Comparable to the Rolling Stones or The Beatles in their heyday X Japan is taking the world by storm. Led by the man known only as Yoshiki-a singer, songwriter, drummer and classically trained pianist who also plays guitar, bass and trumpet for the band.

Yoshiki formed the band in 1982 (at the time it was simply called X) while he was still in high school. Over the next 13 years the band released five studio albums as well as six live albums, 10 compilation albums and 15 video albums. His double- record classical album “Eternal Melody” was co-produced and arranged by the legendary George Martin and remains one of Japan’s most successful classical releases. Their genre bending style has attracted millions around the world over.

The band is, in a word, epic. And yet they have never toured the America. Not until now that is. The band will make their U.S. debut this weekend in Chicago at Lollapalooza. “We are very excited to perform there, “ said Yoshiki “it is our first U.S. show. I’ve been playing for over 10 years and this will be the first time playing there. It is something I have always wanted to do.”

This is saying something coming from Yoshiki. A true renaissance man, he has managed to put his fingers in a lot of pies ove the years. In 2009 the Bank of Japan issued a Yoshiki Visa Card, he owns he started his own racing team with Honda and there is even a Yoshiki style Hello Kitty product line, the first ever designed for a person. Even Bono would be jealous.

“We’re a huge band in Japan but that doesn’t mean anything here,” Yoshiki told the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this month “we feel like a new band again, trying to make it, it’s a very pure feeling. It feels like we did when we started, which is good.”

Unlike most bands X Japan seems to be taking a slightly different route to stardom in the America. “We are planning on doing a U.S. tour next year,” said Yoshiki during our interview “nothing too big for now just a few thousand people at some smaller venues.” One has to admire his modesty.

Those attending Lollapalooza will get the chance to witness the historic event as the band graces an American stage for the first time. Make sure to check out their show this Sunday at 4 p.m. on the Parkways Stage.

Comments

LOL Written by Guest on 2010-08-05 05:30:04 Yoshiki isn't singer....... ToshI song ^^  The story of the trumpet is a joke between Yoshiki and ToshI.  Bad article !  Verify your sources

Yoshiki source Written by Guest on 2010-08-05 10:00:05 The source for the article was Yoshiki himself who did not deny anything said during the interview. All other information came directly from the publicist who had no problem with the article either.

LOL bis Written by Guest on 2010-08-05 11:49:52 Yoshiki isn't the vocalist. He is a "speak-chorus" (listen Tears, Alive), he recites text (Longing -the poem-, The Last Song, White Poem I) or he sing a very little (Rusty Nail).

Glaring errors. Written by Guest on 2010-08-05 19:49:31   Yoshiki doesn't sing, for one he's self concious about his singing voice.     So he plays guitar and bass for them as well? You're acting as if it's a one man band! There has never been any trumpets in any of their songs, that was a light hearted joke between the singer and him.

JB Written by Guest on 2010-08-07 22:30:45 Despite 'offending' a few overly attached fans, I think your article is very well done. I had not heard of x japan until now and will be sure to check them out at Lolla. Thanks for the tip Brandes. I've always enjoyed your writing.  E

ed Written by Guest on 2010-08-11 14:18:14 Bono is a vastly superior songwriter, so he won't be too jealous.

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