J-rock band X Japan’s bassist Heath dies at 55 after four-month battle with colorectal cancer

X Japan said Heath's cancer was detected during an examination in June, and that his condition suddenly deteriorated in October. Photo: heathproject.com

Japanese rock band X Japan have confirmed the death of their bassist Heath, days after it was reported by the Japanese media.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of X Japan’s esteemed bass player Heath after his battle with colorectal cancer on Oct 29, 2023, at the age of 55,” the group said in a statement in English and Japanese on their official website on Saturday.

“His cancer was detected during an examination in June this year. Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition suddenly deteriorated in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital.”

The statement said the members of X Japan – leader and drummer Yoshiki, vocalist Toshi, rhythm guitarist Pata and guitarist-violinist Sugizo – personally bade farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened by the sudden loss.

The band released the single, Angel, in July – their first new song in eight years.

The statement added: “Heath’s obituary was originally scheduled for release in mid-November in accordance with his family’s wishes, but it is being announced today due to unwarranted media coverage over the last few days.

“The funeral will be held among immediate family members only. The family asks that any visits, donations or flowers be withheld.”

A formal farewell ceremony for Heath, whose real name is Hiroshi Morie, will be arranged at a later date and led by Yoshiki in accordance with Heath’s wishes.

On Nov 3, Yoshiki, 57, wrote on social media that someone close to him had died and he had to miss an award ceremony in San Francisco, United States, on Nov 1.

He was slated to receive the Award of Honour from Japan Society of Northern California in recognition of his achievements in spreading Japanese culture around the world and his philanthropic activities.

His post showed that he had returned to Tokyo, wearing a black suit and black tie.

Yoshiki, whose full name is Yoshiki Hayashi, paid tribute to Heath on social media on Saturday.

“I received the news about Heath’s passing right after a performance and event in New York,” Yoshiki wrote in English and Japanese. “I flew immediately to Tokyo to say farewell to him.”

He wrote that Heath joined X Japan in 1992 through an introduction by Hide, a former guitarist with the band.

Their first concert together was at the Tokyo Dome and their first TV performance was Japanese national broadcaster NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, or the Red And White Song Contest, on New Year’s Eve.

“Despite having to jump in during such high-profile events (soon after joining) and the pressure he must have felt, Heath always gave his all as a phenomenal bass player,” Yoshiki wrote.

He and Heath got closer this past year and Heath appeared as a guest on Yoshiki’s birthday special programme on Yoshiki’s YouTube channel in November 2022.

“We talked endlessly afterwards in my dressing room,” he wrote. “There was also a time after that when we talked on the phone for hours until daybreak.”

Yoshiki said Heath was also a guest performer at Yoshiki’s gig on Aug 20. “How could I have known that that would be my last performance with him?” Yoshiki wrote.

Yoshiki said he is feeling mentally and physically drained after Heath’s death, but there are still some matters he has to settle as the leader of X Japan.

“Heath also requested that I be in charge of his memorial concert,” Yoshiki wrote. “I will discuss this further with his family to make sure that is accomplished.” - The Straits Times/Asia News Network