Japanese rock band X Japan performed in Hollywood on Saturday, January 9. The band played on a transparent platform constructed 50 feet in the air on the corner of Hollywood and Highland. The stage itself was constructed beforehand using cranes to lift the heavy materials. The performance featured pyrotechnics and laser lights for a spectacular display of colors and entertainment. The band filmed 4 music videos, featuring the songs “Rusty Nail”, “Endless Rain”, “I.V.”, and “Jade”.
Fans lined the sidewalk outside the Hollywood and Highland Center, holding various handmade signs. Many fans dressed up for the event, sporting outfits inspired by the band members and Japanese rock and visual kei culture. In addition, fans gathered on nearby rooftops to get a good view of the band’s performance. Those who made it up to the rooftops caught the best view, as the fans on the sidewalk had trouble seeing the band above them. An LCD monitor showed the fans a closer look at the band as they performed overhead. However, there were many breaks in between the songs, which were each performed multiple times. The focus of the event was certainly on filming the videos.
Press was told not to photograph the band members, although many fans snapped some shots from the rooftops. The photos included were provided by the band’s publicist.
X Japan was originally founded in 1982. X Japan disbanded in 1997, and famous guitarist Hideto “Hide” Matsumoto died in 1998. The band reunited in 2007, featuring members Toshimitsu “Toshi” Deyama, Yoshiki Hayashi, Tomoaki “Pata” Ishizuka, and Hiroshi “Heath” Morie. Known for their amazing hairstyles and visual kei clothing, the band has sold over 20 million records worldwide.
