X Japan

H

aving few full-length recordings but many compilations, live sets, and videos, X Japan deserves a little explanation. The initial ideas for the band began back in 1976 when vocalist/acoustic guitarist Toshi (Real Name: (Toshimitsu Deyama) and drummer/pianist Yoshiki (Real Name: Hayashi Yoshiki) were both elementary-age kids. They wanted to play hard rock akin to Kiss. The duo formed the bands Dynamite (1978-1980) then Noise (1980-1982) before eventually forming X, which was meant to be a temporary name but lasted ten years (1982-1992).

X was renamed as X Japan in 1992. They disbanded in 1997 and reunited in 2007. Guest musicians rotated in guitarist hide's (Real Name: Matsumoto Hideto) slot before the band settled with Sugizo (a.k.a. Luna Sea; Real Name: Sugihara Yasuhiro) then Pata (Real Name: Tomoaki Ishizuka) taking second guitar.

X Japan were the most prominent members of a movement called "Visual Kei"; very popular in Japan during the '80s and '90s. The music played by bands of this style covered almost everything from pop to metal. All of these bands were known for colorful, flamboyant clothes and very extravagant hair stylings. Much like the glam movements in North America during the '70s and '80s.

guitarist hide (always written in lower case) died by hanging in 1998. Though officially ruled a suicide, the other X Japan members continue to contend that his death was an accident and still consider him a member and introduce him at every concert, playing audio and/or video clips of his voice and/or guitar for some songs.

** This article is also available on our official app.