(Why am I so nervous though?)
I'm listening to them for about 7 years or so. It was an instant pull, I remember the exact moment when I had listened to one of their songs ("Forever Love") for the very first time. I remember that I was only just starting listening to japanese music (been a fan of Japan since forever). And I was confused, and intrigued by their looks, which were so sophisticated and just plain weird to me. And I wondered: What the heck, why their songs last over 10 minutes?!
Nevertheless, it didn't change the fact that I had just met a band, that was going to be my favourite to this day. And that it's going to change me as well.
X J A P A N
That's how they looked in 1980s. Spiked hair, flamboyant costumes and heavy make-up. Their slogan was: Psychodelic violence crime of visual shock. And thanks to that the term "visual kei" was established. They're seen as pioneers of this subculture, that now is very popular in japanese rock (jrock), who would have thought right?
Not them. Yoshiki (the leader) doesn't even like that much to be discribed as a visual kei creator. To him, music is salvation, freedom, something with no boundaries and labels. At that time, it was also some kind of escape from harsh reality without any promising outlooks.
He and Toshi has known each other since they were kids, they shared similiar taste in music, and they had played together for some time in various bands, 'til they formed "X" (later on they added "Japan", because apparently there was another band called "X" in America). Soon they met other people who wanted to join them.
At first it was just fun, Toshi was an aspiring doctor and Yo hadn't had an idea for himself.
But as soon as the success of their first released single ("I'll kill you") and the horde of fans came by, they realised that it was much more than that, that they had a chance at becoming rockstars.
And so their journey began.
31'st December 1997 - it's a date that a lot of X Japan's fans will always painfully remember. The fans' world collapsed after hearing the news of disbandment. That particular day was the last opportunity for them to see their favourite band on stage. After that, everybody went their own seperate ways.
With the same age. With the same pain. With the same hurt. With the same loneliness. With the same solitude. They're friends. There's one thing - music - that brings us together. That is a band called X Japan. (...) X is an infinity. An infinity's mark. Or means "unlimited possibilities". - Toshi's words at The Last Live concert in Tokyo Dome
It's safe to say now, that it wasn't a definite end for them. They had a reunion in 2007. Though in the meantime a tragedy had happened. One of the fellow members - hide - died in 1998, presumably by commiting suicide.
It changed everything and everyone. It also changed the music that they play now.
It is an irreparable loss, for his family, friends, for all the fans and music.
What I really respect them for, is that until now they use holograms of hide, when they give concerts. Yoshiki has written many songs in tribute to him and do not forget to mention him every chance he got as an important member of X Japan. So that he stays in people's minds, even if he isn't physically on stage.
Visual Kei and jrock legends, famous band all over the world, five studio albums, six live albums, and 21 singles, sold over 30 mln records.
It's just crude facts.
It's only when you get to know them, you'll see the truth and authenticity of their music. But then be aware - there's no point of return! :)
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