X marks the spot

Proving that passion and patience do indeed withstand the test of time – and hard times at that – fans of X Japan made the arduous journey out to Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani on Tuesday night for the band’s long-awaited and sold-out debut concert in Bangkok.
 Even for those coming from still dry areas, getting there was a major pain, both by private and public transport. Fans started to fill the massive hall early in the evening, some dressing in cosplay but the majority sticking to plain black T-shirts. Only a few Western faces could be spotted among the sea of Thai and Japanese.
By 8pm, every seat in the hall was filled, but it was not until 8.50 that frontman and drummer Yoshiki appeared at his drums, posing as if praying and waiing the fans who greeted the long-overdue concert with powerful screams.
The other members – singer Toshi, rhythm guitarist Pata, lead guitarist Sugizo and bassist Heath – then took the stage and belted out |X Japan’s hit single “Jade”, followed by “Rusty Nail” from their last studio album and 1996’s “Dahlia”.
Toshi, who is known for his high pitched, powerful singing voice, greeted the hyped up fans with “hello”, “how are you?” in Thai, then asked “have you been waiting long?” a hypothetical question that was answered by very loud, hysterical cheers.
Yoshiki left the drums and sat at the piano for “Silent Jealousy” with melancholic violin parts from Sugizo in the intro. More hits were rendered, including grungy rock track “Drain” with drum synthesiser, symphonic ballad “Kurenai” from their debut album “Vanishing Vision” in 1988, and “Born To Be Free”, which was released last year.
While the rest of the band took a small break, the classically trained Yoshiki toyed with his signature Kawai crystal piano and rendered classic Thai folk song “Duen Pen” while the fans sang along. He then switched between drums to piano, wowing the crowd with his prolific talent for both instruments.
The band resumed the show with “IV”, another heavy metal hit from 2007, and “X” a hit from their sophomore album “Blue Blood” in 1989. The members bid farewell and disappeared backstage, leaving Thai fans screaming for more.
Half an hour went by and there was no sign of the encore. Fans started to become agitated, did body waves and sang “Endless Rain” to call the band back to the stage. Many shouted “X”.
Just before the mass exodus, Yoshiki reappeared on stage in Thai traditional dress – for a female – to phenomenal cheers.
“When we arrived in Bangkok yesterday, I said I wanted to wear something Thai people wear and I saw this,” Yoshiki explained, playing with his hair while posing. “They said it’s for a female, and I said, ‘it’s perfect then’!”
He then talked a little about the history of the band, the deaths of Hide and Taji, the split and the reunion, “which was unbelievably possible thanks to your support and love for us.” He then urged the fans to be silent for a few minutes to remember those who have perished in the floods in Thailand.
“You’re not alone. X Japan is always with you,” he promised.
X Japan capped off the two-and-a-half hour show with “Endless Rain” and “Art of Life”.
You have to be really into X Japan’s music to sit through a whole CD but it’s not necessary to be a major fan to enjoy the band live. Their show was energetic, passionate, even furious at times, as they showcased their finely honed talents on stage. But somehow the show lacked continuity, with long pauses between songs and extended instrumental intros. It was a bit disappointing too that X Japan did not bring their full production complete with hydraulics and special effects to Bangkok though that may have been down to transport difficulties. More could have been done with the visual effects, though, to enhance to intense emotions of the music.
If a band is to be praised for its undying passion for music and loyalty to the fans, then X Japan has to go to the top of the class. They truly enjoyed their own music and the company of their fans. Their sound is probably what the many of us see as old-school heavy metal – mainstream glam rock with speedy guitar riffs. But they rocked, they screamed and they entertained. The fact that they did not cancel the show because of the floods really proved that they genuinely exist for their fans and to entertain them.
Earlier in the day, Yoshiki donated Bt500,000 towards flood relief and also gave his drumsticks and autographed drum leathers for a charity auction.
The Bangkok show marked the end of the band’s 2011 World Tour, which has taken them to Europe, South America and all over Asia. X Japan is planning to release a new English album some time next year.

ON THE WEB
There’s a video from the show at www.NationMultimedia.com.