In 2009 I was instructed to research and write a feature article on the history of X Japan for the magazine I was writing for. Such a hardship I know. //dripping sarcasm// Sadly, the magazine has since folded in the red, so I have rescinded all rights to use the piece and it hasn't seen the light of day. All the same, in that article I wrote this simple paragraph. "With the success of Vanishing Vision under their belts, on December 26, 1987, X performed the track 'Kurenai' from the album, along with 'Orgasm' and the more exotic 'Xclamation' at the public ‘CBS Sony 1987 New Groups Audition Tournament.’ Catching the ears and eyes of Sony executives, they would eventually sign with CBS Sony’s subsidiary, Ki/oon, in August of 1988 and Kurenai would become another earth moving staple at X’s live performances."
While wandering You Tube this morning, I found all three videos of the the audition! So, since I haven't seen them anywhere else on the boad, here is footage of the day that snagged them a contract and years of headaches and happiness with labels.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgKAOuQ9AU4[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3nzAC7FzuY[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1-HpLtg3IA[/youtube]