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Yoshiki is probably the most influential artist in Asia, if not the biggest rock icon.
The fact that you may be unaware of Yoshiki or his band X-Japan, stands as a testament to the invisible barriers of pop culture between East and West.
Never one to adhere to convention, that situation is about to change.
Born of the Tokyo underground scene, Yoshiki was drummer, pianist, songwriter and producer of X-Japan; the band that started the explosive “visual kei†rock scene.
X-Japan’s meteoric success was unstoppable, only outshone by their huge spectacular live shows…and then tragedy struck with the death of beloved guitarist Hide in 1998.
Devastated by the loss of his friend, Yoshiki sought sanctuary from the overwhelming emotional outpour, and the relentless pursuit of the press by moving to Los Angeles.
He wouldn’t emerge publicly until asked to compose an orchestral piece/piano concerto to commemorate the Japanese Emperor’s 10th anniversary of reign.
Yoshiki composed two orchestral albums to great critical acclaim and was asked to write the theme for the 2005 World Expo.
Conducted by Yoshiki, the theme was performed at the opening ceremony by “Super World Orchestra†consisting of over 100 of the best musicians from around the world.
Consistent with his disregard for barriers and his appreciation for contrast, Yoshiki also produced some influential bands in Japan including Glay and Dir En Grey.
Continuing to explore and push the limits, his latest project/new obsession “Violet UK†transcends musical boundaries, blurring the edges between fashion, music, sex, technology and underground culture, --between the avant-garde and experimental rock using female vocalists which he hand picked from thousands of contenders-- raw and melodic, love and fear.
For over a decade this masterpiece has been evolving, attention to detail is fanatical, those chosen to participate in the project are pushed to excel.
The rumors are already starting to surface; fractions of music have appeared on the internet to be avidly consumed by waiting fans.
The overlord of JRock is preparing his media assault from the underground kingdom...
