my favourite bass player in the world. such a legend. he made mistakes but that is a part of being human, which you can't hold against him, hypocrite. rest in peace taiji, wherever you are.
From what I've heard many times, the true reason why Taiji got fired is that he tried to talk the other members into rebelling against Yoshiki's leadership. He felt that the band had gone too soft, and that they were all underpaid, and that Yoshiki was only using them for his own personal glory. That's why Yoshiki and the management had no choice but fire him before he started a mutiny within the band and caused irreparable damage. I guess this is what Yoshiki means in We are X when he says "he did something that he never should have done. I really can't tell you more, except that if we hadn't fired him, it would have been the end of X". I really don't think it was related to drug abuse. Case in point, L'arc~en~ciel survived the scandal following Sakura's arrest for heroin possession.
Thank you for the information...it makes sense. I must say, Yoshiki has a lot of integrity to have remained silent about this issue. Even when he was called "the bad guy" he never placed the blame to defend himself, and even still today. I believe this says so much about the man and his character. I'm just so glad they are still together and still honor hide.
I love X Japan, all of them. I don't think we can really speculate in the way we try to though. I think the "evidence" that we may have surrounding any mysteries (including Hide's death, Taiji's death or dismissal from X) could never be complete or thorough enough for a true account. The skill that Taiji had as a musician is undeniable however. There is plenty reliable evidence of that.
Thanks a lot for this video for Taiji! It reminds me of the research I did on him during the early years. I remember Yoshiki mentioned that back in 1980s, during early times of X, Taiji and Hide were actually the leaders of the band. Taiji was the main arranger of X and he even helped Yoshiki with his drumming. Perhaps, he was technically the best of X at the early stage. What a great musician...
Yeah, Taiji seemed to have a lot of input on their first albums...and you're welcome. I'll probably start working on a Luna Sea Spotlight soon. Few other people have recently recommended them lol
I always felt yoshiki kicked him out because he wanted to do more metal songs rather than ballads. You guys should do a synopsis video on the autobiography!
judging by Taiji's life, I'd say that it was drug related. You know how seriously Japan takes that, it could've ruined their career or some other serious stuff. Taiji may have said that in his book but later on when he was asked about it all he'd say is that he knew he had to leave, he also said that it was probably a group decision but Yoshiki was the one that told him because he is the leader. In Japan it also seems like a strong rumor that it was actually Sony the one forcing Yoshiki to fire him.
Yeah I heard the rumors about Sony doing that. For some reason, in We are X, Yoshiki didn't present it that way...but yeah that could still be a possibility.
Phoenix Splash TV probably because that would seem even sketchy. I think he probably just wants to keep X and Taiji in a good light, whatever happened must've been bad
Phoenix Splash TV I had a friend who played drums in a band, ofcourse all of them did all kinds of shit together, but one day he slept with the lead singer's girlfriend, at that time he was going through an alcohol addiction which somewhat affected his skills but then we could say that about most of the other members too, next day he goes to a gig to discover that he had been fired, the lead singer had come to know that his girlfriend had slept with my friend...That thing made me realise how fragile relationships between a band can be, it is pratically like living with a family, imagine if you fcked your brother's ex-girlfriend, it was saddening to say the least...
The fact that Yoshiki doesn’t want to talk about why he fired Taiji raises a lot of speculation, but in my opinion it was just a matter of money and creative control. That’s very common in Western bands: battle of egos, money, etc. But I’m sure not so much in Japan, where society is ruled by a strong sense of hierarchy and everyone implicitly learns what their place is, even in rock bands. When Yoshiki created X he kind of took the others in under certain conditions. Taiji was a rebel and I guess he just didn’t conform to it and that is considered a big deal in that context. He was also the youngest member and that might have meant a huge disrispect. That might be the rule he broke, the line he crossed, and that may be the fact Yoshiki doesn’t want to talk about it. Also, Taiji being dead and dying in tragic circumstances he might think it doesn’t matter anymore.
leon jo Yeah. And hide was the oldest lol (which I always find hard to believe). I don't know, maybe it was much more simple than that and it was just a clash of egos.
I honestly feel that Yoahiki didn't say much in the documentary cuz he was worried about destroying the image of Taiji whatever anyone likes to say about Yoshiki you can really see that he does care very deeply about the people he's had in his life I don't think he wanted the image of his Fallen Friend tarnished by mentioning things from the past that don't matter anyway however on a side note you can clearly tell that there's more going on than meets the eye I believe there might have in some aspects to the relationship between him and Yoshiki and Hide that maybe they couldn't talk about or be open with at the time and Yoshiki thinks that it's too late to bring it up now.
Taiji is was a great bass player but, just like about everyone in X Japan, had his demons and I think those demons made it impossible for the others to handle him. Obviously there wasn't any bad blood between him and Yoshiki anymore but given that both of them and Hide had some serious trigger temper. Probably Taiji did indeed cross the line somewhere and their record label made clear that Yoshiki had to fire him. I mean, if I hear all those stories from their prime they were a nightmare to handle. There is a point where someone gets fed up with it.
Yeah. I always thought Taiji may have been involved with some bad people or was involved with drugs. Even Marijuana is enough to kill any career in Japan.
the biggest possibility is drugs I think. They were all heavy drinkers but ironically, drugs are seriously a no-no in Japan. When signed to a major label, doing drugs can ruin the entire band. Yoshiki does say in the docu that if he hadn't fired Taiji, X would have been over. There is only one possible explanation for that: drugs. And this is why he doesn't talk about details, either. To admit that one of their members was doing illegal stuff, would still be a big deal in Japan. Enough to tarnish their reputation and also to tarnish a dead person's reputation. And probably this is also why Taiji doesn't mention drugs in his biography. It would have ruined his career to admit to it. He did seem like the type of guy who would try anything. Of course, we will never know the real reasons, it's just speculation. But I think the money reason is just bogus explanation. The other members were not against Taiji's firing, and they also don't talk about it. I don't think they are soooo afraid of Yoshiki that they would keep their mouths shut if it were simple money issues. It must be something bigger, something that would really ruin the band if it came to be known.
I think Taiji did something incredibly dishonorable. Whatever rule of the band he broke was dangerous and wreck less enough that it put the entire band at jeopardy. Given that fact, I think he did something shady that if it got out to the public, it would have been an automatic career ended for everyone. It's highly possible that he and Yoshiki are telling the truth. It's highly possible he did shady underground business like selling X's music or leaked it for money.
1 story is that Taiji and Hide always got into fights and Hide finally had enough and asked Yoshiki to get rid of him. The 2nd is that the musical differences; Yoshiki mentioned Taiji would piss him off a times because he would tell him how the drums should sound.
The one question I've had in the 31 years I've been a fan is the fact that Taiji is inked...from growing up having a friend's mother who was Japanese that tattoos were a major no no, because of the Yakuza, but I'm guessing that it fit into the rebellious nature of the band...I am relieved that the band now has 2 tattooed members in Heath and Sugizo...which means that the rebellious nature has not gone away now that the band, like myself, are in their 50's...
Hmm interesting theory. But even if he done something to Yoshiki, I don't think that is the reason Yoshiki kick him out. Considering both of them are short temper & direct, they will resolve any personal matter with fighting and fist. The three of them including hide are famous for destruction and wreaking havoc on bar and hotel. I'm more inclined to believe story of him doing drugs or involved something illegal and Sony force Yoshiki fired him. No hate for Taiji from me. Just sympathy. He was a very talented individual. Should he live longer & healthier (I believe he has stroke or epilepsy not long before and after his last performance with x japan) we would enjoy his bass more and probably sometimes joining stage with X as guest? I don't believe he hate yoshiki or yoshiki hate him. I also don't understand about this phenomena in x fandom that hate one member or undermining one member over the others
I agree 100%! He looked so unwell in the last performance with X Japan, I thought definitely heavy alcohol abuse bloating and one side of his face didn't look right, so a stroke could be the answer. I cried when I saw the love of the guys towards him and pulling him out from the back brings me to tears every time I watch. That was an incredible reunion and I'm happy he still hopefully felt love by his friends and fans.
I don't think its drug related. The timing of firing Taiji was weird, right before their 3 live shows, with no planning of new bass player. It's a such urgent decision. I heard some rumors that Taiji offended local mafia or higher management from Sony, so Taiji has to leave. This is also why, he had such bad life after leaving X. As a such famous bass player/rock star, he should be able to live a better life.
Correction: Taiji isn't the first bassist of X-Japan. It was Hikaru who left together with Jun, X's first guitarist in 1986. X was actually a 4-piece band way back in their indie years. That's all I know.
As far as their first production/album/composition goes, Taiji was the initial bass player starting with Vanishing vision. I don't really count the countless previous members like Terry, Tomo etc. because I feel like in that period of time, X was still trying to find permanent members. "Paying their dues" is what they call it. This happens in most bands before they release their initial album or single.
@@PhoenixSplash Thanks for posting, I just finished it. So interesting and also sad, knowing the outcome. The deaths of hide and Taiji are just heartbreaking.
Taiji mentioned everyone in X hates him at the time he left... and there's one saying that the main reason was he sold X's songs (written by himself?) to others...
The biggest theory about why Taiji was kicked out of the band is that he was using drugs and it was becoming too obvious. We can't confirm or deny it, since Yoshiki refuses to talk about it.
Phoenix Splash TV I think Yoshiki wanted to protect the band's image and to keep anyone from getting into trouble with the authorities. Japan's drug laws are way more strict than US drug laws.
HexManiacHana It’s a possibility. Yoshiki once stated in an interview that their only rule was to never do drugs. And given that Larc also had their dark times when a member was caught with heroin possession, yea...
my favourite bass player in the world. such a legend. he made mistakes but that is a part of being human, which you can't hold against him, hypocrite.
rest in peace taiji, wherever you are.
Taiji has always been one of my favorite bassists his style of looks was allot more western than X and so was his play style
Yeah, he had a totally different style than the rest of them lol
From what I've heard many times, the true reason why Taiji got fired is that he tried to talk the other members into rebelling against Yoshiki's leadership. He felt that the band had gone too soft, and that they were all underpaid, and that Yoshiki was only using them for his own personal glory.
That's why Yoshiki and the management had no choice but fire him before he started a mutiny within the band and caused irreparable damage.
I guess this is what Yoshiki means in We are X when he says "he did something that he never should have done. I really can't tell you more, except that if we hadn't fired him, it would have been the end of X".
I really don't think it was related to drug abuse. Case in point, L'arc~en~ciel survived the scandal following Sakura's arrest for heroin possession.
Thank you for the information...it makes sense. I must say, Yoshiki has a lot of integrity to have remained silent about this issue. Even when he was called "the bad guy" he never placed the blame to defend himself, and even still today. I believe this says so much about the man and his character. I'm just so glad they are still together and still honor hide.
I love X Japan, all of them. I don't think we can really speculate in the way we try to though. I think the "evidence" that we may have surrounding any mysteries (including Hide's death, Taiji's death or dismissal from X) could never be complete or thorough enough for a true account. The skill that Taiji had as a musician is undeniable however. There is plenty reliable evidence of that.
You're darn right. If there's anything of certainty in Taiji, it's his skill.
Gosh, I remember watching his bass solo for the first time, I was like good grief, he sure can hit that bass
Thanks a lot for this video for Taiji!
It reminds me of the research I did on him during the early years. I remember Yoshiki mentioned that back in 1980s, during early times of X, Taiji and Hide were actually the leaders of the band. Taiji was the main arranger of X and he even helped Yoshiki with his drumming. Perhaps, he was technically the best of X at the early stage. What a great musician...
Yeah, Taiji seemed to have a lot of input on their first albums...and you're welcome. I'll probably start working on a Luna Sea Spotlight soon. Few other people have recently recommended them lol
I always felt yoshiki kicked him out because he wanted to do more metal songs rather than ballads. You guys should do a synopsis video on the autobiography!
That would be fun! We do have that whole thing translated...there's a lot of neat things in there too lol
yes! Finally! I was waiting for this one. He is my favorite bass players of all time.
judging by Taiji's life, I'd say that it was drug related. You know how seriously Japan takes that, it could've ruined their career or some other serious stuff. Taiji may have said that in his book but later on when he was asked about it all he'd say is that he knew he had to leave, he also said that it was probably a group decision but Yoshiki was the one that told him because he is the leader.
In Japan it also seems like a strong rumor that it was actually Sony the one forcing Yoshiki to fire him.
Yeah I heard the rumors about Sony doing that. For some reason, in We are X, Yoshiki didn't present it that way...but yeah that could still be a possibility.
Phoenix Splash TV probably because that would seem even sketchy. I think he probably just wants to keep X and Taiji in a good light, whatever happened must've been bad
Phoenix Splash TV
I had a friend who played drums in a band, ofcourse all of them did all kinds of shit together, but one day he slept with the lead singer's girlfriend, at that time he was going through an alcohol addiction which somewhat affected his skills but then we could say that about most of the other members too, next day he goes to a gig to discover that he had been fired, the lead singer had come to know that his girlfriend had slept with my friend...That thing made me realise how fragile relationships between a band can be, it is pratically like living with a family, imagine if you fcked your brother's ex-girlfriend, it was saddening to say the least...
He was a man with an attitude. As for what caused his firing, no clue.
Well said lol he did have a lot of attitude.
Amazing musician.
holy shit his ballads are SO GOOD
Is it just me, or does Taiji and Yoshiki look alike physically. I don't know if others see this, but I definitely do.
I've noticed that too. Taiji without Sunglasses looks a lot like Yoshiki...it's pretty crazy lol
nah, you both need glasses :D
They even have similar personalities, it was a karmic relationship between them
The fact that Yoshiki doesn’t want to talk about why he fired Taiji raises a lot of speculation, but in my opinion it was just a matter of money and creative control. That’s very common in Western bands: battle of egos, money, etc. But I’m sure not so much in Japan, where society is ruled by a strong sense of hierarchy and everyone implicitly learns what their place is, even in rock bands. When Yoshiki created X he kind of took the others in under certain conditions. Taiji was a rebel and I guess he just didn’t conform to it and that is considered a big deal in that context. He was also the youngest member and that might have meant a huge disrispect. That might be the rule he broke, the line he crossed, and that may be the fact Yoshiki doesn’t want to talk about it. Also, Taiji being dead and dying in tragic circumstances he might think it doesn’t matter anymore.
Yeah that's a good point. I suppose if the reasoning were petty, it would mean nothing now.
Meritxell Riera Prims He was the youngest member? Good grief, Asians tend to be hard on the younger ones
leon jo Yeah. And hide was the oldest lol (which I always find hard to believe). I don't know, maybe it was much more simple than that and it was just a clash of egos.
Meritxell Riera Prims I know right, Yoshiki always talked about hide being a band mom, probably yes, it was a clash of egos between 20-somethings
Exactly!
Wait, he has an autobiography too? Now I wanna read it
Yup! There's even translations of it online.
i love all x japan members. all ! ❤😭
Me too!
Phoenix Splash TV all of them are perfect even theyre old now ❤😭
たいじさわだーどのきれいほんとう。Taiji Sawada is great musician. Enjoy his music. Romulus Flavius Aspasia 19, Tower of Babylon. Rebel South, Muse Kallisto Hydra
I honestly feel that Yoahiki didn't say much in the documentary cuz he was worried about destroying the image of Taiji whatever anyone likes to say about Yoshiki you can really see that he does care very deeply about the people he's had in his life I don't think he wanted the image of his Fallen Friend tarnished by mentioning things from the past that don't matter anyway however on a side note you can clearly tell that there's more going on than meets the eye I believe there might have in some aspects to the relationship between him and Yoshiki and Hide that maybe they couldn't talk about or be open with at the time and Yoshiki thinks that it's too late to bring it up now.
You're probably right.
Absolutely!
Like Hide could play the guitar real good💝💝💝, Taiji was a really good Guitar bassist, like a pro😘👊actually.
Yeah, he was totally a master!
Taiji is was a great bass player but, just like about everyone in X Japan, had his demons and I think those demons made it impossible for the others to handle him. Obviously there wasn't any bad blood between him and Yoshiki anymore but given that both of them and Hide had some serious trigger temper. Probably Taiji did indeed cross the line somewhere and their record label made clear that Yoshiki had to fire him. I mean, if I hear all those stories from their prime they were a nightmare to handle. There is a point where someone gets fed up with it.
Yeah. I always thought Taiji may have been involved with some bad people or was involved with drugs. Even Marijuana is enough to kill any career in Japan.
the biggest possibility is drugs I think. They were all heavy drinkers but ironically, drugs are seriously a no-no in Japan. When signed to a major label, doing drugs can ruin the entire band. Yoshiki does say in the docu that if he hadn't fired Taiji, X would have been over. There is only one possible explanation for that: drugs. And this is why he doesn't talk about details, either. To admit that one of their members was doing illegal stuff, would still be a big deal in Japan. Enough to tarnish their reputation and also to tarnish a dead person's reputation. And probably this is also why Taiji doesn't mention drugs in his biography. It would have ruined his career to admit to it. He did seem like the type of guy who would try anything. Of course, we will never know the real reasons, it's just speculation. But I think the money reason is just bogus explanation. The other members were not against Taiji's firing, and they also don't talk about it. I don't think they are soooo afraid of Yoshiki that they would keep their mouths shut if it were simple money issues. It must be something bigger, something that would really ruin the band if it came to be known.
I think Taiji did something incredibly dishonorable. Whatever rule of the band he broke was dangerous and wreck less enough that it put the entire band at jeopardy. Given that fact, I think he did something shady that if it got out to the public, it would have been an automatic career ended for everyone. It's highly possible that he and Yoshiki are telling the truth. It's highly possible he did shady underground business like selling X's music or leaked it for money.
1 story is that Taiji and Hide always got into fights and Hide finally had enough and asked Yoshiki to get rid of him. The 2nd is that the musical differences; Yoshiki mentioned Taiji would piss him off a times because he would tell him how the drums should sound.
ECW5320 I doubt Hide asked for his removal. When Taiji was fired, he really took it hard and spent an entire night crying about it.
Don’t think it’s drug issue. Otherwise he was not able to join loudness.
can you do Yokosuka Saver Tiger?
That would be fun lol Yeah!
tajai was and is the greatest bass player ever
Did Taiji get murdered or killed his self
The one question I've had in the 31 years I've been a fan is the fact that Taiji is inked...from growing up having a friend's mother who was Japanese that tattoos were a major no no, because of the Yakuza, but I'm guessing that it fit into the rebellious nature of the band...I am relieved that the band now has 2 tattooed members in Heath and Sugizo...which means that the rebellious nature has not gone away now that the band, like myself, are in their 50's...
You should repost what disapeared from Taiji online if you had it printed. This death story is really sad and strange..
Hmm interesting theory. But even if he done something to Yoshiki, I don't think that is the reason Yoshiki kick him out. Considering both of them are short temper & direct, they will resolve any personal matter with fighting and fist. The three of them including hide are famous for destruction and wreaking havoc on bar and hotel. I'm more inclined to believe story of him doing drugs or involved something illegal and Sony force Yoshiki fired him. No hate for Taiji from me. Just sympathy. He was a very talented individual. Should he live longer & healthier (I believe he has stroke or epilepsy not long before and after his last performance with x japan) we would enjoy his bass more and probably sometimes joining stage with X as guest? I don't believe he hate yoshiki or yoshiki hate him. I also don't understand about this phenomena in x fandom that hate one member or undermining one member over the others
Yeah, I think if it were drugs, that would be a big enough reason to kick Taiji out since Japan has a harsh view on drugs.
I agree 100%! He looked so unwell in the last performance with X Japan, I thought definitely heavy alcohol abuse bloating and one side of his face didn't look right, so a stroke could be the answer. I cried when I saw the love of the guys towards him and pulling him out from the back brings me to tears every time I watch. That was an incredible reunion and I'm happy he still hopefully felt love by his friends and fans.
I don't think its drug related. The timing of firing Taiji was weird, right before their 3 live shows, with no planning of new bass player. It's a such urgent decision. I heard some rumors that Taiji offended local mafia or higher management from Sony, so Taiji has to leave. This is also why, he had such bad life after leaving X. As a such famous bass player/rock star, he should be able to live a better life.
Correction:
Taiji isn't the first bassist of X-Japan. It was Hikaru who left together with Jun, X's first guitarist in 1986.
X was actually a 4-piece band way back in their indie years.
That's all I know.
As far as their first production/album/composition goes, Taiji was the initial bass player starting with Vanishing vision. I don't really count the countless previous members like Terry, Tomo etc. because I feel like in that period of time, X was still trying to find permanent members. "Paying their dues" is what they call it. This happens in most bands before they release their initial album or single.
jun was a beast on the guitar. It's too bad he left x. his skill matched hizaki from Versailles
@@christhepocketmasterr hadn't you heard? Jun argued with Yoshiki a lot.
Now that is what I call metal
wait... you have a translation of his book? do you have any scans of those translations you printed out? i've been dying to read it
Here's a link to an english translation I found not too long ago hydeism.oxxy.com/X-Truth/Taiji-Book
thank you!!!!
@@PhoenixSplash Thanks for posting, I just finished it. So interesting and also sad, knowing the outcome. The deaths of hide and Taiji are just heartbreaking.
I feel Taiji outshine Heath talentwish. I also feel Taiji was murdered and I am not the only one.
Taiji mentioned everyone in X hates him at the time he left... and there's one saying that the main reason was he sold X's songs (written by himself?) to others...
Wow...I never heard that he sold some of his songs with X. I'll have to look into that.
Btw there's so much love that Yoshiki refused to say anything bad about Taiji
@@PhoenixSplash ... You DO know that his band: HEAVEN'S actually played Voiceless Screaming as their own... Right?
んだけじゃねーんだよ。
The biggest theory about why Taiji was kicked out of the band is that he was using drugs and it was becoming too obvious. We can't confirm or deny it, since Yoshiki refuses to talk about it.
Yeah, I always thought it was drug related. Maybe mentioning that Taiji had a drug problem was something Yoshiki didn't want to do.
Phoenix Splash TV I think Yoshiki wanted to protect the band's image and to keep anyone from getting into trouble with the authorities. Japan's drug laws are way more strict than US drug laws.
HexManiacHana
It’s a possibility. Yoshiki once stated in an interview that their only rule was to never do drugs.
And given that Larc also had their dark times when a member was caught with heroin possession, yea...
I feel Taiji outshine Heath talentwish. I also feel Taiji was murdered and I am not the only one.