Millions of fans know Japanese artist YOSHIKI as the unbridled androgynous drummer/leader of rock/metal outfits X Japan and THE LAST ROCKSTARS. Millions more know him as a restrained, tuxedo-clad classical pianist/composer. Countless more know him from his best-selling Hello Kitty doppelganger, “yoshikitty.” Add to these his 2022 reality-competition TV series, YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X, his clothing line, YOSHIKI-branded Visa and MasterCard, a wine deal with Robert Mondavi, Jr., Champagne produced by Maison Pommery and an energy-drink collab with Coca-Cola Japan.
The YOSHIKI fandom cuts a wide swath—literally—and they thronged on the street in front of L.A.’s Grammy Museum in hopes of catching a glimpse of the enigmatic artist as he arrived for an intimate media event boasting music, announcements and conversation.
The evening kicked off with a press conference and the announcement of YOSHIKI’s Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour With Orchestra, which kicks off on 10/10 at Tokyo’s Garden Theater and includes dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and NYC’s Carnegie Hall. Two new music releases were also announced, including the 7/21 release of a new “Requiem” and the 7/28 release of “Angel,” X Japan’s first new single in eight years.
With the business of formal announcements in the rear window, YOSHIKI took to the stage in the Clive Davis Theater and settled himself in front of his “crystal” Kawai piano.
During a Q&A segment moderated by the GRAMMY Museum’s Chief Curator and VP of Curatorial Affairs Jasen Emmons, the enigmatic artist spoke frankly about the 2022 death of his mother and how composing his new classical single helped him cope with his feelings of grief and loss.
When asked about his early-rock influences, YOSHIKI charmed the audience with a childhood memory of being completely overwhelmed the first time he saw an image of the band KISS. Decades later, KISS would invite him to sit in on drums at their Tokyo Dome performance.
To close the evening, YOSHIKI returned to his transparent baby grand (one of only five in the world) and was joined on stage by a string quartet and guest vocalists for a performance of his new classical single, “Requiem,” along with other original compositions.
YOSHIKI’S Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour With Orchestra is on sale now. For dates and ticket information, click here.
