Several new agencies out of Japan are reporting that X Japan bassist Hiroshi "Heath" Morie has passed away at the age of 55 due to cancer.
According to Tokyo Hive, Heath had been battling health issues throughout the year, which eventually led to his seeking medical assistance. Shockingly, a cancer diagnosis was delivered, and tragically, the disease had already advanced significantly, giving him little time to settle his affairs. He wasn't even able to share this battle with the members of X Japan.
X Japan founder / drummer Yoshiki cancelled his attendance of the 37th Award Of Honor Gala, scheduled in San Francisco on November 1st, due to "an unexpected loss in the family."
Heath was a member of X Japan from 1992 - 1997, replacing bassist Taiji, and then from 2007 - 2023.
One of the most successful rock groups in Japanese history, X Japan released their first new single in eight years, "Angel", earlier this year.
X Japan has achieved legendary status among rock fans worldwide, making a buzz at Coachella, headlining major venues such as Wembley Arena and Madison Square Garden, and selling out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record 18 times.
The last single from X Japan was 2015’s "Born To Be Free", and the critically-acclaimed documentary film about the band, We Are X, was released in 2018 in 30 countries, winning awards at the SXSW and Sundance Film Festivals.
With music and lyrics by X Japan leader, composer, drummer, and pianist Yoshiki, the band's latest release is one of their most personal and emotional ballads. "Angel" is distributed globally by Melodee Music/Ingrooves/Virgin Music Group.
Listen here, and below:
X Japan is one of the most successful rock groups in Japanese history. Led by composer, drummer, and pianist Yoshiki, the band has sold more than 30 million albums, singles, and videos combined, sold out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome 18 times, and played to millions of fans around the world.
In 1997, at the height of their success, the band broke up. In early 2007, Yoshiki and vocalist Toshl reunited, and later that year X Japan officially reformed.
The band launched its reunion in 2008 with 3 nights at the Tokyo Dome. In 2010, X Japan performed for the first time at Lollapalooza in Chicago. Immediately following the festival, X Japan played the biggest concert in its history, selling out two consecutive shows at Japan’s Nissan Stadium, filling 140,000 seats. The band then launched their first North American tour, selling out across the US and Canada.
X Japan made their Coachella debut in 2018, and the band performed three sold-out concerts at Makuhari Messe in September 2018 for 100,000 fans. The current line-up of X Japan is Yoshiki (drums/piano/composer), Toshi (vocals), Pata (guitar), Heath (bass), Sugizo (violin/guitar).
