Any fan of Japanese music knows of X Japan, the groundbreaking glam rock band from the 80s and 90s. How popular were they? One year after the band's breakup in 1997, the tragic death of hide, its lead guitarist, prompted the largest attendance at a funeral in Japan’s history: more than 50,000 fans flocked to his memorial.
The band reformed in 2007 with a new guitarist, Sugizo from Luna Sea, and has since been teasing the U.S. with promises of a concert. Several announced tour dates were cancelled in subsequent years, but it appears that one concert will finally happen. The band recently announced that it will be relocating to Los Angeles and will appear at the Lollapalooza music festival, which takes place this August 6-8 in Chicago’s Grant Park.
X Japan will be sharing the stage with Lady Gaga, The Strokes, Green Day, Gogol Bordello, and dozens of other performers. Snag tickets here before they sell out, and pick up some of the band’s classic albums on iTunes while you’re at it.
