X Japan, the Japanese rock icons who have sold the 55,000 seat venue Tokyo Dome out  a record setting 18 times, will be taking their act to the road for a North American outing.

The band has sold over 30 million DVDs and albums in Japan.  They will be making their US debut on August 8 at Lollapalooza’s main stage.

The sound of the group ranges over the map, from speed metal to dramatic ballads, often during the same song.

Yoshiki, the band’s leader, composer, pianist and drummer said, now we feel like we are a new band.  Like we are back in the beginning.  This is very exciting.  We are really looking forward to performing in small venues in the US.  That is something that we haven’t had a chance to do since the early days in Japan.

In Japan the band is known for their elaborate shows utilizing production elements such as catwalks, holograms and lasers.  The tour in North America will be focusing on the music, however according to a recent press release some pyrotechnics will be featured.

Yoshiki said, we are confident in terms of coming to American, however I’m not sure if we will be successful or not.  I do know music breaks barriers down.  It doesn’t matter which country music comes from.  When it comes to good music it’s universal.

X Japan is recording and writing their first album for North America.  A release date hasn’t been announced yet.

During a recent interview Yoshiki said, it combines about 50 percent of our old hits and 50 percent of new songs.  Ninety percent of the lyrics were changed to English.  We left about ten percent intentionally as Japanese.  This album is our debut for outside of Japan.

2010 X Japan Concert Tour
September 2010
25 – Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern Theatre
28 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre

October 2010
1 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
3 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
6 – Chicago, IL – Riviera
7 – Toronto, Ontario – Massey Hall
10 – New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom

Further Reading: