"X-Japan" Biography

Artist/Band: X-Japan

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X Japan were one of the first visual bands in Japan and also one of the most popular. They started in teh mid-80's with the union of school friends Yoshiki (drums and piano) and Toshi (lead vocals). After that the joined with a couple other guys and formed the band X. They released the two singles 'I'll kill you' and 'Orgasm' and made it on two compilations albums with other Japanese newcomer bands. At that time Pata (guitar) and Taiji (bass) joined the band. In 1988 they made their first album 'Vanishing Vision' and hired a second guitarist, hide. The album was released on Yoshikis new record label Extasy. It was a great success and they changed to Sony records. More albums ('Blue Blood' and 'Jealousy') and more touring. With Jealousy they tried to come out in America, but no one there wanted visual bands. They renamed the band in X Japan because in America there was already a band called X. The band had great success in Japan and the members also made solo projects. At this time Taiji (bass) left the band and was replace with Heath. Yoshiki wrote the 23 minutes long song 'Art of life' which was the first record on their new label Atlantic Records. In 1996 finally came their last album 'Dahlia'. In the spring of 1997 Toshi (vocals) decided to quit the band for 'artistic and religous reasons', so they announced their disbanding in September 1997. They made a final Goodbye concert in December. The members made different solo projects. In 1998 a tragedy happened, hide commited suicide for unknown reasons. The fans were shocked. Yoshiki draw back from public. In 2000 he started a comeback with his project Violet UK...