X Japan Bassist was 55 years old – Billboard

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella

Heath, guitarist for the legendary Japanese rock band X Japan, died on October 29 after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 55 years old.

News of his death was announced in a statement issued by the band on Friday (November 19). “It was discovered that he had cancer during an examination in June of this year. Despite his efforts to fight the disease, his condition suddenly deteriorated last October, and he breathed his last in the hospital. In addition, the band indicates that Heath’s funeral will be private and will be attended by individuals Immediate family only, and his family requests that any visits, donations or flowers be withheld.

Heath played bass for X Japan from 1992 until the band split in 1997, and reunited with the group in 2007. He was with the group during album releases such as 1993’s . Art of living And 1996 Dahlia. In 2018, the band performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

X Japan leader Yoshiki Hayashi also shared a personal statement about Al-Haddad on his Instagram page, writing: “He was an amazing musician, band member, and amazing human being.

He continued, “Heath and I have grown closer than ever over the past year.” “On my birthday last year, he appeared as a guest on my show, and we talked endlessly afterward in my dressing room. There was also a time afterward when we talked on the phone for hours until dawn. This summer, on August 20^yHeath guest-starred on my dinner show. How did you know that this would be my last performance with him? I could not help fulfill Heath’s wishes, and for that I feel entirely responsible. “I apologized to him when I said goodbye.”

Yoshiki’s statement continues, “Speaking as Yoshiki personally, I am so mentally and physically exhausted, overwhelmed with grief, that I don’t know what to say right now. I feel like if I stop now, I won’t be able to move forward, so I’m burying myself in my busy schedule. But As the band leader, there are still some things I have to do. Heath’s family relayed his words to me: “Don’t be sad,” he said. “Cheer up, and say goodbye to me with a smile.” Heath also requested that I, Yoshiki, be in charge of his memorial concert .I will discuss this matter further with his family to make sure this is achieved.There are also many things I need to fight for.

He concluded: “My story with Heath continues. I wish I knew how to express the depth of my feelings here, but first I must learn to live with this profound loss. I will have more to say in the future. Thank you for everything, Heath. And we rest in peace. I hope one day we can play music together again.”

Read Yoshiki’s full statement here.