The bassist passed away at 55
X Japan’s esteemed bass player Heath has passed away after his battle with colorectal cancer at the age of 55. His cancer was found during an examination in June of this year. Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital on October 29th.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime,” a statement from the band’s management says. “X Japan extends our love and prayers to Heath and would like to thank everyone who has supported him.”
“We, the members of X Japan have personally bid farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss. Individual tributes from X Japan members will be shared on Heath’s official website.”
Heath’s obituary was originally scheduled for release later in November in accordance with his family’s wishes, but it is being announced earlier due to unwarranted media coverage. The funeral will be held among immediate family members only. The family asks that any visits, donations or flowers be withheld. The date of the funeral will remain undisclosed.
A formal farewell ceremony for Heath will be arranged at a later date. That ceremony will be led by X Japan leader Yoshiki in accordance with Heath’s wishes as conveyed by his family.
Yoshiki shares a lengthy statement about Heath and his passing.
“I still can’t sort out my feelings and don’t know how to put them into words. I don’t even know how to differentiate between my comments as Yoshiki and those as the leader of X Japan. I heard the news of Heath’s death right after the performance and event in New York. I flew to Tokyo to meet Heath. Heath was introduced to Hide and he joined X Japan in 1992. A press conference to announce the addition was held at Rockefeller Center in New York, and the first concert was at Tokyo Dome. His first TV appearance was on Kohaku Uta Gassen.
“I think he must have felt immense pressure under such terrible circumstances, but he always did his best and continued to support X Japan. After re-forming the band, we toured all over the world together, including America, Europe, South America, and Asia. When I proposed that I play bass with him on Taiji’s final stage, Heath gladly accepted. He was truly the best bass player, both as a member of the band and as a person.
“In particular, this past year, he has become closer to Heath than ever before. Last year on my birthday, when he appeared on my show, we talked about various things for the longest time ever in the waiting room after the recording. Since then, we have talked on the phone for hours until the wee hours of the morning. He also came to my dinner show on August 20th this year. I never thought that that day would be the last time I would stand on stage with Heath. It’s all my own fault for not being able to fulfill Heath’s wishes. At the final farewell, I apologized to Heath.
“As for Yoshiki, my body and mind are in tatters from the sadness, and I can’t speak properly right now. I feel like if I stop now, I won’t be able to walk any further, so I’m just doing my hectic schedule. However, as the leader of the band, I still have a responsibility that I must fulfill in the end. ‘Please don’t be sad. I want you to see him off cheerfully and happily. I want Mr. Yoshiki to perform the memorial concert for him.’ These are some of the words he received from Heath, which was entrusted to him by the bereaved family.
“I think I have no choice but to talk with my family and make Heath’s wishes come true. And there are some things you have to fight for to make that happen. There is no end to my feelings for Heath. I cannot thank you enough. I would like to tell you this again when I have cleared my mind. heath, thank you so much. Rest in peace. Let’s play music together again someday. I can’t really put my feelings into words right now. Heath, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ryugen Toshi It’s too bad. I still wanted to perform together.”
X Japan is one of the most successful rock groups in Japanese history. The band has sold more than 30 million albums, singles, and videos combined, sold out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome 18 times, and played to millions of fans around the world. X Japan has achieved legendary status among rock fans worldwide, making a buzz at Coachella, headlining major venues such as Wembley Arena and Madison Square Garden, and selling out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record 18 times. Earlier this summer, the band’s new single, “Angel,” debuted at No. 1 across five charts, No. 2 on two more and top 20 on many others.
