Sugizo confirmed guitarist in The Yoshiki-Gackt Project [Updated thread]

[Gehenna]

Originally Posted by Kuri

Just to let you know, it's not that difficult to learn X solos as you might think it is; keep in mind, back in 1992 Sugizo only had ONE day to learn the X solo before the Extasy Summit. He originally wasn't supposed to even do the show, but because hide personally begged him, he went ahead and learned it. It's not that hard to learn solos, especially with someone like Sugizo who has been playing guitar for over twenty years now.

Another thing is, not only did Sugizo learn the solos, he actually played BOTH hide and Pata's parts at one point or another -- which is INCREDIBLY challenging.

Sugizo's ability shouldn't be underestimated. :P

I don't think Sugizo would have any problems learning the solos, let alone playing them, but isn't it normal for a band to rehearse a lot before an event like this? I'm not sure how much professional musician usually rehearse before a show. I agree with you that Sugizo shouldn't be underestimated though.

By the way, shouldn't there be a list of upcomming events at the Budokan somewhere? I checked their homepage, but all I found was martial arts related.

[Lucre_chan]

I know this doesn't make too much sense at this point but Heath actually mentions something about that...the martial arts show. (I have no idea why. But i tried translating his quote from his diary using infoseek and this is what i got.)

<i>I am to "appear for an event performed in a Japanese martial arts gymnasium on February 11 of the next year, and it is said that I am time-limited and revive". </i>

If anyone thinks they can translate that whole article it'd be great. ^^

[cezukuu]

Curiouser and curiouser!

Man, I feel like the Cheshire Cat making comments like these but at the same time, it's hard not to be bewildered by the mix of things going on at once, isn't it?

[mizuirosora]

Here, I did a really quick translation of that (somewhat sensational) website. I'm not going to claim that a reunion is not happening but the general tone and language of this article does make me a bit skeptical...it sounds about as trustworthy as the National Enquirer. I guess we'll find out soon enough if it was true!

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According to a music industry source, plans are in the works for dissolved band XJAPAN to unite with ex-members of LUNA SEA for a reunion. The charismatic band XJAPAN was made up of drummer and pianist YOSHIKI (41), vocal TOSHI (41), HIDE (died at age 33) and PATA (41) on guitar, and bass HEATH (38). Even after their breakup, many fans were left to be shocked by HIDE’s sudden death.

Our source reports that “an event will be held February 11 at the Budokan. XJAPAN’s reunion will be a short-term thing. The one putting this all together is T, a big player in the world of visual-kei who is very close to the band members. Right now they’re trying to finalize the member lineup. Obviously YOSHIKI, the bandleader, will be involved. SUGIZO of LUNA SEA seems to be the choice to replace HIDE on guitar. PATA will take the other guitar. The choices for bass are so far HEATH, J of LUNA SEA, and one other person. And obviously the only vocalist who can do the job is TOSHI, so I’ve heard that they’re trying to persuade him to cooperate…”

XJAPAN’s history has been full of controversy including HIDE’s death and TOSHI’s alleged brainwashing during a self-development seminar. A reunion seemed impossible. So why are they thinking of getting back together?

“I think that they must all be running out of money,” says our source. “In the ten years since the breakup, none of the remaining members have found great success and YOSHIKI is spending tons of money living large in America.”

There are also plans to boost sales by selling a 10th Anniversary DVD. T’s office denies any plans of a reunion, but it’s certain that this legendary band is definitely up to something...Personally, I can't imagine how TOSHI will cope with this and don't really want to see it.

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[Gehenna]

Originally Posted by Lucre_chan

I know this doesn't make too much sense at this point but Heath actually mentions something about that...the martial arts show. (I have no idea why. But i tried translating his quote from his diary using infoseek and this is what i got.)

<i>I am to "appear for an event performed in a Japanese martial arts gymnasium on February 11 of the next year, and it is said that I am time-limited and revive". </i>

If anyone thinks they can translate that whole article it'd be great. ^^

Actually, Budokan　（武道館） means　"martial arts hall" in English. It was originally built for the Judo competition in the 1964 Olympics, although for westerners at least, it's mainly associated with big rock concerts. So, I don't this event will have anything to do with martial arts, although you never know^^

[Kuri]

This is really exciting -- hopefully it does happen. I really wonder about the veracity of all of this though!

[mizuirosora]

From http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20...spn-ent&kz=ent

Sponichi announced December 27 that SUGIZO (ex-Luna Sea) will join forces with YOSHIKI (ex-X JAPAN) and popular singer Gackt as part of a five-member band whose name and details will be revealed in an official announcement early next year.

SUGIZO, who together with Ryuichi Kawamura formed the core of LUNA SEA, was YOSHIKI’s choice for the guitarist. He was raised in a musical household headed by parents who played in an orchestra and is also proficient on the violin. During LUNA SEA’s indies days the band was affiliated with YOSHIKI’s record label and quickly gained renown as talented composers. The two have known each other for twenty years and are very close.

“At first glance, SUGIZO seems like some mysterious visitor from another world. But his feelings about music are really pure,” YOSHIKI said.

SUGIZO described YOSHIKI as “ a great older brother who I can always depend on. I’m honored that he asked me to be a part of his new project.”

SUGIZO and Gackt met for the first time at a music event four years ago. Although they initially saw each other as rivals, they have come to respect each other’s musical ability.

“The first time we met ended on a sour note,” Gackt said, laughing. “We parted fighting and I felt like it was really too bad that we didn’t get along so I’m happy that we get to work together.”

“Gackt has a really strong personality and lots of charisma. It’s hard to imagine what his life is like but when you meet him you really come to trust him,” SUGIZO said.

X JAPAN broke up in 1997, Gackt left MALICE MIZER in 1999 to become a solo artist, and SUGIZO has been constantly working since LUNA SEA’s breakup in 2000. It’s a dream come true for many people to see three members of the most influential bands of the Visual Kei era working together. YOSHIKI will play drums and piano, and Gackt, who is also committed to NHK’s drama “Fuurin Kazan” until Autumn, will hold down vocals.

“I think that we’ll end up having five members,” YOSHIKI said. “It’s great that we’ve got some big names on board and I hope that we’re able to make it big worldwide.”

“Each of us has a strong personality and is somewhat selfish. I’m sure everyone thinks that our band will fall apart, but we really want to become the first Asian band to top the world charts,” said Gackt.

“Look out for high-impact, explosive rock music,” said SUGIZO.

What sort of chemical reaction will result from the mixing of these three intense individuals? They’re definitely going to cause waves in the music world next year.

[Goryu]

Really great and interesting news. I'll be excited to see SUGIZO and Gackt performing together.

[snow drop]

*shocked* NICE! This would be really cool! but Sugizo/Gackt saw each other as rivals? no way... they're totally different. > <
Anyway... thanx for confirming it!

[shadowmoon]

this is kinda scary... i am *shocked* 0_0