I don't have the time, money or lack of responsibilities to travel half way across the globe, at great expense, for a 50/50 chance of seeing a gig which, if it doesn't occur, I won't be able to afford to see again. So I completely understand people's anger about last minute cancellations.
I understand the frustration, completely. I have the same experience with one of my favourite Turkish rock bands.
But just
think guys for a moment from new fans' perspectives, too. You discover a fandom, ready to jump in and talk about your newly found love and what do you get? Incredibly bitter comments
all the time. Not one or two, or sometimes, - but all the time. There is nothing else going on on this forum, just complaints on top of complaints.
I really tried my best to engage in conversation, resurrect old topics, and stuff, but even the comments I get there
always end up bashing Yoshiki for delays and complaining about the new musical style. I get it, but can we talk about other stuff, too? I have tons of questions, curious about a lot of things, but apart from the complaining topics, there is nothing here going on.
I am not expecting anyone to fangirl or anything, or to not be angry for the delays. I was just expecting some fun conversation about this band, but fun conversation is something I have not seen on this forum ever since I joined. Why should I check it again? What should I talk about, when all I see is negativity everywhere? It seems like some members enjoy being masochistic over this whole delay thing and write the same complaints all over again everywhere.
This is, for me, just too much. It's killing the joy and excitement over a band I just discovered and grew on me
like nothing before. I literally consumed 90% of their concert videos in a month time (yes, I don't sleep much nowadays), from bootleg versions to the latest fancams, whatever I could mine out of Youtube. But there is nobody here to talk to about anything other than "oh another delay, so angry".
and I get angry because for fcks sake it's not going to change anything. It's not like you guys can go over to Yoshiki's place, kick his arse and chain him to the studio until he finishes. So why can't just let go of this and enjoy what you have? I don't mind rewatching ages old VHS tape rips. I always find something new in them, so many angles to watch. I found a weird satisfaction in watching Japanese interviews I don't understand a word of.
As for the newer releases, I don't feel they are lacking, they are certainly
different, and the only song that doesn't agree with me from the new releases is La Venus, but maybe because I just love the older ballads more. But for example the guitar riffs at the beginning of Jade are aweeeeeeesome, it's my jam, and also my ringtone (that always startles people around me LOL. I myself jumped a couple of times
). And can I just drool over Sugizo's violin performances, please? The Say Anything acoustic performance at Yokohama Arena is waah. I feel like he is a perfect addition to the team. I know that most don't really like the softer additions in sound but to me, this is why I fell for X Japan, this incredible mix of heavy elements with symphonic sound, classical piano. I never listened to heavy metal in my life. And had anyone ever told me that one day my favourite band would be a Japanese metal band, I would have laughed my ass off. But it just happened, and it's because this is just the perfect hybrid sound ever. OK, Toshi's emotional vocals enhance it, too.
I love that I can headbang like a madwoman one moment and cry my eyes off the other - and it's the friggin same song!
Sorry, it's been a long rant. I just would like people to talk about other stuff, too. What's your all time favourite guitar part, for example? Your favourite interview? Your favourite Pata moment? The absolute most cringe-worthy PV? Has any of you been to the hide Museum? Has any of you learnt to play an instrument because of X Japan? (I sort of regret that I never learnt any instruments, I have always loved the sound of bass) Does anyone know anything about Heath's childhood, for example? Or Pata's? Did you know that Taiji made the costumes in the early days? I could go on until dawn
See, a whole bunch of things to talk about other than how disappointed everyone is because of the delay.