Today’s news has been a shock to all of us. I had no idea Heath was sick, and this is no doubt a tragedy. My heart goes out to his bandmates, friends, and family. 55 is far too young.
I really want to just thank Heath for an incredible career. Heath’s importance to X Japan cannot be overstated. He was a key band member that spent years contributing to the finest metal band in Japanese history.
It is incredible that his first project with the band was “Art of Life”. It’s my favorite X Japan song (one of my all- time- favorite songs, in fact), and it really is amazing that the first thing he had to tackle was a 30+ minute metal- opus! He then obviously recorded bass for all of the Dahlia songs and held down the fort for all the gigs and for the legendary Last Live. I am glad he got a second stint with the reunion, too. I am hoping we get to hear his final recorded parts with X Japan, someday.
I am happy he got to play with Yoshiki one last time, recently. That will go down as a very special moment. It is heartbreaking he said he hopes the band could play Tokyo Dome again, and I hope they do in his memory. hide and Taiji have gotten many tributes from the band, Heath no doubt deserves the same.
Life is short, even if they never play together again I hope the rest of the band can make amends again and find common ground. X Japan has always had a lot of darkness surround it for some reason, but it always found away to push through and make something beautiful.
Thank you, Heath. I hope you rest well.
We are X.
