It can be argued that Hong Kong is a city that never stops, however in January of 2009 - Asia's premier city was brought to a standstill ahead of X JAPAN's World Tour. Hopes and expectations were through the roof, evident by the band's constant promotion via television commercials and numerous references in local and international media. For those who can remember, it was X's first tour outside of their native Japan and for that sheer fact alone, it was assumed that the shows would be some of the most memorable, and how right they were.

However, following their successful tour of Europe and South America, X decided to once again announce a Hong Kong show as a part of the Asian leg. Things were different this time round. The somewhat lack of promotion had raised questions over ticket sales; it's totally uncommon for X fans to become cautious or worried over the smallest matters, a statement that European fans can atest to. There was only one method to quash the concerns, and one place to see if X could reignite the passion, energy and desire of 2009 - and that would be to attend the AsiaWorld Expo on November 4th.

I was fortunate enough to be in attendence the last time the band graced the stage at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld Expo, it was truly a remarkable experience and a concert that will live in memory for a long time. I couldn't help but notice that there wasn't much talk amongst social spheres this time round, the hype was seemingly non-existent. But from the moment I arrived at the arena, it was clear to see that the magic and atmosphere, that one can only find at an X JAPAN show was there for all to see and feel. The costumes, the memorabilia, the street team projects - they were all here.

The arena was filled to the brim and as usual, the band's delayed start to the show only added towards the excitement. Guitar checks brought cheers to the crowd, hide cosplayers attending their seats also brought tons of camera flashes and applause. A check of the watch at 20:40 and then the lights dimmed... it was time.

I always feel as though X's introduction pieces are perfect for warming up the audience ahead of the band taking the stage. Though long in length, the piece created a frenzy throughout the arena before the band kicked into their first song of the night, Jade. It was a blistering start to the set that sent the audience to their feet. ToshI's energy and enthusiasm on the mic was for all to see, his showmanship really shone from start to finish. Fans who were familiar with X's traditional opening of Rusty Nail were not to be disappointed as the band kept up the energy by playing this following Jade. If the opening didn't send you off your feet then the accompanying pyrotechnics will have.

If there was one song that I truly wished to experience this time round, then I would instantaneously choose Silent Jealousy, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's one of my favourite songs in the band's entire back catalogue and also it was noticeably missing from their setlist in 2009 - so you could probably guess my reaction to YOSHIKI playing the intro on piano. To me, the song is a perfect example to showcase the band's enormous talents and their ability to perform it with little fault is a testament to the band's legacy. The industrial Drain soon followed, and SUGIZO and YOSHIKI's abscence was duly noted by most fans. As expected, it was the first solo of the night followed, with SUGIZO performing an array of beautiful, melodic and passionate pieces on Violin - it was not only SUGIZO who indulged in the music but the fans too, their respectful silence during the solo showed their appreciation for SUGIZO.

YOSHIKI's subsequent appearance, though changed everything - the fans went crazy. The two classically trained members intertwined their music into the beginning of Kurenai. Always a crowd pleaser, the song really showed a dynamic contrast between the elegance of the piano and violin with the frantic drumming and ferocious guitar playing. Following the song, YOSHIKI brought out a birthday cake in celebration of PATA's 46th birthday. It was reminiscent of 2009 when it was coincidently Heath's birthday. YOSHIKI and the audience joined forces to sing Happy Birthday to the bashful PATA.

There was no respite as the band showcased another of their new songs in the form of Born to be free. The song was very typical of X with heavy riffs, melodic passages and was warmly accepted by the audience whose energy was clearly not waning. It was time for the protagonist of the night to take centre stage. It felt as though YOSHIKI was at a drum and piano talent contest. His constant changing of instruments brought laughter and delight to the crowd, especially when he made ocassional errors on the piano.

One of the biggest receptions of the night was when YOSHIKI played a famous song from Hong Kong. 'Under Lion Rock' is a popular song by legendary Hong Kong singer Roman Tam - the show expresses the spirit and passion of the Hong Kong people and even after a few seconds of playing, it was evident that the crowd quickly recognised this famous song and the arena erupted in applause and song.

The rest of the band then rejoined YOSHIKI and played I.V. followed by X (which featured all of the members screaming "We Are.." on the microphone, yes...even PATA!) and thus marked the end of the first period of the concert; the crowd were finally given an opportunity to rest, a well deserved one.

YOSHIKI then addressed the audience prior to playing Endless Rain. It was a soft and heartfelt speech about the band's connection and love of Hong Kong. YOSHIKI frequently stated that it was the first show outside of Japan and it gave the band confidence to perform to wider audiences around the globe. YOSHIKI also reflected on the former members who could not be there physically, but the spirit of hide and TAIJI was felt - they too were rocking with the band and the audience. It was an emotional speech that ended with a babbling YOSHIKI saying "I Fucking Love You" - and the perfect way to express his love was through one of their most popular ballads - Endless Rain. The band ended the night the same way as in 2009 by playing the second part of ART OF LIFE - it was magical then and it was magical now.

Though the band came into Hong Kong on the back of little promotion, nevertheless the fans turned up in great numbers to fill the arena. They were duly rewarded with a stellar show that combined old and new songs, with memorable moments such as PATA's birthday. Different circumstances and expectations make it hard to compare this show with the one back in 2009, but one thing that stood out on both occasions was the intensity, atmosphere, passion and love that can only be felt at an X JAPAN concert.

Written by: Jonny
Edited by: Asuka Miyu

 

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