One of the most popular heavy metal bands out of Japan will be making an appearance at this year’s Coachella — without most of the original members actually attending. Similar to the controversial technology used to “resurrect” hip-hop legends Tupac and Nate Dogg at 2012’s show, Coachella organizers will be utilizing holograms of late X Japan band members Hideto “Hide” Matsumoto and Taiji Sawada . They will be joined by live performance by X Japan drummer and band leader Yoshiki, who is making his return after undergoing emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery last year. “
According to a statement, the performances are in preparation for the group’s first full-length album in over twenty years, their last album being Dahlia from 1996. Lead guitarist Hide took his life in 1998 and bassist Taiji attempted to suicide in 2011 and was later removed from life support by his family.
X Japan was formed in the late ‘90s in Chiba, Japan. Influenced by American and British heavy metal and glam rock bands, the band also incorporated the elements of symphonic power ballads. After the release of 1988 album Vanishing Vision, the band took a hiatus from 1997 to 2007. After reuniting, the band’s sixth album and first in 20 years was set to be released in 2016, but was postponed due to band member Pata’s hospitalization for a severe blood clot. Last April, the band stated it would release in the next few months, but Yoshiki’s surgery introduced further complications to the band’s schedule.
In addition to the holographic reunion, X Japan has recruited Limp Bizkit’s guitarist Wes Borland to join them for Coachella performances in place of the original guitarist, Sugizo, who could not arrive due to visa issues. Borland will play with the band at their upcoming April 14th and 22nd shows in Indio, CA.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
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