A few words for my icon because even though I never met him or saw him live, his presence broke through and made home in my life.
Atsushi Sakurai, often revered for his god-like beauty from his 20s, was a true artist. He loved macabre and music so much and even though unfortunate as his death is, I know that death was never a strange or unfamiliar topic for him. A few days earlier I was in Tokyo and I remember looking at the Yokohama concert tickets that I couldn't buy in time. I had no idea it would be his last.
He had covid recently (a difficult case I might add) and the fact that he went back on stage eagerly is testament to his love for music (although I truly wish someone had stopped him because as a vocalist, lung function is the key). He was a man who lived life on his own terms, defied gender norms, and although I don't profess to know him, whatever I could understand from far, I know that he had a golden smile and true Japanese warmth and kindness. He truly had the most genuine smile...
I still remember the absolute tearful performances of Dress (dedicated to his mother), for it is common knowledge that he loved his mother very much.
So wherever he is, transitioning in and out of this fragile world...I hope he's reunited with her.
Rest in peace dark prince.
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HEATH, beloved bassist of X JAPAN, has passed away at 55
The music world has been struck with somber news as it came to light that HEATH, the bassist for the legendary rock band X JAPAN, has passed away. At 55 years old, his death was unexpected and has left fans and fellow musicians in a state of mourning. The tragic revelation surfaced through investigative efforts by the publication "Women Seven."
X JAPAN's leader, YOSHIKI, conveyed his grief through social media on November 3, accompanied by a photograph in mourning attire. His sudden return to Japan, canceling all scheduled commitments, including an 'Award of Honor' ceremony in the United States, was an emergency driven by this unforeseen bereavement. His journey led him to a certain facility in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he faced HEATH in silence, bidding a final, wordless farewell.
Close acquaintances of HEATH unveiled that he had been battling ill health since the beginning of the year. A medical consultation revealed cancer, which was unfortunately found at an advanced stage. By late October, only a short time after the discovery, HEATH had succumbed to the illness. The rapid progression of his cancer left no time to inform even his bandmates of his condition or the ensuing battle.
Despite various issues that led to X JAPAN's inactivity since 2018, including internal strife among members, it was HEATH, as sources close to him recount, who held onto the hope of reuniting the band until his very last moments.
The upcoming issue of "Women Seven," releasing on Thursday, November 9, will delve deeper into HEATH's role as an irreplaceable figure within X JAPAN, his relationship with the members, the current estrangement between YOSHIKI and Toshl, and what the future holds for X JAPAN in the wake of HEATH's absence.
HEATH's departure is not just the loss of a band member but the fading of a dream for many loyal fans who had hoped to see X JAPAN together once more. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the music of X JAPAN and the hearts of those who supported them throughout the years.
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