November 18th 2023.
It is with great sadness that the rock band X Japan has announced the death of their esteemed bass player, Heath. He passed away on October 29th, 2020, at the age of 55, after a battle with colorectal cancer.
The news was revealed in a statement released by the band earlier this week. The statement read: ‘Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital.’
The statement continued, ‘We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime. We, the members of X Japan have personally bid farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss.’
The funeral details remain undisclosed with a small ceremony of ‘immediate family’ set to take place. However, the band did take to their official website to write their own heartfelt tributes to Heath, real name Hiroshi Morie.
X Japan was formed in 1982 with drummer and pianist Yoshiki and lead vocalist Toshi. Heath joined in 1992 after bassist Taiji left, with the band also including lead guitarist Hide and rhythm guitarist Pata. Hide died in 1998, being replaced as lead guitarist by Sugizo.
The band has released five studio albums, six life albums and 21 singles, and reportedly sold over 30 million records.
The members of the band have paid tribute to Heath, remembering and cherishing him for all the great moments they experienced together. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
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