He's lost a bit of speed on the running double kick patterns, but considering the nerve and tendinitis problems that was limiting his piano playing and drumming, the fact he can still go completely balls out for a 90-120 minute sets at his age is amazing. And since focusing on the Yoshiki Classical repitoire his identity as a piano soloist has really developed and you can clearly tell its Yoshiki after only a bar or two.
@@matthewarms3786 Not only speed, but also energy he had in his prime, he is still Yoshiki however. I would say, at this age piano suits him much better.
When you brought up liking KISS it reminded me that Gene Simmons once said that if X Japan was born in America they would have been the biggest band in the world.
Oh you need to do Endless Rain from the goodbye (called "The Last Live" often) show from when they disbanded. just the raw emotion on that stage, let alone the song itself, is enough to bring tears to my eyes every damn time.
I Agree with this suggestion.... definitely do Endless Rain from the "The Last Live" concert. Last time Hide played with X Japan before his untimely death.
I've lost close family to suicide at a young age and I can definitely feel Yoshiki's pain in his performances, you can feel his struggle to cope through his music, and given what happened to the other members of the band, especially Hide, X-Japan deserves the respect and love they recieve. Beautiul misic
The violin player is Sugizo, who is one of the members of Luna Sea, his 'main' band. X hasn't been active for awhile. The last time they played live was right before the pandemic hit. Kurenai (Crimson). There are so many excellent bands in Japan, metal/rock/alternative. All you need is to ask, and people will recommend bands all day. My personal fave is Dir En Grey. I suggest you delve into 'jrock/metal or Visual Kei... bands like Mucc, Lynch, Luna Sea, L'arc en Ciel, Glay, Loudness, One Ok Rock... the list is endless. And yes, both Sugizo and Yoshiki are classically trained. Yoshiki writes all the music. Fun personal fact; Heath, (bassist), the bass player for Dir en Grey and the bassist for The Gazette, all influenced me to learn the bass at age 56 (I'm almost 60 now) I road trip to as many gigs as possible, and have been to Japan just once, sadly.
@@aegonthedragon6341 Vocalist left because he got brainwashed by a cult. Hide committed suicide after the band broke up - and it is widely believed that his suicide was accidental as he was found doing the same thing Yoshiki (and the others including Hide) did to fix backpains aka - towel and doorknob, it is believed that Hide was drunk, tried the technique and subsequently died. The bassist Taiji also died after the band broke up and his death is quite odd in terms of how it happened. The band itself would have been huge world wide, but their US release kinda went bad, mostly because the US didn't take to kindly to foreigners back then.
Hello from Finland. I'm big Nightwish fan since their early days. I found XJAPAN about 14 years ago and fall in love right away, their backround story is unbelievable and their fans are as fanatical as Nightwish have. I saw them live in Wembley arena 2017, dreams can come true :) My favorite songs are Rusty nail and Say anything.
As I’m sure many people already said, Yoshiki (pianist/drummer) is an absolute genius. Writer, composer, humanitarian, super hero (look it up, Stan Lee made it happen) who has rocked Tokyo Dome and brought Carnegie Hall to tears.
I only recently discovered X Japan when The Last RockStars invited Band-Maid to open for them. Yoshiki (piano/drums) and Sugizo (violin/guitar) are in TLRS and also in X Japan. X Japan is categorized as a "Visual Kei" band, which is not so much a genre of music as a style of presentation. In this performance of 'Kuranai', X Japan's visual presentation is actually tame! You need to watch a sequence of X Japan concert videos starting from 1988 and going year by year up into the 2000's to appreciate their monumental visual impact on the Japanese music scene. Performances of 'Kuranai', 'Rusty Nail', "Endless Rain', etc. over the years show the look of the band evolving from crazy tall spiked hair and gigantic mohawks, outrageous make-up to wild Glam-Rock costumes, into almost tame Hair-Metal glitz. The visual evolution is amazing, but the music is a constant. As you can see, the packed stadium audience knows all the songs by heart and is pogoing and singing along the entire time. In Japan the members of X Japan are Rock Idols. they built a museum to commemorate Hide, the late pink haired guitarist in the red suit.
Oh my god I'm so glad you came across X-Japan. This band is one of the all-time great, but still criminally underrated. A TON of modern eastern as well as western bands owes them so much. Kurenai is one of my favourites but there are so many tunes I would recommend! Endless Rain, Art Of Life, Rusty Nail, Silent Jealousy, X, Dahlia, Crucify My Love...
X Japan is a legend in J-Rock/Metal music scene. I see everyone mentioned Yoshiki but i would like to mention Sugizo the violinist, he''s actually has a band which also well known : LUNA SEA. Go check them out, Gravity, I For You, In SIlence, Rosier are some of their hits.
so happy that you checked X Japan, that is very dramatic band. Yoshiki - piano and Sugizo - Violin are both classically trained from 4 yo. Sugizo original from Luna sea band, he is my favorite guitarist. He also have solo work and like to experiment with different music stiles, working with musicians from different countries... I was in Yoshiki classical solo concert when he was touring in Europe and was amazing. X Japan and Luna Sea are my big wishes to see live
The Rose of Pain version from X Japan w/ orchestra 1990 is amazing. The classical and romantic influences of Yoshiki and Hide are front and center and Toshi's voice and hair were in fine form.
This is the band that got me to play music when I was 15 (that’s good solid 25 years ago). I was so sad when Hide (the previous guitarist) passed away. And too bad, they have been on hiatus for quite some years now. At least I was lucky enough to see them live once.
If you can spare 40 minutes, listen to „Art of Life“. One of the best songs ever written. You don’t even have to make a reaction, even though it would be amazing, just... listen to it. And everything else from X Japan ;) We are X!
I am surprised I had to go down this far down the comment list to find a suggestion of "Art of Life"! Is this some kind of "he is not ready" stuff that some NIGHTWISH fans use to pull? :)) Anyway, knowing Chase now, he IS damn ready, and he should just go for it - "Art of Life", nuff said...
One of my favorite bands for sure, and nobody is reacting to them! Of course it had to be you, Chase, really enjoyed this. This is the one band of which I'm a fan and I can say I love all their ballads without shame =)
I've just discovered this song by pure chance. I'm normally listening to Powerwolf, Sabaton and Rammstein, but I've added 3 or 4 Japanese songs to the playlist, and Spotify was like "Hey kid, wanna try some J-Pop?". And so I've tried and it was totally worth it. I've had tears in my eyes at the end of the Remastered (2014) version of Kurenai on Spotify, so now I'm digging around :3
Oooh, the greatest band of Japan and their greatest song. Gosh, childhood memories. I remember paying insane money for recordings of their concerts in Japan back then. Every time Yoshiki collapsed during that song, usually during this Acapella section. I really thought his drummer career was over when it was stated he can't play live anymore. And Hide, I cried when I heard of his death. He was such a lovable little devil. I really miss those days.
First row in their concert in Perú, only 3000 persons in a smal stage but was magical. So few know of them. Japanese traveled to Perú to have the oportunity to see them closer than in Japan concerts. I LOVE THEM!
The Drummer is the Piano player at the beginning and also the composer/writer The Violinist is one of the guitarists You mentioned hair. You need to see some of their older videos. Weekend or Rose of Pain There is a documentary DVD "We are X" you would probably like
actually to make great tribute for their guitarist (hideto matsumoto), in their reunion concert at 2008 they make his hologram on the stage (long before tupac hologram in 2012) & ask 10 guitarist around the world to play on the stage (include guns & roses, limp bizkit etc). & when they make PV for OST SAW IV Called I.V. they put hide Guitar in that PV too . Owh btw all of them already had wax figures in madame tussaud too One of the best asian band from their era
Great to see new people still finding their way to this legendary band. The songs, the artists, the stories, it's almost unreal. A not so old movie/documentary named We Are X might be interesting for you as well.
Oh yes! Super excited every time someone finds out about X Japan. Such a treasure. The story about this band.. there is nothing like it really and the music is very special too. Not much in this world gets me as passionate as when I get the chance to nerd out on this band and their story. After a couple of reactions please do make sure you watch the documentary We Are X.
This is my favorite song of all time!! Hence my name. You NEED to watch their documentary We Are X! I highly recommend it. You have to check out their early stuff when their original guitarist HIDE and original bassist Taiji (who inspired me to learn bass) were still alive. Anything from their Blue Blood tour. They were always an amazing band. And Yoshiki-sama, is a musical god!!
Can I just say, I love the person who requested this to you because they picked this version :) As much as I love the Last Live one this really deserves some attention, too and the violin at the beginning gets me every time - usually this part is played by hide, the guitarist who passed away. And they filled his spot so beautifully here. As you were talking about the quality: I feel like the 'decline' in quality is mostly a 'western' thing. Most asian, and especially Japanese bands I know of actually sound better live then on CD. Not only do they have fantastic sound engineers during their live shows, it's like you mentioned with the violin, you can hear all the raw and delicate emotions dripping from their souls through their instruments. I like a lot of western bands but I find this way more frecently with asian bands. Should you ever buy a DVD/Blu-ray: They are very expensive. My favorite lives are the Last Live from 1998 and the Aoi/Shiroi Yoru lives.
Finally! Someone i follow doing X Japan. Can I recommend "I.V. (HD) - 10/12 2010.08.15 X JAPAN WORLD TOUR Live in YOKOHAMA" on youtube? The emotion in this performance gets me every time. If you look into what the song is about, it will make it all the more impactful. This band has been through some heavy sh*t
They had a special rule for their LIVE, fans weren't allowed to jump to the music because the last time they did, caused an actual earthquake in the neighborhood.
oh yes! X JAPAN, what a legendary band. Honestly if it wasn't for them I don't know how it would be the rock/metal scene in Japan nowadays.. They were a HUUUUGE influence for rock and metal in Japan.
I love this song, this band. Huge fan of Hide, the guitarist who passed away. The impact this band has on modern groups is immense. At the start Toshi yells out "Kurenai Da"; at the start of Akatsuki Su-metal yells out "Akatski Da". Babymetal's crossed arms in an X. The neckbrace, which Yoshiki wre fore years after he injured his neck headbanging. X is in the dna of today's artists. And they are still pure fire live
I always thought it was a cool coincidence that Su was born within 11 days of their Last Live performance. X-Japan broke up and the J-Metal gods made sure balance was restored by giving us SU-METAL
...and THAT's how the expression "carrying the flag" gains a strong meaning... through Babymetal or any other ... Legends like X Japan will carry on living because they set the foundations... Nice!! So awesome!
Wow! ... just wow!!!🤩😮 Frosty you are the man! And Chase that you for reacting to this I’ve heard their name in passing before but never looked at them to my utter shame and lose I now have another rabbit hole I must go down. We in the west really need to start getting to know more Japanese music there’s something definitely in the water over there that we are missed 🥺✌️
They are the godfather of almost all current Japanese metal bands., so to speak. Their influence has been huge . By the way ,the vocalist got trapped by a cult group later.
Nah, that's way before this. They break at the end 1997 after "The Last Live" because Toshi (Vocal) was trapped by the cult group and brain washed. Then they got reunited at around 2008, too bad HIDE passed away at 1998 so they have Suzigo as lead guitarist. One thing I love X Japan is their live has way more power than the album version and you can really feel their energy even through screen.
Kurenai is the most iconic metal song of Japan and X-Japan is the most iconic metal Band of Japan, simple as that. They are so so so huge in Japan, that when Hide (pink hair guy) passed away (suicide) triggered a wave of suicides among young people in Japan, such was the influence of Hide and the band on young people in the country.
Thanks for picking X Japan. I'm a huge fan of theirs and yes they are still around. I'm sure someone has to have mentioned the We Are X Documentary, but just in case. Check it out.
Just came across your reaction video and loved it! I discovered X Japan only last year and, yes, Kurenai was the song that made my whole family fall in love instantly. As today is the birthday of bandleader YOSHIKI, it's the perfect time for recommending more X Japan reactions! As the other commentators already suggested: Art of Life (1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome, 34:18 minutes), Jade, Dahlia (Dahlia Tour Final), Rose of Pain (acoustic version), Voiceless Screaming, Crucify My Love, Rusty Nail, Silent Jealousy. And, to get an impression about the late guitarist's (HIDE'S) oeuvre, please also check Drain from Last Live.
Found out this amazing band back in early 90's when 'jealousy' was released and reached our shores here in Sabah, Malaysia. The Power and Speed Metal band with a heavy symphonic elements. Loudwire named them as the best Japan metal band in 2017. They are the founder of visual 'Kei' (western terms of Glam) and influenced many bands since....Must see their 'Last Live' concert at Tokyo Dome in Dec. 31, 1997. Check out their most played ballads (heavy on piano) like 'Endless Rain', 'Forever Love', 'Say Anything' 'Longing', 'Tears' and 'The Last Song'. Legend's
If you do endless rain at the last live you'll cry, IV is also killer, Jade, Art of life. I could go on, these guys are one of my favorite bands right up there with Nightwish
Saw these guys play at Madison Square Gardens about 6 years ago, their show is a ton of fun. But really I think their best stuff was 88-91 when their entire approach from visuals to musical blend was brand new. I would kill to be able to see them during that heyday.
Hell yes, X Japan! Not seen this version of Kurenai before, I think it might be my favourite. As for them still being around, they tend to get together for a few big concerts on a semi regular basis, and there's even a new album thats been recorded (though god alone knows when Toshi will release it).
Great reaction and another rabbit hole to explore. As most of the others have already mentioned, they were the biggest band in Japan for years and what inspired a lot of future bands (Babymetal is one). Sadly, a lot of Japanese music never made it out of Japan and now because of YT and reactors we are now able to see what was brewing in Japan for years and now is spilling out to the rest of the world for everyone's enjoyment.
Yoshiki, drummer and pianist, has done classical piano albums including one produced by George Martin. He moves in elevated circles. His scarf was once blown by the wind into Queen Elizabeth's face. He was a guest in the royal box at the Windsor Polo Cup. He was very embarrassed. Saiki from Band-Maid once appeared on his Japanese TV show, and had to sing one of his famous songs while he accompanied her on the piano. She was nervous as hell. Used to be a RUclips video but I can't find it.
The thing is, crowds in Japan at concerts are usually very calm and collected apart from cheers in between the songs, and they are singing this song aloud with the band! That's how you know this band is incredibly loved over there.
Just a note. I don't know if you realized that the guy playing the piano intro is actually the drummer, Yoshiki (who is also the main composer)!! Their best song is (hands down) The Art of Life. A 29 minute EPIC song, dealing with Yoshiki's suicidal tendencies after a personal tragedy, which is arguably the very first piece of symphonic metal ever composed. There is a live version on RUclips, so I hope you get around to doing that at some point. Yoshiki's performance on the piano on that one, is something you don't want to miss, and one of THE best performances you'll ever see by anyone on that instrument! Cheers!
I am so glad you enjoyed this song! I've loved this band for a long time and this is a favorite song of mine. They are still around though a new album hasn't been released in a long time. I believe some of their more recent singles should still be in the iTunes store. Your reaction reminds me why I love X Japan so much!
next reaction for x japan: - endless rain the last live - rusty nail the last live - Art Of Life Live at Tokyo Dome 1993 - Forever Love you should to react Hide - Dice - Pink spider
I'm sorry if I make a mistake in English. I went to the concert in the video. I was really impressed to hear it.They are a legendary band in Japan. I was happy to see your reaction.
Awesome to meet a fellow fan here :) I went there too and was oh so impressed by it. Pure love!!! Thank you Chase Carneson for your reaction to this song!
on this version, you hear more guitars than you see on the stage because there is playback of hide's (the guy you saw on the video panels) guitar from "the last live" show they had in december 1997, hide died just months later. i prefer listening to "the last live" version over this more recent show because TOSHl sounded even better on that show. i believe yoshiki (drummer and pianist) even brings hide's iconic yellow guitar and puts on the stage whenever and wherever x japan plays shows to this day
Yes please man. More x japan. It is iconic for j rock and they are sooo good. And olso a very recomend you group Luna sea. Sugizo, the guitaris from this video with violin is from them. He is very respec guitaris in Japan. He has olso solo project combine rock and electronic. Very deep and emocional.
@@ChaseCarneson There are some songs where he goes from the drums to piano to back to drums mid-song. One I can think of off the top of my head is "Weekend" from their Last Live Tokyo Dome show. On RUclips you can find a 2-set of Rusty Nail and Weekend from the Last Live if you're looking for another X-Japan song to react to
Wow I may just stumbled on my new favourite channel. There are so many metal react channel but a few of them actually react to j-rock or j-metal. I always like seeing people discover the beauty of Japanese music
I love love LOVE that you love them! They are still around, and I had the pleasure if seeing them at Madison Square Garden and I cried like a baby lol. It was such an emotional high. Gene Simmons said himself that if this band was born in the states instead of Japan, they'd be the biggest band in the world. The drummer Yoshiki very good friends with Gene as well as other huge stars here in the States and Europe (hell he played a duet with Marilyn Manson for his cover of Sweet Dreams). He is also like the Tuomos of the group writing most of the material and is the brain/heart behind a lot of their work. He also is numb almost completely in his left hand (?), so the fact he plays piano so well is amazing. That being said, I highly recommend checking out their magnum opus, Art of Life (ruclips.net/video/OP6jEdUQeZg/видео.html) is a roller-coaster of a song about suicidal thoughts, life, and pushing through. I have lyrics tattooed on me. Bear in mind, it is quite long (30mins) but worth every minute.
I love your reaction, especially because you also added your knowledge to everything you know about the music and the music instruments. Yes, X Japan are still around, and they have their official RUclips channel. Kurenai is one of my favorite songs! Thank you for noticing and taking some time to mention about Hide. Hide was one the band's most important members. May his soul rest in peace. His place now as one of the guitar players is taken by Sugizo, the one who also played the violin. It'd be great if you make more X Japan reaction videos. I'm subscribing right now!
X have been around since the 80s. This song was huge when i lived in Japan in the early 90s , 紅 is on their 2nd album Blue Blood and its killer . Yoshiki ( drums/ Piano) is a freakin musical genius .... I read once that when he learnt piano he was left hand dominant and his teacher tied it behind his back , and as a result he can now write a letter whist brushing his teeth..... glad they are being put on show thanx Frosty . ..... react silent Jealousy, Dahlia ,X ( the song) from same concert, or Rusty nail next
Wow !. The pioneers of the JRock !. The seeds of everything incredible that comes from there nowadays. You may be interested in ShowYa, a metal band from the same era, but all girls (the early precursors of japanese all girl rock bands).
in the term of JRock it's not correct... X Japan is a progressive/speed metal band from the beginning... & phrase of JRock made by Hide their Guitarist...
One of my favorite band of all time, the pianist from the intro is Yoshiki, he's also the drummer and the song writer for the band, and the violinist is Sugizo, he's also the guitartist for this band and Luna Sea, the lead singer Toshi had some really dark past, glad he's doing fine now.
LMAO - Chase: "It's Making me very Calm." Yoshiki : "Hang on a second, Hold my beer." (BTW, not sure if you noticed, Yoshiki is the guy playing piano in the beginning, he's also the drummer) I was introduced to X by a girl in Okinawa when I was stationed there. Here's the song that got me into them, It's called "Weekend" and you'll have to watch this if JUST for the hair. (I promise even the hair is worth it.): ruclips.net/video/tAJKHSYFpL0/видео.html
They are touring again and I think even have a new album, but X Japan officially disbanded in 1997. The details for why are super shady, because the singer, Toshi, was "brainwashed" with violence and threats to leave the band. It even got so bad afterwards that he lost all his money and went bankrupt. But nobody knew that at the time, the circumstances and everything were only made known 10+ years later. And because they didn't want to continue without him they disbanded. This was also something like the death of Metal in mainstream Japan for about 15 years. Yoshiki, the drummer and pianist (this was his custom made see through piano by the way, it's kind of legendary in Japan), became probably the most influencial Japanese producer and composer, in and outside of Japan. He worked for example with Roger Taylor, KISS, etc and composed a theme for a Grammy or Emmy awards show. He has his own label and owns or owned multiple recording studios in Japan and the US. I think it's safe to say they are the Japanese equivalent to Iron Maiden or Metallica. They sold out Tokyo Dome, capacity 55 - 60k, 5 new years in a row in the early to mid 90s for example (isn't the performance from this video also Tokyo Dome?). Ask a Japanese Rock/Metal musician to name a Japanese band or artist they get their inspiration from and they'll probably say X Japan or one of the members. And, as a few comments already said, they are a big influence of Babymetal because their manager/producer is a big fan of them. The whole thing with the neckbrace is a Yoshiki hommage, he damaged his neck because of too much headbanging during their shows and always needed to wear a neckbrace when he performed live. The Su-metal solo song Akatsuki is also something like an X Japan hommage and apparently another Su solo, No Rain No Rainbow, has influences from X Japan's Endless Rain (don't know if the last two facts are true, it's something I've read a few times). But the most important thing: You think their hair are impressive? Watch a show from the early 90s. THAT'S impressive! ;)
omg X Japan, throwback to my teenage years :D They have one song that's literally about 30 minutes long (I think the name was Art of Life). That is awesome even though it's so long.
thank you ! they created visual kei ! my favourite visual kei band is the GazettE, try the "Falling" live video on their official channel, it's amazing
So glad you're reacting to X-Japan. They were the standard bearer for J-Metal until the band broke up and Hide passed away. This performance is after the band got back together after a long hiatus. The most memorable and emotioanl of their performances, and one which I watched way too many times 20 years ago was their Last Live in the Tokyo Dome. If you want to get into X-Japan, that's one to watch.
Just FYI Gene Simmons of KISS said if Xjapan had been born in America they would have been the Biggest Band in the world 🌎
I agree
@@DavidBird-rg1cpAgree
For me they are the biggest band in the world😊
Fun fact: drum and piano player are the same person: yoshiki
i was just going to ask that :D
He's lost a bit of speed on the running double kick patterns, but considering the nerve and tendinitis problems that was limiting his piano playing and drumming, the fact he can still go completely balls out for a 90-120 minute sets at his age is amazing.
And since focusing on the Yoshiki Classical repitoire his identity as a piano soloist has really developed and you can clearly tell its Yoshiki after only a bar or two.
@@matthewarms3786 Not only speed, but also energy he had in his prime, he is still Yoshiki however. I would say, at this age piano suits him much better.
The clear body instruments tipped me off
And the violin player is one of the guitarists.
"lovin the hair"
Boy, I can't wait for this guy to find their 1988 videos
The pianist had to get to the drums and the violinist had to get to the guitar...best band in the world...❤❤❤❤
When you brought up liking KISS it reminded me that Gene Simmons once said that if X Japan was born in America they would have been the biggest band in the world.
Did you know KISS and X JAPAN performed together on stage last year? Together. For real.
I was like, wait what!? Two legends together.
Yoshiki is a genius! Watch the documentary "We are X" Highly recommended!
the Documentary was actually what got me to listen to X-Japan and really appreciate them more
Oh you need to do Endless Rain from the goodbye (called "The Last Live" often) show from when they disbanded. just the raw emotion on that stage, let alone the song itself, is enough to bring tears to my eyes every damn time.
Yes, please. To this day one of the most, if not the single most emotional live performance I have ever seen.
The Last Live is epic. Bit overlong (the cut), but still... We are X.
You have to do this song.
ruclips.net/video/7rwJIeN1M7o/видео.html
I Agree with this suggestion.... definitely do Endless Rain from the "The Last Live" concert. Last time Hide played with X Japan before his untimely death.
RIP Hide
RIP hide
Rip Hide
RIP Hide.
RIP Hide.
RIP Hide
I've lost close family to suicide at a young age and I can definitely feel Yoshiki's pain in his performances, you can feel his struggle to cope through his music, and given what happened to the other members of the band, especially Hide, X-Japan deserves the respect and love they recieve. Beautiul misic
The violin player is Sugizo, who is one of the members of Luna Sea, his 'main' band. X hasn't been active for awhile. The last time they played live was right before the pandemic hit. Kurenai (Crimson). There are so many excellent bands in Japan, metal/rock/alternative. All you need is to ask, and people will recommend bands all day. My personal fave is Dir En Grey. I suggest you delve into 'jrock/metal or Visual Kei... bands like Mucc, Lynch, Luna Sea, L'arc en Ciel, Glay, Loudness, One Ok Rock... the list is endless. And yes, both Sugizo and Yoshiki are classically trained. Yoshiki writes all the music.
Fun personal fact; Heath, (bassist), the bass player for Dir en Grey and the bassist for The Gazette, all influenced me to learn the bass at age 56 (I'm almost 60 now) I road trip to as many gigs as possible, and have been to Japan just once, sadly.
The neckbrace in Babymetal's "Headbanger" video is a tribute to X-Japan's drummer :)
Amazing!!!
thats a YES!! :)
Also the clear piano shows up in some later BABYMETAL shows too
@@turbozed Moa and Yui pretended to play it a few times when the intro for Akatsuki changed I believe
Also the collapse they used to do at the end of live Headbanger performances
X Japan is an absolute classic, they inspired whole generation of Japan bands, thanks for the react
Did one is great, but I recommend more of their last live version 1997 of Kurenai. The energy is insane, and they are in their prime.
Please this right here. It will be like you never heard this song before when going to that version. Or the one in 1992 from The Verge of Destruction.
@@Cerotis203 yes! 1992 they gave their all strength on that 3 days concert specially toshl
@@Cerotis203 yes I love d 3 days concert in 1992. They were all gave they all strength on that concert especially Toshl .
@@wren7830 TAIJI, HIDE, TOSHI, YOSHIKI, PATA... REAL X JAPAN
X should have ruled the world back then... their songs are classics literally...
No so easy to rule the world with internal disputes and your members leaving and killing themselves.
@@aegonthedragon6341 Vocalist left because he got brainwashed by a cult.
Hide committed suicide after the band broke up - and it is widely believed that his suicide was accidental as he was found doing the same thing Yoshiki (and the others including Hide) did to fix backpains aka - towel and doorknob, it is believed that Hide was drunk, tried the technique and subsequently died.
The bassist Taiji also died after the band broke up and his death is quite odd in terms of how it happened.
The band itself would have been huge world wide, but their US release kinda went bad, mostly because the US didn't take to kindly to foreigners back then.
RIP Hide.
This song is came out 1989. It's more than 30 years ago, but never gets old.
Hello from Finland. I'm big Nightwish fan since their early days. I found XJAPAN about 14 years ago and fall in love right away, their backround story is unbelievable and their fans are as fanatical as Nightwish have. I saw them live in Wembley arena 2017, dreams can come true :)
My favorite songs are Rusty nail and Say anything.
Not just an ordinary "reaction" video, but also a serious, professional, technically down-to-earth music review. Thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I appreciate the kind words
😊best reaction I've seen.
As I’m sure many people already said, Yoshiki (pianist/drummer) is an absolute genius. Writer, composer, humanitarian, super hero (look it up, Stan Lee made it happen) who has rocked Tokyo Dome and brought Carnegie Hall to tears.
I only recently discovered X Japan when The Last RockStars invited Band-Maid to open for them. Yoshiki (piano/drums) and Sugizo (violin/guitar) are in TLRS and also in X Japan. X Japan is categorized as a "Visual Kei" band, which is not so much a genre of music as a style of presentation. In this performance of 'Kuranai', X Japan's visual presentation is actually tame! You need to watch a sequence of X Japan concert videos starting from 1988 and going year by year up into the 2000's to appreciate their monumental visual impact on the Japanese music scene. Performances of 'Kuranai', 'Rusty Nail', "Endless Rain', etc. over the years show the look of the band evolving from crazy tall spiked hair and gigantic mohawks, outrageous make-up to wild Glam-Rock costumes, into almost tame Hair-Metal glitz. The visual evolution is amazing, but the music is a constant. As you can see, the packed stadium audience knows all the songs by heart and is pogoing and singing along the entire time. In Japan the members of X Japan are Rock Idols. they built a museum to commemorate Hide, the late pink haired guitarist in the red suit.
Oh my god I'm so glad you came across X-Japan. This band is one of the all-time great, but still criminally underrated. A TON of modern eastern as well as western bands owes them so much. Kurenai is one of my favourites but there are so many tunes I would recommend! Endless Rain, Art Of Life, Rusty Nail, Silent Jealousy, X, Dahlia, Crucify My Love...
X Japan is a legend in J-Rock/Metal music scene. I see everyone mentioned Yoshiki but i would like to mention Sugizo the violinist, he''s actually has a band which also well known : LUNA SEA. Go check them out, Gravity, I For You, In SIlence, Rosier are some of their hits.
so happy that you checked X Japan, that is very dramatic band. Yoshiki - piano and Sugizo - Violin are both classically trained from 4 yo. Sugizo original from Luna sea band, he is my favorite guitarist. He also have solo work and like to experiment with different music stiles, working with musicians from different countries... I was in Yoshiki classical solo concert when he was touring in Europe and was amazing. X Japan and Luna Sea are my big wishes to see live
next reaction for x japan: rose of pain, silent jealousy and if you like some sad and romantic songs: tears and endless rain
You. I like your taste :)
OMG, SILENT JEALOUSY LIVE, YESSSSS
The Rose of Pain version from X Japan w/ orchestra 1990 is amazing. The classical and romantic influences of Yoshiki and Hide are front and center and Toshi's voice and hair were in fine form.
I'm not even a huge fan of symphonic metal but Rose of Pain is an absolute masterpiece.
You forgot Weekend!
This is the band that got me to play music when I was 15 (that’s good solid 25 years ago). I was so sad when Hide (the previous guitarist) passed away. And too bad, they have been on hiatus for quite some years now. At least I was lucky enough to see them live once.
If you can spare 40 minutes, listen to „Art of Life“. One of the best songs ever written. You don’t even have to make a reaction, even though it would be amazing, just... listen to it.
And everything else from X Japan ;) We are X!
I am surprised I had to go down this far down the comment list to find a suggestion of "Art of Life"! Is this some kind of "he is not ready" stuff that some NIGHTWISH fans use to pull? :)) Anyway, knowing Chase now, he IS damn ready, and he should just go for it - "Art of Life", nuff said...
Yep, that one is a must. Amazing piano, drums, guitars, vocals (and hair), you’re in for a ride, Chase!
EPIC!!!
I second this. I think it's the greatest song ever composed
Art of Life is my favorite song of all time (please don't tell Bohemian Rhapsody I said this, they might get jealous "-.- ).
One of my favorite bands for sure, and nobody is reacting to them! Of course it had to be you, Chase, really enjoyed this. This is the one band of which I'm a fan and I can say I love all their ballads without shame =)
Glad I got to it and glad you enjoyed it.
I've just discovered this song by pure chance. I'm normally listening to Powerwolf, Sabaton and Rammstein, but I've added 3 or 4 Japanese songs to the playlist, and Spotify was like "Hey kid, wanna try some J-Pop?". And so I've tried and it was totally worth it.
I've had tears in my eyes at the end of the Remastered (2014) version of Kurenai on Spotify, so now I'm digging around :3
More XJapan !!
They have one of the most magical live performances ever. The crowd sings the entire song, it's mad !!
Yoshiki: drumer and piano. Sugizo: violin and guitar
The singing of the crowd gave me the most goosebumps. Awesome band!
Oooh, the greatest band of Japan and their greatest song. Gosh, childhood memories. I remember paying insane money for recordings of their concerts in Japan back then. Every time Yoshiki collapsed during that song, usually during this Acapella section. I really thought his drummer career was over when it was stated he can't play live anymore. And Hide, I cried when I heard of his death. He was such a lovable little devil. I really miss those days.
First row in their concert in Perú, only 3000 persons in a smal stage but was magical. So few know of them. Japanese traveled to Perú to have the oportunity to see them closer than in Japan concerts. I LOVE THEM!
The Drummer is the Piano player at the beginning and also the composer/writer
The Violinist is one of the guitarists
You mentioned hair. You need to see some of their older videos. Weekend or Rose of Pain
There is a documentary DVD "We are X" you would probably like
actually to make great tribute for their guitarist (hideto matsumoto), in their reunion concert at 2008 they make his hologram on the stage (long before tupac hologram in 2012) & ask 10 guitarist around the world to play on the stage (include guns & roses, limp bizkit etc). & when they make PV for OST SAW IV Called I.V. they put hide Guitar in that PV too .
Owh btw all of them already had wax figures in madame tussaud too
One of the best asian band from their era
The man with the pink hair and yellow guitar is the legendary Hide. (Hideto Matsumoto)
They played pre COVID at Coachella in 2018. It was cast on RUclips and they were excellent!
Great to see new people still finding their way to this legendary band. The songs, the artists, the stories, it's almost unreal. A not so old movie/documentary named We Are X might be interesting for you as well.
Oh yes! Super excited every time someone finds out about X Japan. Such a treasure. The story about this band.. there is nothing like it really and the music is very special too. Not much in this world gets me as passionate as when I get the chance to nerd out on this band and their story. After a couple of reactions please do make sure you watch the documentary We Are X.
This is my favorite song of all time!! Hence my name. You NEED to watch their documentary We Are X! I highly recommend it. You have to check out their early stuff when their original guitarist HIDE and original bassist Taiji (who inspired me to learn bass) were still alive. Anything from their Blue Blood tour. They were always an amazing band. And Yoshiki-sama, is a musical god!!
My favourite song too!
They're classic! I'm a fan since the 90s. Watching this again made me cry.
I have experienced a lot of cool stuff in my life. But nothing has, and maybe never will be, as cool as seeing X Japan live.
X Japan is known for their very well and beautifully composed solo.
X Japan was (still is) a legend in Korea while I was growing up. Their visual has gotten old but not the music! Rip Hide!!
This was one of my favorite songs back when I started listening to X Japan.
Can I just say, I love the person who requested this to you because they picked this version :) As much as I love the Last Live one this really deserves some attention, too and the violin at the beginning gets me every time - usually this part is played by hide, the guitarist who passed away. And they filled his spot so beautifully here.
As you were talking about the quality: I feel like the 'decline' in quality is mostly a 'western' thing. Most asian, and especially Japanese bands I know of actually sound better live then on CD. Not only do they have fantastic sound engineers during their live shows, it's like you mentioned with the violin, you can hear all the raw and delicate emotions dripping from their souls through their instruments. I like a lot of western bands but I find this way more frecently with asian bands.
Should you ever buy a DVD/Blu-ray: They are very expensive. My favorite lives are the Last Live from 1998 and the Aoi/Shiroi Yoru lives.
Finally! Someone i follow doing X Japan. Can I recommend "I.V. (HD) - 10/12 2010.08.15 X JAPAN WORLD TOUR Live in YOKOHAMA" on youtube? The emotion in this performance gets me every time. If you look into what the song is about, it will make it all the more impactful. This band has been through some heavy sh*t
They had a special rule for their LIVE, fans weren't allowed to jump to the music because the last time they did, caused an actual earthquake in the neighborhood.
Wow! Talk about the power of fans :D
oh yes! X JAPAN, what a legendary band. Honestly if it wasn't for them I don't know how it would be the rock/metal scene in Japan nowadays.. They were a HUUUUGE influence for rock and metal in Japan.
I almost crapped when I saw this video! X-Japan has been a favorite of mine for almost 20 years now! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
THANK YOU for supporting!!!
So nice to hear a "new" reaction for X Japan... love this band.... awesome reaction. Cannot wait to hear which one you react to next.
I love this song, this band. Huge fan of Hide, the guitarist who passed away. The impact this band has on modern groups is immense. At the start Toshi yells out "Kurenai Da"; at the start of Akatsuki Su-metal yells out "Akatski Da". Babymetal's crossed arms in an X. The neckbrace, which Yoshiki wre fore years after he injured his neck headbanging. X is in the dna of today's artists.
And they are still pure fire live
I always thought it was a cool coincidence that Su was born within 11 days of their Last Live performance. X-Japan broke up and the J-Metal gods made sure balance was restored by giving us SU-METAL
@@turbozed BABYMETAL’s history is such a random set of strange coincidences that it almost makes you believe in their mythos
"We are" .... X / Babymetal
...and THAT's how the expression "carrying the flag" gains a strong meaning... through Babymetal or any other ... Legends like X Japan will carry on living because they set the foundations... Nice!! So awesome!
@@highspeedstrongstyle9061 only the Fox God knows
Wow! ... just wow!!!🤩😮 Frosty you are the man! And Chase that you for reacting to this I’ve heard their name in passing before but never looked at them to my utter shame and lose I now have another rabbit hole I must go down. We in the west really need to start getting to know more Japanese music there’s something definitely in the water over there that we are missed 🥺✌️
They are the godfather of almost all current Japanese metal bands., so to speak. Their influence has been huge . By the way ,the vocalist got trapped by a cult group later.
Nah, that's way before this. They break at the end 1997 after "The Last Live" because Toshi (Vocal) was trapped by the cult group and brain washed. Then they got reunited at around 2008, too bad HIDE passed away at 1998 so they have Suzigo as lead guitarist.
One thing I love X Japan is their live has way more power than the album version and you can really feel their energy even through screen.
Kurenai is the most iconic metal song of Japan and X-Japan is the most iconic metal Band of Japan, simple as that.
They are so so so huge in Japan, that when Hide (pink hair guy) passed away (suicide) triggered a wave of suicides among young people in Japan, such was the influence of Hide and the band on young people in the country.
I think you are ready to go with ART OF LIFE, a 27 minutes masterpiece (live version)
Check out the We are X Japan dvd about the band 🤩 lots of tragedy behind this band. Love them!
ピアノからドラムいく時は止めちゃいかん。リアクションは最高。
外人のリアクターはこんな感じよ。音楽もアニメもいちいち止めて評論家ごっこする悪い癖がある。視聴しながら又は終わってから感想言うという発想が無い😅アタオカです
曲の途中で中断して良いけど、止め過ぎだよ しかも唄のサビの途中で止めるなんて 歌の聞き方として最悪最低
何言ってんだ、著作権の関係で頻繁に中断しないとbanされる
Thanks for picking X Japan. I'm a huge fan of theirs and yes they are still around.
I'm sure someone has to have mentioned the We Are X Documentary, but just in case. Check it out.
Just came across your reaction video and loved it! I discovered X Japan only last year and, yes, Kurenai was the song that made my whole family fall in love instantly. As today is the birthday of bandleader YOSHIKI, it's the perfect time for recommending more X Japan reactions! As the other commentators already suggested: Art of Life (1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome, 34:18 minutes), Jade, Dahlia (Dahlia Tour Final), Rose of Pain (acoustic version), Voiceless Screaming, Crucify My Love, Rusty Nail, Silent Jealousy. And, to get an impression about the late guitarist's (HIDE'S) oeuvre, please also check Drain from Last Live.
Found out this amazing band back in early 90's when 'jealousy' was released and reached our shores here in Sabah, Malaysia. The Power and Speed Metal band with a heavy symphonic elements. Loudwire named them as the best Japan metal band in 2017. They are the founder of visual 'Kei' (western terms of Glam) and influenced many bands since....Must see their 'Last Live' concert at Tokyo Dome in Dec. 31, 1997. Check out their most played ballads (heavy on piano) like 'Endless Rain', 'Forever Love', 'Say Anything' 'Longing', 'Tears' and 'The Last Song'. Legend's
If you do endless rain at the last live you'll cry, IV is also killer, Jade, Art of life. I could go on, these guys are one of my favorite bands right up there with Nightwish
Saw these guys play at Madison Square Gardens about 6 years ago, their show is a ton of fun. But really I think their best stuff was 88-91 when their entire approach from visuals to musical blend was brand new. I would kill to be able to see them during that heyday.
So jealous
Hell yes, X Japan! Not seen this version of Kurenai before, I think it might be my favourite. As for them still being around, they tend to get together for a few big concerts on a semi regular basis, and there's even a new album thats been recorded (though god alone knows when Toshi will release it).
Blame Yoshiki for the delays... he’s never satisfied with what’s recorded!
Watched the documentary, first time even hearing of them. OMG! The talent is off the charts! Kind of obsessed right now.
Great reaction and another rabbit hole to explore. As most of the others have already mentioned, they were the biggest band in Japan for years and what inspired a lot of future bands (Babymetal is one). Sadly, a lot of Japanese music never made it out of Japan and now because of YT and reactors we are now able to see what was brewing in Japan for years and now is spilling out to the rest of the world for everyone's enjoyment.
Say Anything by X Japan too, the raw emotions displayed in the song. They are good at ballad too you know, beautiful renditions of it.
Yoshiki, drummer and pianist, has done classical piano albums including one produced by George Martin. He moves in elevated circles. His scarf was once blown by the wind into Queen Elizabeth's face. He was a guest in the royal box at the Windsor Polo Cup. He was very embarrassed. Saiki from Band-Maid once appeared on his Japanese TV show, and had to sing one of his famous songs while he accompanied her on the piano. She was nervous as hell. Used to be a RUclips video but I can't find it.
She was so nervous, I do remember that !
The thing is, crowds in Japan at concerts are usually very calm and collected apart from cheers in between the songs, and they are singing this song aloud with the band! That's how you know this band is incredibly loved over there.
Just a note. I don't know if you realized that the guy playing the piano intro is actually the drummer, Yoshiki (who is also the main composer)!! Their best song is (hands down) The Art of Life. A 29 minute EPIC song, dealing with Yoshiki's suicidal tendencies after a personal tragedy, which is arguably the very first piece of symphonic metal ever composed. There is a live version on RUclips, so I hope you get around to doing that at some point. Yoshiki's performance on the piano on that one, is something you don't want to miss, and one of THE best performances you'll ever see by anyone on that instrument! Cheers!
art of life is a master peace
I prefer Rose of Pain though
I am so glad you enjoyed this song! I've loved this band for a long time and this is a favorite song of mine. They are still around though a new album hasn't been released in a long time. I believe some of their more recent singles should still be in the iTunes store. Your reaction reminds me why I love X Japan so much!
Oh! And if you want more crazy audience participation, X or Endless Rain are great!
This throws me back 15 years when I found X Japan. Good reaction mate!
next reaction for x japan:
- endless rain the last live
- rusty nail the last live
- Art Of Life Live at Tokyo Dome 1993
- Forever Love
you should to react Hide
- Dice
- Pink spider
All of this please
You should try Misery and Tell Me by Hide. These two are my favourite songs from Hide’s band
Yoshiki, the pianist and drummer was requested to play for the current emperor when he took the throne. He's basically john lennon over there.
Frosty told me this! That's awesome.
You looks really happy and enjoying the time of X JAPAN I am so glad.
I'm sorry if I make a mistake in English.
I went to the concert in the video. I was really impressed to hear it.They are a legendary band in Japan.
I was happy to see your reaction.
Awesome to meet a fellow fan here :) I went there too and was oh so impressed by it. Pure love!!!
Thank you Chase Carneson for your reaction to this song!
on this version, you hear more guitars than you see on the stage because there is playback of hide's (the guy you saw on the video panels) guitar from "the last live" show they had in december 1997, hide died just months later. i prefer listening to "the last live" version over this more recent show because TOSHl sounded even better on that show.
i believe yoshiki (drummer and pianist) even brings hide's iconic yellow guitar and puts on the stage whenever and wherever x japan plays shows to this day
Yes please man. More x japan. It is iconic for j rock and they are sooo good. And olso a very recomend you group Luna sea. Sugizo, the guitaris from this video with violin is from them. He is very respec guitaris in Japan. He has olso solo project combine rock and electronic. Very deep and emocional.
Goosebumps right! This is it right here. Fun fact, the pianist and drummer was the same dude!
This was special!!!
@@ChaseCarneson There are some songs where he goes from the drums to piano to back to drums mid-song. One I can think of off the top of my head is "Weekend" from their Last Live Tokyo Dome show. On RUclips you can find a 2-set of Rusty Nail and Weekend from the Last Live if you're looking for another X-Japan song to react to
Wow I may just stumbled on my new favourite channel. There are so many metal react channel but a few of them actually react to j-rock or j-metal. I always like seeing people discover the beauty of Japanese music
I love love LOVE that you love them! They are still around, and I had the pleasure if seeing them at Madison Square Garden and I cried like a baby lol. It was such an emotional high.
Gene Simmons said himself that if this band was born in the states instead of Japan, they'd be the biggest band in the world.
The drummer Yoshiki very good friends with Gene as well as other huge stars here in the States and Europe (hell he played a duet with Marilyn Manson for his cover of Sweet Dreams). He is also like the Tuomos of the group writing most of the material and is the brain/heart behind a lot of their work. He also is numb almost completely in his left hand (?), so the fact he plays piano so well is amazing.
That being said, I highly recommend checking out their magnum opus, Art of Life (ruclips.net/video/OP6jEdUQeZg/видео.html) is a roller-coaster of a song about suicidal thoughts, life, and pushing through. I have lyrics tattooed on me.
Bear in mind, it is quite long (30mins) but worth every minute.
I'm glad I pre-read through the posts, because you hit on pretty much everything I wanted to say!
Like Nightwish, X can hit you right in the feels. They are The. Best. Band. Ever.
Music, is more than anything else: emotion !
I love your reaction, especially because you also added your knowledge to everything you know about the music and the music instruments. Yes, X Japan are still around, and they have their official RUclips channel. Kurenai is one of my favorite songs! Thank you for noticing and taking some time to mention about Hide. Hide was one the band's most important members. May his soul rest in peace. His place now as one of the guitar players is taken by Sugizo, the one who also played the violin.
It'd be great if you make more X Japan reaction videos. I'm subscribing right now!
X have been around since the 80s. This song was huge when i lived in Japan in the early 90s , 紅 is on their 2nd album Blue Blood and its killer . Yoshiki ( drums/ Piano) is a freakin musical genius .... I read once that when he learnt piano he was left hand dominant and his teacher tied it behind his back , and as a result he can now write a letter whist brushing his teeth..... glad they are being put on show thanx Frosty . ..... react silent Jealousy, Dahlia ,X ( the song) from same concert, or Rusty nail next
yoshi is also a fantastic pianist he has played with the symphony orchestra of londin is fantastic
I'm a huge fan from 20 years, I went to see them live in 2011, seeing your react makes me feel very well, it is so honest!
In many concerts they actually had holograms of hide playing live with them, super cool stuff.
Wow !. The pioneers of the JRock !. The seeds of everything incredible that comes from there nowadays. You may be interested in ShowYa, a metal band from the same era, but all girls (the early precursors of japanese all girl rock bands).
in the term of JRock it's not correct... X Japan is a progressive/speed metal band from the beginning... & phrase of JRock made by Hide their Guitarist...
One of my favorite band of all time, the pianist from the intro is Yoshiki, he's also the drummer and the song writer for the band, and the violinist is Sugizo, he's also the guitartist for this band and Luna Sea, the lead singer Toshi had some really dark past, glad he's doing fine now.
LMAO -
Chase: "It's Making me very Calm."
Yoshiki : "Hang on a second, Hold my beer." (BTW, not sure if you noticed, Yoshiki is the guy playing piano in the beginning, he's also the drummer)
I was introduced to X by a girl in Okinawa when I was stationed there. Here's the song that got me into them, It's called "Weekend" and you'll have to watch this if JUST for the hair. (I promise even the hair is worth it.): ruclips.net/video/tAJKHSYFpL0/видео.html
Thumbs up for Chase! Yeah, I like this! Good call Frosty!
Much appreciated
They are touring again and I think even have a new album, but X Japan officially disbanded in 1997. The details for why are super shady, because the singer, Toshi, was "brainwashed" with violence and threats to leave the band. It even got so bad afterwards that he lost all his money and went bankrupt. But nobody knew that at the time, the circumstances and everything were only made known 10+ years later. And because they didn't want to continue without him they disbanded. This was also something like the death of Metal in mainstream Japan for about 15 years.
Yoshiki, the drummer and pianist (this was his custom made see through piano by the way, it's kind of legendary in Japan), became probably the most influencial Japanese producer and composer, in and outside of Japan. He worked for example with Roger Taylor, KISS, etc and composed a theme for a Grammy or Emmy awards show. He has his own label and owns or owned multiple recording studios in Japan and the US.
I think it's safe to say they are the Japanese equivalent to Iron Maiden or Metallica. They sold out Tokyo Dome, capacity 55 - 60k, 5 new years in a row in the early to mid 90s for example (isn't the performance from this video also Tokyo Dome?). Ask a Japanese Rock/Metal musician to name a Japanese band or artist they get their inspiration from and they'll probably say X Japan or one of the members. And, as a few comments already said, they are a big influence of Babymetal because their manager/producer is a big fan of them. The whole thing with the neckbrace is a Yoshiki hommage, he damaged his neck because of too much headbanging during their shows and always needed to wear a neckbrace when he performed live. The Su-metal solo song Akatsuki is also something like an X Japan hommage and apparently another Su solo, No Rain No Rainbow, has influences from X Japan's Endless Rain (don't know if the last two facts are true, it's something I've read a few times).
But the most important thing: You think their hair are impressive? Watch a show from the early 90s. THAT'S impressive! ;)
omg X Japan, throwback to my teenage years :D They have one song that's literally about 30 minutes long (I think the name was Art of Life). That is awesome even though it's so long.
I've been warned about this beast.
X Japan one of the top 3 Japanese metal bands, along with Galynarus & Versailles. Great reaction.
cool, not many people realize how great that is
This is a FACT
thank you ! they created visual kei ! my favourite visual kei band is the GazettE, try the "Falling" live video on their official channel, it's amazing
YOSHIKI (the drummer and the guy that the piano) does have a classical background!
The best reaction I've ever seen. X is amazing and I was born too late to enjoy them live, but you should keep reacting to their music!!!
thx for reacting to one my favourite bands. XJapan and Hide love forever
The pink haired guy was the original guitarist and the violinist stepped in afterwards.
So glad you're reacting to X-Japan. They were the standard bearer for J-Metal until the band broke up and Hide passed away. This performance is after the band got back together after a long hiatus.
The most memorable and emotioanl of their performances, and one which I watched way too many times 20 years ago was their Last Live in the Tokyo Dome. If you want to get into X-Japan, that's one to watch.