X Japan at Madison Square Garden: Best Concert Ever!

Here in New York City, it is no secret that you can have a magical adventure if you are just willing to take a leap of faith into the unknown. This is what happened to me when I accepted an invitation to see Japan’s most famous heavy metal band X – known here in America as X Japan, owing to another band in Los Angeles that happens to also have that name. Prior to this past weekend’s concert at Madison Square Garden the only things I knew about X was that their drummer, Yoshiki had been immortalized in a comic book by Stan Lee, and one song, “Jade” – which, prior to Googling the lyrics, I thought was called “You Are Beautiful” due to its only discernible English lyrics.

Since I had no previous familiarity with X Japan’s music, this review will be based on my experience as someone who was seeing and hearing the band for the first time. I would say that X Japan is going to appeal to your musical taste if you like any of the following: Big Arena Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam Metal, Dream Theater, Megadeth, Iron Maiden and any 80s Metal Band. It’s probably due to my affinity for that latter, much maligned genre that X Japan resonated with me right away, and I would (probably) still rather listen to the cheesiest ’80s Metal for 100 million billion years than to any charting modern band for 15 minutes. Just being serious.

Please enjoy my pictures and commentary!

First, let’s meet the members of X Japan.

This is Toshi, lead singer and founding member. He and Yoshiki have known each other since they were four years old (45 years ago), and started their first band together when they were eleven.

This is Yoshiki, X Japan’s drummer, pianist, and resident Sex God.

When his hands aren’t busy playing an instrument, Yoshiki touches his hair 60 or 70 times a minute.

Here we have Guitarist Pata, who has been with the band the longest next to Toshi and Yoshiki.

This is Heath, on Bass Guitar.

Sugizo plays the Violin,

A female string quartet added to the atmosphere of their sometimes symphonic metal songs.

Besides the band sounding and playing great, there was a ton of visuals to keep your eyes entertained and your brain engaged, such as:

Crazy Visual Projections!

Giant Stage Props! In the above photo you can see the two halves of the letter “X” coming together from across the stage.

Here it is again!

Laser Lights and Fire Bombs!

Confetti Bazookas!

When we first entered the arena, ushers gave everyone this wrist band thing. We wondered what it could be for, but a couple of fans told us it was probably something that was going to factor into the show, and that we should be sure to wear it. That was excellent advice because look what happened with those wrist bands about an hour into the nearly-three-hour show:

It was amazing!

At one point during the show, Yoshiki’s drum riser actually moved down the Cat Walk and then rose up into the air over the crowd!

It was just insane!

Yoshiki steps away from his massive kit to play piano many, many times during X Japan’s set. He even played a bit of Swan Lake! Here, he prays for everyone to have fun at the show. Prayers answered!

X Japan have been together off and on for 30 years, Here are some photos of what they looked like back in the day:

Two former members (not necessarily pictured above) have passed on. RIP!

They did a new song called “Hero” with the lyrics projected on the screen so fans could sing along.

“Hero” managed to be both uplifting and sad simultaneously.

Finally, it was time to say goodbye, as the member of X Japan gathered at the edge of the Catwalk and pulled this banner from the a fan in the audience. Yoshiki proceeded to wrap himself in it. Cute!

Goodbye X Japan and thanks for the crazy fun show!

THE SET LIST

MIRACLE (INTRO)

JADE

RUSTY NAIL

SILENT JEALOUSY

BENEATH THE SKIN

PATA HEATH SOLO

DRAIN

SUGIZO VIOLIN SOLO

KURENAI

HERO

BORN TO BE FREE
·∙

ENCORE 1

PIANO SOLO

DRUM SOLO

FOREVER LOVE

I.V.

X
·∙

ENCORE 2

ENDLESS RAIN

ART OF LIFE (PIANO)