion concerts"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2544
| accessdate = 2008-02-23
}}
</ref> The March 28 concert aired live on the [[pay television]] channel [[WOWOW]], with a DVD release set to follow,<ref name="wowow_broadcast">
{{cite web
| title = X Japan Special
| work = wowow.co.jp
| url = http://www.wowow.co.jp/music/xjapan/special.html
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2008-03-12
}}
</ref> guitarists performing with X Japan during these three concerts were [[Wes Borland]] of [[Black Light Burns]], [[Richard Fortus]] of [[Guns N' Roses]] and [[Sugizo]],<ref name="tokyograph_guitarists">
{{cite web
| title = "Sugizo to Fill In for Hide at X Japan Concerts"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2834
| accessdate = 2008-03-26
}}
</ref><ref name="blabbermouth_fortus_itunes" /> in addition to the use of old live footage of Hide.<ref name="tokyograph_paris_announcement">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan Announces Paris Show in July"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2866
| accessdate = 2008-03-30
}}
</ref><ref name="wowow_live_2008-03-28">
{{Citation
| title = Live broadcast of the March 28, 2008 Tokyo Dome concert
| publisher = [[WOWOW]]
| date = [[2008-03-28]]
}}
</ref> Fortus and fellow Guns N' Roses member [[Robin Finck]] had previously [[Cover version|cover]]ed "[[Endless Rain]]" as a guitar duet during the Japanese shows of their band's 2007 tour. Borland later commented on his [[blog]] that he felt "honored to have been part of the experience".<ref name="blabbermouth_reunion_footage">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan: Pro-Shot Footage from Reunion Concerts Posted Online"
| work = blabbermouth.net
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=93928
| accessdate = 2008-04-01
}}
</ref>
Due to technical difficulties the first concert was delayed for over two hours and later came to an abrupt end when drummer Yoshiki collapsed eight songs into the performance. The subsequent shows were without such difficulties and during a [[press conference]], plans for a concert in [[Paris]], [[France]] on [[July 5]], [[2008]] were announced, with an intended audience of 20,000 people.<ref name="tokyograph_paris_announcement" /><ref name="wowow_live_2008-03-28" /> X Japan also performed at the Hide Memorial Summit, a two-day tribute concert that was held on May 3 and May 4 at the [[Ajinomoto Stadium]] and featured about twenty artists, including [[Dir en grey]], [[Luna Sea]] and [[T.M. Revolution]].<ref name="tokyograph_memorial_summit">
{{cite web
| title = "Hide Memorial Summit Confirmed for May"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2810
| accessdate = 2008-03-25
}}
</ref><ref name="japanzone_new" /> It closed with a performance of the song "X" by members of X Japan, Luna Sea, [[Mucc]], [[D'espairsRay]] and solo artist [[Takanori Nishikawa]].<ref name="wowow_live_2008-05-04">
{{Citation
| title = Live broadcast of the Hide Memorial Summit
| publisher = [[WOWOW]]
| date = [[2008-05-04]]
}}
</ref>
In addition to the Paris date, plans for concerts at the [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]] on September 13, and at the [[Taipei World Trade Center]], [[Taipei]] on August 2 were also confirmed.<ref name="ann_paris_nyc">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan to Play NYC's Madison Square Garden This Fall"
| work = animenewsnetwork.com
| url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-03/x-japan-to-play-nyc-madison-square-garden-this-fall
| accessdate = 2008-04-03
}}
</ref><ref name="tokyograph_taiwan_concert">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan Announces Taiwan Concert"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-3116
| accessdate = 2008-05-05
}}
</ref> On June 8 it was reported that all previously scheduled shows have been postponed until further notice, due to Yoshiki suffering a relapse of a previous [[Spinal disc herniation|disc herniation]] and a worsening [[tendinitis]].<ref name="tokyograph_concert_postponement">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan officially confirms that concerts are postponed"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-3394
| accessdate = 2008-06-09
}}
</ref><ref name="blabbermouth_concert_postponement">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan's Tour Postponement Explained"
| work = blabbermouth.net
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98863
| accessdate = 2008-06-17
}}
</ref> The Paris concert has since been rescheduled and is set to take place at the [[Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy]] in [[Paris]], [[France]] on [[November 22]], [[2008]].<ref name="tokyograph_paris_rescheduled">
{{cite web
| title = "X Japan reschedules Paris show for November"
| work = tokyograph.com
| url = http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-3490
| accessdate = 2008-07-14
}}</ref>
==Musical style==
{{sound sample box align right|Audio samples}}
{{listeninbrowser
| filename = X_kurenai.ogg
| title = "Kurenai"
| description = A fast song from the album ''[[Blue Blood (album)|Blue Blood]]''.
}}
{{listeninbrowser
| filename = X_tears.ogg
| title = "Tears"
| description = A ballad from the album ''[[Dahlia (album)|Dahlia]]''.
}}
{{sample box end}}
X Japan's music developed in the wake of the success of [[United States|American]] and [[United Kingdom|British]] [[glam metal|glam]] and [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] bands<ref name="asiaarts_x_best" /> and is characterized by hard-driving [[Speed metal|speed]] and [[Thrash metal|thrash]] compositions (e.g. "[[Kurenai (song)|Kurenai]]", "[[Silent Jealousy]]"), as well as emotional [[Ballad (music)|ballad]]s (e.g. "[[Endless Rain]]", "[[Forever Love (X Japan song)|Forever Love]]").<ref name="amg_bio" /><ref name="nytimes_matsumoto" /> Many of the group's songs make heavy use of [[piano]]-driven, [[Orchestra|orchestrated]] passages, particularly longer tracks such as the ten and a half minute "Tears" and the twenty-nine minute "Art of Life".
During live performances the band relies, for the most part, solely on its members (with drummer and pianist Yoshiki switching between instruments) and prerecorded tracks, e.g. for [[String section|orchestral strings]], [[spoken word]] passages, and more recently, most of Hide's guitar parts.<ref name="tokyo_dome_releases" /><ref name="wowow_live_2008-03-28" />
{{-}}
==Members==
As with numerous other Japanese bands, the members of X Japan are usually credited with their [[Japanese name|given]] or [[stage name]]s.
* {{nihongo|[[Toshi (musician)|Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama]]|出山利三|Deyama Toshimitsu}} – [[Singing|vocals]]
* [[Pata (musician)|Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka]] ({{nihongo2|石塚智昭}} ''Ishizuka Tomoaki'') – [[rhythm guitar]]
* [[Heath (musician)|Hiroshi "Heath" Morie]] ({{nihongo2|森江博}} ''Morie Hiroshi'') – [[Bass guitar|bass]] (since 1992)
* [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki Hayashi]] ({{nihongo2|林佳樹}} ''Hayashi Yoshiki'') – [[Drum kit|drums]] and [[piano]]
;Former members
* [[Taiji (musician)|Taiji Sawada]] (沢田泰司 ''Sawada Taiji'') – bass (until 1992)
* [[Hide (musician)|Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto]] (松本秀人 ''Matsumoto Hideto'') – [[lead guitar]] (until 1997)
==Discography==
{{main|X Japan discography}}
== Further reading ==
* ''Uchuu o Kakeru Tomo E: Densetsu no Bando X no Sei to Shi'' (宇宙を翔ける友へ: 伝說のバンド X の生と死) by [[Taiji Sawada]], Tokuma Shoten, 2000, ISBN 978-4198611743
* ''Hide Days'', by Takarajimasha, 2003, ISBN 4796627464
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== External links ==
{{commons}}
* [http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/ Official X Japan website] {{jp icon}}
** [http://www.xjapan-france.com/ French mirror] {{fr icon}}
** [http://www.xjapan.kr/ Korean mirror] {{ko icon}}
** [http://www.xjapan.com.tw/ Taiwanese mirror] {{zh icon}}
** [http://www.xjapan.co.uk/ UK mirror]
* {{MySpace|xjapanofficial|X Japan}}
* [http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/ Official Extasy Records website]
{{X Japan}}
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[[Category:Quintets]]
[[Category:1980s music groups]]
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[[Category:Speed metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Power metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Visual kei artists]]
[[Category:X Japan]]
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