Any Taiji fans who DON'T want Taiji to (re)join X Japan?

Hollywood · **on:** February 22, 2008, 07:28:31 PM

I've been thinking about this.

So, yeah, everyone's speculating on who might be (or should be) X Japan's new guitarist, especially if they end up recording any more new material or going on tour. Taiji's name naturally comes up in these kinds of discussions, and even putting aside the whole "how do you fit Taiji and Heath in the same X Japan without it being awkward?" question-- I'm starting to wonder if I actually want Taiji to go back to X at all. From an X fan perspective, I think it'd be fantastic. Of course I believe that Taiji's presence (in any capacity) would improve the band.

But from a Taiji fan perspective, I'm not so sure this is the best idea.

Of all the surviving X/X Japan members, Taiji went through absolutely the most difficult shit during the time between then and now. To be perfectly honest, I'm more interested in hearing what kind of perspective a man who spent years of his life homeless and near death can bring to his own music and his own band(s) than I am in seeing that same man become the stage's background scenery for more Yoshiki ballads. He's gone through so much in his life that I would hate to see him subordinate himself to someone else's musical vision at this point in his career-- and that's precisely what he'd have to do if he were to go back to X.

Of course, whatever he ends up doing or not doing with X is his and Yoshiki's decision. But personally, now I want to see what Taiji can bring to the plate, not as 1/5th of X, but as himself. I'd rather see him move forward with DTR, or Cloud Nine, or whatever other outlets he creates for his own music.

Am I totally nuts here, or does anyone else feel the same?

VioletCamicat · **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:49:17 PM

Well, I'm not sure as well.
Of course I'd really like to see him there - like you said - as an X fan.

But all in all I think, I want for him, what he wants. No matter what it is concerning his music - I'll be fine with his decision. If he doesn't want to join, somehow would be a pitty, but fine. If he wants to (and naturally if he's wanted there) - also fine.

In the end the decision is anyways none of my business. :?

Hollywood · **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2008, 08:11:20 PM

Oh yeah, I totally agree. Whatever he wants to do is his business and fine with me. (Though I like to speculate and think of the "what if"s anyway.)

But, I don't know. I would hate to see him push his own projects aside and go back to a situation where he would (probably) have less freedom-- unless that's truly what he wants to do, of course.

Then again, hey, if he longs to rejoin X and X is ready to welcome him back... then go for it! (And as an X fan, I'd be TOTALLY excited for that.) Though I have some feeling that they may have gone their separate ways and it's hard to imagine him playing the Dahlia material. Time will tell I guess.

Sander · **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2008, 08:17:27 PM

I also think that no matter what I think, it's his choice. His and the rest of X's that is. And no matter what we say, it's so...

VioletCamicat · **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2008, 08:18:22 PM

XD I'm just confused when I think about it. Honestly I cannot imagine him there, but.. arrgh! I dunno, thinking of that just confuses me.
I want it and I want it not... my heart is just split in this point, really.

Hollywood · **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2008, 08:52:30 PM

@Hypno, oh yeah, no matter what we say or think, it's they alone who decide. But I figure it's something interesting to discuss anyway.

@Camicat, to be honest I go back and forth on what I want (in an ideal world and if the choice were even mine, etc...) too. Yesterday I hoped he'd join X. Then today I thought about it and posted this.

Eh... it's complicated.

Arucard · **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2008, 10:13:52 PM

Quote from: "Hollywood"

to be honest I go back and forth on what I want (in an ideal world and if the choice were even mine, etc...) too. Yesterday I hoped he'd join X. Then today I thought about it and posted this. Eh... it's complicated.

That's pretty much how I fell about this whole thing... Of course Taiji knows what's best for himself, so no matter what his choice is, that'll probably the right thing...

In my opinion It would be really great to see Taiji getting up on stage with X, playing one or two songs (or a whole concert... :twisted: ), and then moving on with his own projects... I'd have a fuckin' heart attack if Taiji got on stage to play "Voiceless Screaming" with Pata and Toshi once again...

But talkin' about Taiji's plans... What I'd really like to see is Taiji releasing some solo material... I mean, he's an amazing bass player, a great guitar player, has a nice voice and know at least a little bit about drumming (he played the drums on one or two versions of "20th Century Boy")... Add the fact that he's a great song writter too... Why not release a solo album, Taiji!?!?

Hollywood · **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2008, 07:24:40 PM

Hey, that's a good thought about the Taiji cameo/guest appearance thing... hell yeah, seeing him come onstage to play Voiceless Screaming again would ROCK! Desperate Angel would be very cool too. Especially with a bass solo. :twisted:

And actually I see DTR as being basically Taiji's solo career already: it's his band, he plays both of his main instruments (bass & acoustic guitar) and writes most of the music, the band's image/style is basically an extension of his personal image/style, etc. I get the feeling he's the kind of guy who doesn't have enough confidence in himself as a vocalist (though I agree he has a nice voice) to want to front a whole band, or would rather just focus on bass/guitar anyway, or something. If he really wanted to do vocals I figure he would have done them with DTR (though, hey, who knows... that band was set up 14 years ago, maybe by now he'd like to try vocals again).

Arucard · **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2008, 01:42:55 AM

Quote from: "Hollywood"

And actually I see DTR as being basically Taiji's solo career already: it's his band, he plays both of his main instruments (bass & acoustic guitar) and writes most of the music, the band's image/style is basically an extension of his personal image/style, etc. I get the feeling he's the kind of guy who doesn't have enough confidence in himself as a vocalist (though I agree he has a nice voice) to want to front a whole band, or would rather just focus on bass/guitar anyway, or something. If he really wanted to do vocals I figure he would have done them with DTR (though, hey, who knows... that band was set up 14 years ago, maybe by now he'd like to try vocals again).

Yeah, Taiji seems to be the head of DTR, but I don't know... He can write most of the songs, and play what he wants in there, but the other members still influence the sound of DTR... That's not a bad thing, since they're all musicians I really admire, but I'd still like to see Taiji releasing some real solo work, where he decides how the whole thing is gonna sound like... Maybe that doesn't make that much sense...

And about the singing, Taiji did sing on some Otokaze songs, didn't he?

Hollywood · **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2008, 06:14:39 PM

@Arucard, actually Taiji is 100% for sure the head of DTR-- the about-the-author blurb in the back of X no Sei to Shi calls DTR "jibun no BANDO" (his own band/his personal band) for example. And if I remember correctly, the DTR official fanclub Gasoline Cowboy (I wonder if it still exists?) used to be Taiji's personal official fanclub when he was in X.

But I get what you mean, even if it turns out that Taiji is (random guess) 85% of DTR's sound... you want him to do something where he's 100% of the sound with no other musicians even involved at all. That'd be cool, I'd be totally into hearing that too.

@Babak, I think Dear Friend (I also remember it being for hide) and-- Rain Song was the other one, right?-- are the only songs he's done like that. He did a lot of acoustic stuff with DTR too, but didn't sing in it.

And... did he sing in Otokaze? I sort of totally missed Otokaze and really don't know much about it...

Arucard · **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2008, 09:24:26 PM

Quote from: "Hollywood"

But I get what you mean, even if it turns out that Taiji is (random guess) 85% of DTR's sound... you want him to do something where he's 100% of the sound with no other musicians even involved at all. That'd be cool, I'd be totally into hearing that too.

And... did he sing in Otokaze? I sort of totally missed Otokaze and really don't know much about it...

Yeah, that's what I meant about Taiji putting out a solo album... I don't think Taiji is the kind of musician that would record a solo album, but I'd still like to hear that...

And yeah, I'm pretty sure he sang on one or two Otokaze songs... I'm not sure which ones now, but I'll try listening to Otokaze again and confirm that...

And do any of you guys have "Rain Song"? I have "Dear Friend" here, and it's an amazing acoustic track, but I never found "Rain Song" anywhere... I'd really like to listen to it...

Hollywood · **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2008, 09:47:42 PM

Quote from: "Arucard"

And do any of you guys have "Rain Song"? I have "Dear Friend" here, and it's an amazing acoustic track, but I never found "Rain Song" anywhere... I'd really like to listen to it...

With any luck I'll be getting "Rain Song" soon. I think (fingers crossed) I've lined up a copy of that Taiji photobook... if you're interested I'll let you know if/when it arrives.

I heard it once, back when it came out, and I don't remember it well but I think it was an instrumental. (I'm really not certain on that though.)

VioletCamicat · **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2008, 11:38:02 PM

Yes, Taiji sings at least in one song of Otokaze as frontsinger. The title is Winds Omoi - Arigatou (hope I wrote it the right way now).

And yes, I do have Rain Song, Arucard.

Hollywood · **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2008, 12:19:46 AM

Quote from: "Babak"

Rain song? Because if you're talking about that song, Taiji is singing in it. Only Dear Friend was instrumental on that "album" (aside from the poem in the end).

Ah, my mistake then. I remembered one as having Taiji singing and the other as being instrumental, just forgot which was which.

And if I'm not mistaken that book came out in 2000. It came out shortly after X no Sei to Shi and I believe both are now out of print.

Not sure if any translations exist... most people who translate X stuff don't bother with Taiji, sadly.

Maverick · **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2008, 10:10:42 AM

Damned... I'm searching for X no Sei to Shi since... fogot when -.-,

As for Taiji rejoining X: I want him to. But I'm also pretty fine with it when it would never happen.
And as for Hollywood saying you don't want to see Taiji performing more Yoshiki ballads... well I think I only agree partly with that. To me Taiji is the one who would complete X again. Since it wasn't ONLY Yoshiki writing songs for X! And I think that ballance of ballads and kick ass rock songs is missing somehow now. I mean, I love X and it's okay to me the way it is, but also Yoshiki was going through a lot of shit the last ten years. That may not have been living on the street, homeless, something like that, but rather mental. But it was also shit and from that point of view I don't want to judge who suffered more (I don't care about that anyway), but what I want to say is that both, Taiji and Yoshiki have much to tell with their music.
Also, Taiji had to leave the band, and from the point of view nowadays, I think, Taiji understood why that happened, and I think, the relations between Yoshiki and Taiji are quite good again. (At least I hope they are, after Yoshiki helped Taiji somehow out of that shit he went through).
So, now, and if it may be only for the sake of the old, fuckin' rock'n'roll days of X I want to see them on stage again.
But I also can see why that may be doesn't happen. And I'm fine with that.
So, if it happens or not - that's up to Taiji and X.

The best sollution would be anyway to take a time machine and go back to the 80ies...

VioletCamicat · **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2008, 12:57:18 PM

Quote from: "Maverick"

The best sollution would be anyway to take a time machine and go back to the 80ies...

Second that! I'd really like to do the time traveling thing. <3

Hollywood · **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2008, 06:07:09 PM

Quote from: "Maverick"

Damned... I'm searching for X no Sei to Shi since... fogot when -.-,

Did you try amazon.co.jp? I just checked and they've got some used copies: here!
Or if that link doesn't work, just type "taiji" (in romaji) into the search box, X no Sei to Shi is the first result that comes up. I've never tried to order from amazon.co.jp myself, but they have an English page and ship overseas.

Quote from: "Maverick"

And as for Hollywood saying you don't want to see Taiji performing more Yoshiki ballads... well I think I only agree partly with that. To me Taiji is the one who would complete X again. Since it wasn't ONLY Yoshiki writing songs for X! And I think that ballance of ballads and kick ass rock songs is missing somehow now.

Totally agree about the balance thing. After Taiji left I thought it tipped too far (for my personal taste) in the ballad direction. But I wonder-- IF Taiji were to return, would that balance really be restored? Would he be allowed to write songs again? Now that it's gone so far in the ballad direction it's hard for me to imagine that even Taiji could pull it back towards rock'n'roll to any significant degree, or that Yoshiki would let him do so. But hey, I could be wrong.

Quote from: "Maverick"

I mean, I love X and it's okay to me the way it is, but also Yoshiki was going through a lot of shit the last ten years. That may not have been living on the street, homeless, something like that, but rather mental. But it was also shit and from that point of view I don't want to judge who suffered more (I don't care about that anyway), but what I want to say is that both, Taiji and Yoshiki have much to tell with their music.

Hmm... well, I don't mean to dismiss Yoshiki's own suffering, but mental anguish in a mansion in Beverly Hills is one thing, and mental anguish on the streets-- breaking open water pipes just so you can drink, losing 4 front teeth and some of the movement in your jaw because some guy hit you with a piece of lumber (both of these are in X no Sei to Shi)-- in my opinion is something else entirely. Not saying Yoshiki's suffering wasn't real too, but for me it's two completely different things. Though I do agree that they each in their own way have a lot to tell with their music now.

As for the current state Yoshiki's and Taiji's relations, I don't know really. I haven't worked my way through enough of the book yet. But in my opinion they are both very proud, stubborn guys, and even when things are good between them, I don't know if either is the kind to entirely forget the past.

Quote from: "Maverick"

The best sollution would be anyway to take a time machine and go back to the 80ies...

Oh yeah! Sign me up for that time machine too.

Arucard · **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:14:24 PM

Quote from: "VioletCamicat"

And yes, I do have Rain Song, Arucard.

Pleeeeeeeeease share it with me...

And about the whole Taiji/Yoshiki situation, I think Hollywood is right... Both Taiji and Yoshiki seem to be pretty stubborn guys, so I don't think either of them is gonna forget the past and try to start things over again... But since I don't know them personally, let's hope they can solve this out...

Sander · **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:24:01 PM

Btw we actually have rules about posting copyright material in this forum (don't we? we should have....). If you want to share files and pictures, apply for the 'Filesharers' usergroup or PM each other

Arucard · **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:30:33 PM

Sorry about that, Hypno... ^^"

Maverick · **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2008, 10:41:35 PM

Quote from: "Hollywood"

Did you try amazon.co.jp? I just checked and they've got some used copies: here!
Or if that link doesn't work, just type "taiji" (in romaji) into the search box, X no Sei to Shi is the first result that comes up. I've never tried to order from amazon.co.jp myself, but they have an English page and ship overseas.

Thank you for the hint... I don't know if it was amazon, but there was one japanese site I once tried to order something and there occured a problem... but I could have another try. Thanks again

Quote from: "Hollywood"

Totally agree about the balance thing. After Taiji left I thought it tipped too far (for my personal taste) in the ballad direction. But I wonder-- IF Taiji were to return, would that balance really be restored? Would he be allowed to write songs again? Now that it's gone so far in the ballad direction it's hard for me to imagine that even Taiji could pull it back towards rock'n'roll to any significant degree, or that Yoshiki would let him do so. But hey, I could be wrong.

I think it would be. I wouldn't expect Yoshiki not allowing the others to write sons in X... why not??, I mean, IF he would want to be the only one to have influence in that 'project' he also can use Violet UK, and the only thing now is, that he writes the songs for X, because 1) I rather won't expect Toshi writing NOW songs for X, and then there are Heath and Pata left, who DID write song, but at least not that many as hide and Taiji had input into the band.

Quote from: "Hollywood"

Hmm... well, I don't mean to dismiss Yoshiki's own suffering, but mental anguish in a mansion in Beverly Hills is one thing, and mental anguish on the streets-- breaking open water pipes just so you can drink, losing 4 front teeth and some of the movement in your jaw because some guy hit you with a piece of lumber (both of these are in X no Sei to Shi)-- in my opinion is something else entirely. Not saying Yoshiki's suffering wasn't real too, but for me it's two completely different things. Though I do agree that they each in their own way have a lot to tell with their music now.

That's why I said I DON'T want to compare it since it would be really ridiculous to compare both situations.

Quote from: "Hollywood"

As for the current state Yoshiki's and Taiji's relations, I don't know really. I haven't worked my way through enough of the book yet. But in my opinion they are both very proud, stubborn guys, and even when things are good between them, I don't know if either is the kind to entirely forget the past.

They won't forget it - but I think they worked on it, though Yoshiki doesn't talk much about Taiji... but Taiji does in some way talk about Yoshiki, and somehow I got the feeling they could try to have a new beginning with that friendship. Sure they're both stubborn - that's why Taiji had to leave the band - but finally he knows now WHY that happened then... I mean, I understand him somehow but I really do think Yoshiki was also way back then one of his biggest idols, and I think Taiji would that also never forget.

Quote from: "Hollywood"

Oh yeah! Sign me up for that time machine too.

Done!

Now I only need to find someone to build us that time machine

Hollywood · **Reply #21 on:** March 29, 2008, 04:31:05 PM

Following up on this topic 'cause I feel like it...

Anyone else here who felt relieved when Night of Destruction and then Night of Madness both ended with no Taiji? Somehow that pre-Night of Destruction rumor about "Taiji is in the Dome and may take the stage" really bugged me and I was so damned relieved the next morning when I found out he didn't perform. Even though I didn't trust that rumor in the first place, since A. Taiji was very clear in that interview that he is not part of X Japan, and B. I don't trust some random anonymous fan to be able to recognize him properly.

I really admire him for going his own way and keeping X separate from X Japan.

Hollywood · **Reply #22 on:** March 29, 2008, 06:24:26 PM

I think he'll play the memorial concerts-- this isn't based on any info or rumors or anything, just my opinion. But you never know. I'd be happy to see him there too, but yeah, if he does, I hope it's with DTR or Cloud Nine or whichever of his bands he's active in at the time.

And I totally understand what you mean about "stealing" fame; I agree too. He could have used this opportunity (well, assuming Yoshiki would want him there) to make some quick cash and/or boost his own visibility in the scene, especially since I get the feeling his own bands are not THAT popular (yet?). Certainly not nearly as popular as X Japan anyway. But he went for principal and personal pride rather than fame, like he'd rather do it the hard way than compromise, and I think that's very cool.

Of course, now if he shows up at Night of Creation, I'm going to look like an idiot.

(But I'll be shocked if he does show up.)

Hollywood · **Reply #23 on:** March 30, 2008, 05:38:19 PM

So three nights and no Taiji...

Not that I'm against the X Japan reunion or something-- hell no! I'm all for it. But yeah, "keep 'em separated".

Quote from: "Babak"

Heh, yeah that's kinda cool isn't it? I'd rather have Taiji and his bands to keep the "underground" quality, it has it's own charm

I like the underground factor too, definitely does have its own charm. Though on the other hand, I'd love to see Taiji end up with the cash and the babes; the poor guy deserves some kind of rock'n'roll happy ending one of these days!

Matthias · **Reply #24 on:** March 30, 2008, 05:40:48 PM

Quote from: "Hollywood"

..(well, assuming Yoshiki would want him there)...

And that's exactly the point. It's easy for Taiji to say "I don't wanna be there, I have never been a part of X Japan only X", IF Yoshiki never invited him to the Reunion Gigs. :wink:

Hollywood · **Reply #25 on:** March 30, 2008, 05:48:46 PM

Quote from: "Matthias"

Quote from: "Hollywood"
..(well, assuming Yoshiki would want him there)...

And that's exactly the point. It's easy for Taiji to say "I don't wanna be there, I have never been a part of X Japan only X", IF Yoshiki never invited him to the Reunion Gigs. :wink:

Ha, good point...

Though for me it's still hard to imagine him wanting to, since X Japan is just so different now and (in my opinion) he really doesn't fit with the new image, the greater emphasis on ballads, the Dahlia stuff, etc.

Matthias · **Reply #26 on:** March 30, 2008, 05:50:28 PM

You're right, he doesn't seem to fit the newer sound of X Japan, but I'm not so sure what Taiji would have done IF Yoshiki had asked him "Hey Taiji, what's up, wanna join for one or two songs?".

Skooter · **Reply #27 on:** March 30, 2008, 06:18:45 PM

I just can't imagine Yoshiki saying that XD. I don't think he'd invite Taiji, though I think it would be great of Yoshiki if he did, in a 'getting over past experience' kind of way.

It would be so great to see an X live with Taiji. It'd be the most wonderful thing ever.
But it's not X anymore, and, however much it pains me, Taiji wouldn't be right on the stage right now.

Though, truth to be told, if I was at an X live and Taiji would suddenly come on the stage, I'd be way too excited about it and really wouldn't bother thinking 'Oh dear, this isn't right'.

VioletCamicat · **Reply #28 on:** March 30, 2008, 09:06:38 PM

Quote from: "Skooter"

Though, truth to be told, if I was at an X live and Taiji would suddenly come on the stage, I'd be way too excited about it and really wouldn't bother thinking 'Oh dear, this isn't right'.

Ah, there you got me! Good point actually! I think I'd behave the same way. In a moment when I'm excited anyway and then - BOOM - Taiji is on stage! :shock: OMG! Seriously, I'd give a damn on my rational sanity and just... I don't know! I'd be shocked or just cheering the hell out of me, haha!

But while being not in a live - heheh, Taiji doesn't really match to the band as it is now.

Hollywood · **Reply #29 on:** March 30, 2008, 09:25:41 PM

For me, I know that when I was following those reunion concerts on the threads for them and something about "acoustic" or "guest guitarist" came up, I started thinking: not Taiji not Taiji not Taiji not Taiji...

But it's a good point-- if I were at an X Japan concert in real life and he came on stage, I don't know what I'd think. (Though certainly I'd cheer for him, at least.) I guess I won't worry about it until it happens, heheh.

And about the "if Yoshiki called Taiji" scenario, I can't personally imagine that X Japan is so irresistable to him that there's no way he'd turn Yoshiki down if Yoshiki asked him. Even beyond whatever the state of their personal relations may be and whether there are any lingering hard feelings or not, I still can't believe Taiji would be enthusiastic about joining a band (even for just a song or two) that's so far removed from his image and musical tastes.