Traxan

Bridear guitarist Misa announced on Twitter she is leaving the band next month following their European tour. She cited musical differences with the rest of the band, which was obvious. She was more metalcore, doing the screams and growls, while the rest of the band took its cues from traditional metal like Iron Maiden.
 
 
It's a bummer because she is the one member who speaks English. But they are having fun in Europe none the less.
 

http://jrock247.com/2017/09/evening-with-yoshiki-premium-dinner-show-2017-begins-in-nagoya/#more-14752
 

 
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, the Yoshiki Premium Dinner Show — “EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2017 IN NAGOYA & OSAKA & TOKYO JAPAN” — kicked off with a first-time-ever performance in Nagoya.
 
This marks the fourth year of this concert series, offering fans a precious once-in-a-year opportunity to see a YOSHIKI performance in an up-close and intimate setting. Accordingly, tickets for all 7 performances were immediately sold out after becoming available. Because the demand for tickets has been overwhelming every year, additional seating was quickly added to the Nagoya and Osaka performances even after the original establishment of the show layout. The opportunity to see YOSHIKI — who has conquered musical venues all across the world for crowds of over 10,000 a night — in such a rare, intimate setting is a privilege only this premium dinner show can provide. Over the course of three-and-a-half-hours, the live performance was held for 500 lucky guests who were able to acquire the limited edition tickets.
 
Guests were greeted by the sight of an illuminated drum set and a crystal piano. At the entrance to the venue were two enormous panels, displaying an image of YOSHIKI performing at a piano and a towering reproduction of YOSHIKI’s cover image of Vogue Japan, which went on sale August 28th and garnered enormous media attention for being the first time a Japanese male has ever graced the magazine’s cover. From the ceiling, several chandeliers glittered, while the tables were set with a beautiful, finely prepared dinner menu created under YOSHIKI’s personal supervision. The YOSHIKI original wine, several original souvenirs specially prepared for the event, and limited edition dinner show merchandise are always a highlight each year for the fans.
 
Beginning with his masterpiece, “The Last Song,” the performance featured “La Venus” (the main theme of the documentary film We Are X), “Anniversary” (composed in honor of Emperor Akihito’s tenth anniversary), and the “Golden Globe Theme” from the Golden Globe Awards. Accompanied by strings and vocalists Katie Fitzgerald and Ashley Knight from overseas, YOSHIKI also performed “Unfinished”, “Rose of Pain”, and “Longing” for a total of 15 songs.

Can someone update the topic title to June 30 2067?

YOSHIKI Featured On The Cover Of VOGUE JAPAN
First Japanese male ever selected for the cover in the magazine’s history
YOSHIKI, leader of X JAPAN, graces the October 2017 cover of Vogue Japan, on sale August 28th. He is the first Japanese male ever selected for the cover in the magazine’s 18-year history.
 

All-girl metal band (with some metalcore tinges) Bridear just announced an eight-country European tour for the fall, and they did so in English. Guitarist Misa, who studied in the US, speaks very well. Her bandmates? Not so much.
 
 
For those unfamiliar with Bridear, who are not VK, here's a sample. I think of all the girl bands, they have the best guitar duo. Can't include Mary's Blood because Yashiro isn't really an equal to Saki, she's a support guitarist and not a member.
 
 

All-girl metal band (with some metalcore tinges) Bridear just announced an eight-country European tour for the fall, and they did so in English. Guitarist Misa, who studied in the US, speaks very well. Her bandmates? Not so much.
 
 
For those unfamiliar with Bridear, who are not VK, here's a sample. I think of all the girl bands, they have the best guitar duo. Can't include Mary's Blood because Yashiro isn't really an equal to Saki, she's a support guitarist and not a member.
 
 

Really amazed this wasn't posted. I know he is not well liked but this is no laughing matter.
 
 
Yoshiki of X JAPAN will undergo an emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery on Tuesday, May 16 in Los Angeles.

As a result of Yoshiki's intense drumming style and the impact it has had on his physical health, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis in July 2009, and then underwent a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.

After suffering from a herniated disc that has worsened over the past six months, Yoshiki has experienced symptoms including numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm, which have since been affecting his musical performances. Upon receiving a complete examination by his doctors in both Japan and the U.S., Yoshiki was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis (radiculopathy of the left arm and herniation of intervertebral disc C5-C6). After thorough consultation, Yoshiki has no choice but to undergo surgery at this time.

Yoshiki has been informed by a neurosurgeon in Japan that his neck has experienced severe damage that would force a professional rugby player to retire. It has been medically determined that he is approaching his limit, both physically and mentally. The intensive schedule has taken its toll on his already damaged nervous system. With performances at Visual Japan Summit festival, Yoshiki Classical Special in Japan, Hong Kong, Carnegie Hall in New York and Wembley Arena in London, he has continued to play around the world with X JAPAN and solo. In addition, adopting an intensive travel schedule to over 20 film festivals globally to promote the documentary "We Are X" contributed to his health condition.

“I had the pleasure of seeing Yoshiki, who has a C5-6 disc herniation with left arm radiculopathy. He has been recommended to have a cervical artificial disc replacement," explains Neel Anand, M.D., Yoshiki's orthopedic spine surgeon in the U.S.

Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds: "It was decided upon consultation that he will undergo emergency surgery as the condition of his neck at present will interfere not only with his career as an artist, but also with everyday life. From viewing the results of the MRI and CT scans, the damage is so severe that it is apparent that he has experienced considerable pain while performing. As this would be his second such procedure, we eliminated the option of a cervical foraminotomy, an operation in which a portion of bone is removed. Yoshiki's symptoms reappeared at the Visual Japan Summit festival, which was held last October in Japan. By the time he performed in January of this year at New York's Carnegie Hall, he had already lost the sensation in his left hand. The symptoms worsened this March following the U.K. Wembley performance, but he continued recording. Even in his condition at that state, Yoshiki stated that he wanted to see things through to the end. However, due to the worsening of his symptoms, doctors, determined that if the situation continued he would have gone beyond the point of surgery and recovery."

The operation is to be performed on May 16 at a Los Angeles hospital. Unfortunately, the cancelation of all scheduled activity in May could not be avoided. X JAPAN's world tour of Japan, "We Are X" 2017 dates in July, the Yoshiki Premium Dinner Show dates in August and September, as well as yet-to-be-announced dates for the summer world tour that was to start in Los Angeles are now undergoing rescheduling with his U.S. agency William Morris Endeavor.

Following Yoshiki's operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone or move forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter and management.

I just found this video and man is it out of character. Jyou in a tight dress and slinking around all sexy. Damn, she almost had me convinced. Plus it's got a great swing beat.
 
 

Well... people change. Female artists in particular seem to go through more career changes than men. Male artists can do the same shit for 40 years like AC/DC or Motorhead but female artists seem to be in constant flux through their careers. It could be that the ET women, now in their 30s, just don't have the angst any more.

So it's the feeling of sellout and dropping the dark imagery. Ok I get that. It happens a lot, and occasionally turns the band from a cult band to a monster success, like Journey, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, and Chicago.
 
I also had a WTF reaction to World Maker, but they pulled back a little with This is Now and I think it was quite good.  But I don't see them as generic J Rock. Jyou is too distinctive a vocalist, she and Miko do great two-part harmonies (like Ginger) and Mally is one of the best drummers around.

1st song: RESONANCE / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UXUJN4GeAw
2nd Song: Honnou (本能) / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI0Ml04diyI
 

Really amazed this wasn't posted. I know he is not well liked but this is no laughing matter.
 
 
Yoshiki of X JAPAN will undergo an emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery on Tuesday, May 16 in Los Angeles.

As a result of Yoshiki's intense drumming style and the impact it has had on his physical health, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis in July 2009, and then underwent a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.

After suffering from a herniated disc that has worsened over the past six months, Yoshiki has experienced symptoms including numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm, which have since been affecting his musical performances. Upon receiving a complete examination by his doctors in both Japan and the U.S., Yoshiki was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis (radiculopathy of the left arm and herniation of intervertebral disc C5-C6). After thorough consultation, Yoshiki has no choice but to undergo surgery at this time.

Yoshiki has been informed by a neurosurgeon in Japan that his neck has experienced severe damage that would force a professional rugby player to retire. It has been medically determined that he is approaching his limit, both physically and mentally. The intensive schedule has taken its toll on his already damaged nervous system. With performances at Visual Japan Summit festival, Yoshiki Classical Special in Japan, Hong Kong, Carnegie Hall in New York and Wembley Arena in London, he has continued to play around the world with X JAPAN and solo. In addition, adopting an intensive travel schedule to over 20 film festivals globally to promote the documentary "We Are X" contributed to his health condition.

“I had the pleasure of seeing Yoshiki, who has a C5-6 disc herniation with left arm radiculopathy. He has been recommended to have a cervical artificial disc replacement," explains Neel Anand, M.D., Yoshiki's orthopedic spine surgeon in the U.S.

Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds: "It was decided upon consultation that he will undergo emergency surgery as the condition of his neck at present will interfere not only with his career as an artist, but also with everyday life. From viewing the results of the MRI and CT scans, the damage is so severe that it is apparent that he has experienced considerable pain while performing. As this would be his second such procedure, we eliminated the option of a cervical foraminotomy, an operation in which a portion of bone is removed. Yoshiki's symptoms reappeared at the Visual Japan Summit festival, which was held last October in Japan. By the time he performed in January of this year at New York's Carnegie Hall, he had already lost the sensation in his left hand. The symptoms worsened this March following the U.K. Wembley performance, but he continued recording. Even in his condition at that state, Yoshiki stated that he wanted to see things through to the end. However, due to the worsening of his symptoms, doctors, determined that if the situation continued he would have gone beyond the point of surgery and recovery."

The operation is to be performed on May 16 at a Los Angeles hospital. Unfortunately, the cancelation of all scheduled activity in May could not be avoided. X JAPAN's world tour of Japan, "We Are X" 2017 dates in July, the Yoshiki Premium Dinner Show dates in August and September, as well as yet-to-be-announced dates for the summer world tour that was to start in Los Angeles are now undergoing rescheduling with his U.S. agency William Morris Endeavor.

Following Yoshiki's operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone or move forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter and management.

Really amazed this wasn't posted. I know he is not well liked but this is no laughing matter.
 
 
Yoshiki of X JAPAN will undergo an emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery on Tuesday, May 16 in Los Angeles.

As a result of Yoshiki's intense drumming style and the impact it has had on his physical health, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis in July 2009, and then underwent a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.

After suffering from a herniated disc that has worsened over the past six months, Yoshiki has experienced symptoms including numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm, which have since been affecting his musical performances. Upon receiving a complete examination by his doctors in both Japan and the U.S., Yoshiki was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis (radiculopathy of the left arm and herniation of intervertebral disc C5-C6). After thorough consultation, Yoshiki has no choice but to undergo surgery at this time.

Yoshiki has been informed by a neurosurgeon in Japan that his neck has experienced severe damage that would force a professional rugby player to retire. It has been medically determined that he is approaching his limit, both physically and mentally. The intensive schedule has taken its toll on his already damaged nervous system. With performances at Visual Japan Summit festival, Yoshiki Classical Special in Japan, Hong Kong, Carnegie Hall in New York and Wembley Arena in London, he has continued to play around the world with X JAPAN and solo. In addition, adopting an intensive travel schedule to over 20 film festivals globally to promote the documentary "We Are X" contributed to his health condition.

“I had the pleasure of seeing Yoshiki, who has a C5-6 disc herniation with left arm radiculopathy. He has been recommended to have a cervical artificial disc replacement," explains Neel Anand, M.D., Yoshiki's orthopedic spine surgeon in the U.S.

Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds: "It was decided upon consultation that he will undergo emergency surgery as the condition of his neck at present will interfere not only with his career as an artist, but also with everyday life. From viewing the results of the MRI and CT scans, the damage is so severe that it is apparent that he has experienced considerable pain while performing. As this would be his second such procedure, we eliminated the option of a cervical foraminotomy, an operation in which a portion of bone is removed. Yoshiki's symptoms reappeared at the Visual Japan Summit festival, which was held last October in Japan. By the time he performed in January of this year at New York's Carnegie Hall, he had already lost the sensation in his left hand. The symptoms worsened this March following the U.K. Wembley performance, but he continued recording. Even in his condition at that state, Yoshiki stated that he wanted to see things through to the end. However, due to the worsening of his symptoms, doctors, determined that if the situation continued he would have gone beyond the point of surgery and recovery."

The operation is to be performed on May 16 at a Los Angeles hospital. Unfortunately, the cancelation of all scheduled activity in May could not be avoided. X JAPAN's world tour of Japan, "We Are X" 2017 dates in July, the Yoshiki Premium Dinner Show dates in August and September, as well as yet-to-be-announced dates for the summer world tour that was to start in Los Angeles are now undergoing rescheduling with his U.S. agency William Morris Endeavor.

Following Yoshiki's operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone or move forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter and management.

Really amazed this wasn't posted. I know he is not well liked but this is no laughing matter.
 
 
Yoshiki of X JAPAN will undergo an emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery on Tuesday, May 16 in Los Angeles.

As a result of Yoshiki's intense drumming style and the impact it has had on his physical health, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis in July 2009, and then underwent a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.

After suffering from a herniated disc that has worsened over the past six months, Yoshiki has experienced symptoms including numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm, which have since been affecting his musical performances. Upon receiving a complete examination by his doctors in both Japan and the U.S., Yoshiki was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis (radiculopathy of the left arm and herniation of intervertebral disc C5-C6). After thorough consultation, Yoshiki has no choice but to undergo surgery at this time.

Yoshiki has been informed by a neurosurgeon in Japan that his neck has experienced severe damage that would force a professional rugby player to retire. It has been medically determined that he is approaching his limit, both physically and mentally. The intensive schedule has taken its toll on his already damaged nervous system. With performances at Visual Japan Summit festival, Yoshiki Classical Special in Japan, Hong Kong, Carnegie Hall in New York and Wembley Arena in London, he has continued to play around the world with X JAPAN and solo. In addition, adopting an intensive travel schedule to over 20 film festivals globally to promote the documentary "We Are X" contributed to his health condition.

“I had the pleasure of seeing Yoshiki, who has a C5-6 disc herniation with left arm radiculopathy. He has been recommended to have a cervical artificial disc replacement," explains Neel Anand, M.D., Yoshiki's orthopedic spine surgeon in the U.S.

Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds: "It was decided upon consultation that he will undergo emergency surgery as the condition of his neck at present will interfere not only with his career as an artist, but also with everyday life. From viewing the results of the MRI and CT scans, the damage is so severe that it is apparent that he has experienced considerable pain while performing. As this would be his second such procedure, we eliminated the option of a cervical foraminotomy, an operation in which a portion of bone is removed. Yoshiki's symptoms reappeared at the Visual Japan Summit festival, which was held last October in Japan. By the time he performed in January of this year at New York's Carnegie Hall, he had already lost the sensation in his left hand. The symptoms worsened this March following the U.K. Wembley performance, but he continued recording. Even in his condition at that state, Yoshiki stated that he wanted to see things through to the end. However, due to the worsening of his symptoms, doctors, determined that if the situation continued he would have gone beyond the point of surgery and recovery."

The operation is to be performed on May 16 at a Los Angeles hospital. Unfortunately, the cancelation of all scheduled activity in May could not be avoided. X JAPAN's world tour of Japan, "We Are X" 2017 dates in July, the Yoshiki Premium Dinner Show dates in August and September, as well as yet-to-be-announced dates for the summer world tour that was to start in Los Angeles are now undergoing rescheduling with his U.S. agency William Morris Endeavor.

Following Yoshiki's operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone or move forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter and management.

I just found this video and man is it out of character. Jyou in a tight dress and slinking around all sexy. Damn, she almost had me convinced. Plus it's got a great swing beat.
 
 

I love these hyperactive baka girls and this is the most incredible concert I've seen in years. It's exceptionally well shot and mixed, although Tomo-zo's guitar is a little low in the mix. That's a shame because she is a stellar guitarist and vastly underrated. It's high energy, light speed almost all the way through with one fast song after another. This DVD is not the whole show. I'm told  Hana's drum solo is omitted as are a few other songs.
 
The most amazing thing to me is the conditioning of the band. I read that they run marathons together as a bonding ritual and it shows. The final song, "Winner," features dancers Mai and Nenne running in place for the full length of the song, over 5 minutes, and that's after 90 minutes of bouncing around the stage like a gas molecule. Yet both girls are dry as a bone. Not a drop of sweat. The same goes for the rest of the band, except Reona, who is a sweaty mess.
 
I'm bummed that some of my favorite songs are not included but this is a fantastic DVD otherwise.
 
Well worth $35.

So it's the feeling of sellout and dropping the dark imagery. Ok I get that. It happens a lot, and occasionally turns the band from a cult band to a monster success, like Journey, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, and Chicago.
 
I also had a WTF reaction to World Maker, but they pulled back a little with This is Now and I think it was quite good.  But I don't see them as generic J Rock. Jyou is too distinctive a vocalist, she and Miko do great two-part harmonies (like Ginger) and Mally is one of the best drummers around.

Why is Yoshiki considered a great drummer? All he does is sway in his seat like he's drunk.
 
Chargeee is 100x more entertaining and talented.

Why is Yoshiki considered a great drummer? All he does is sway in his seat like he's drunk.
 
Chargeee is 100x more entertaining and talented.

Why is Yoshiki considered a great drummer? All he does is sway in his seat like he's drunk.
 
Chargeee is 100x more entertaining and talented.

Why is Yoshiki considered a great drummer? All he does is sway in his seat like he's drunk.
 
Chargeee is 100x more entertaining and talented.

Absolutely, and Mally's drumming really sells it. She has a great sense of swing.
 
 

Can anyone tell me more about Marty Friedman's drummer Chargeee? This dude is a trip and then some. He looks like a bleach blonde Tommy Lee and plays like him. His facial expressions alone are a riot. Watch the faces he makes with Marty after the bass solo. And then he plays like a beast. he's become my favorite Japanese drummer but I only know him through Marty's band.
 
Here he is in action with Kiyoshi during her bass solo before they launch into "Ashes to Ashes," which is the high point of the show IMO.
 
 

Former Aldious vocalist/now solo artist Rami issued this tweet. I've added the Tweetdeck translation, which is fairly readable for once. It would indicate Cyntia is signing to her record label. Could someone do a better translation? And why can't I change the color of the tweet text?
 

私が所属しているレーベル、VAA(ヴィレッジアゲインアソシエイション)ですが、この秋からCYNTIA（シンティア）さんが新しくレーベルメイトになるとお聞きしました！( ･̀ω･́ )✧
Aldious在籍時もレーベルメイトだったので、またご一緒出来て嬉しいです♪

VAA (village again Association) is a label that belongs to me, but this autumn and CYNTIA (Cynthia) and I have talked with label mate to be the new! ( ･̀ω･́ ) ✧ At Aldious she was a label mate, so also we, glad

There's nothing western pop culture media loves more than to portray the Japanese as insane. Then again, Japan does make it extremely easy for them.
 
This list is worse, IMO. It mostly focuses on Korea.
 
http://listverse.com/2015/05/19/10-horrifying-realities-from-the-world-of-asian-pop-music/