X JAPAN Captivates Londoners with Overwhelming Performances

2011-06-30

 

X JAPAN kicked off their first ever European tour on June 28th at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, a long-established music venue in west London.  On this day, they performed ten pieces, including, “Jade,” their global debut single, which has been released in Europe. Yoshiki was glad to have achieved what amounts to the first step taken by the band's foray into Europe, commenting, "It's like a dream. I have been raring for this moment to arrive."     

 

In the course of their live shows, they captivated 2,000 fans with a selection of tunes that thoroughly revealed both the static and dynamic aspects of the band, including the intense, "Rusty Nail," and the majestic, "Art Of Life." For the encore, the members donned purple kimonos and Yoshiki, who appeared along with Toshi said, "When hide passed away, I never thought I would be standing here, after regrouping ten years later (2008)...I wish I could have brought hide along, but he's always with all of us anyway..." Toward the end of the speech, he choked up and shed some tears. The audience began to chant the names of the band members.

 

The performance featured ten pieces and lasted for approximately two hours. Major media, including Reuters and the BBC, were there to cover the concert.

 

A twenty something female office worker from London said, "This is my first time to attend an X JAPAN live concert. I like Heath's bass playing."  She then excitedly held a flag with a message written over it, saying, "I made this with my friend living in London." A twenty something male office worker, who had rushed all the way from Paris early this morning to catch the show, is crazy about visual-kei (visually oriented acts). "X JAPAN is a fantastic rock and roll band. I'm going to go to all four shows," he said eagerly. 

 

The music venue, The Shepherd's Bush Empire, was established in 1903. Many major British and American artists have performed here in the past, including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Oasis, David Bowie, and Bon Jovi.