Yoshiki Sells Out Back-To-Back Shows At New York's Famous Carnegie Hall

Next Performance is #XDay at Wembley Arena March 4

Yoshiki performed two back-to-back sold-out shows at New York’s famous classical venue, Carnegie Hall, on January 12 and 13. 

The drummer, pianist, composer and leader of X Japan played a selection of his band’s popular songs, his original classical compositions from the album Yoshiki Classical, and works from renowned composers Beethoven and Tchaikovsky with special guests Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following four shows in Japan and a dramatic re-scheduled event in Hong Kong, the final performance of Yoshiki Classical Special World Tour 2016-2017 was broadcast live on January 13 across the world in sold-out screenings in Hong Kong and Taiwan and to homes across Japan via the WOWOW pay-per-view service. 

Yoshiki introduced each song to the audience, connecting his personal history with the compositions, including video tributes to deceased X Japan members Hide and Taiji.

Yoshiki also included a surprise performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” after a heartfelt speech about his personal pursuit of the American Dream. 

“There is a thing called ‘The American Dream’. I came here to pursue that dream a long time ago. It hasn’t been easy but I kept trying and will keep on trying… I hope America will continue to give all of us the chance to pursue that Dream, regardless if you’re Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White. I really respect this country and always will,” Yoshiki said.

The final song of the night, “Endless Rain,” found the music hall bathed in light from a mirror ball above the stage and the audience joined together to fill Carnegie Hall with their voices and the message of enduring love. 

At the climax of the show, Yoshiki received flowers from fans during an extended standing ovation as they screamed a final “We Are X!” together.

Yoshiki Classical Special at Carnegie Hall
January 12 & 13, 2017
Musical Selections

1st Set

1. I’ll Be Your Love (Theme for the World Expo Japan)
2. The Last Song
3. Forever Love (Theme for the animation film X)
4. Golden Globe Theme (Theme for the Golden Globes®)
5. Hero (Theme for the animation film Saint Seiya)
6. La Venus (Theme for the film We Are X)
7. Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven)
8. Anniversary (Theme for the Emperor of Japan 10 Year Anniversary)

2nd Set

1. Tears (Theme for the TV drama Nikushimi ni Hohoende)
2. Miracle
3. ** extra song: Star-Spangled Banner – new arrangement by YOSHIKI
4. Bloom Like A Rose (Theme for the TV drama Seisei Suru Hodo Aishiteru)
5. Say Anything (Theme for the TV drama Lullaby Keiji)
6. River of the Light
7. Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky)
8. Without You
9. Kurenai
10. Transition
11. Art of Life
12. Endless Rain (Theme for the film Zipang)

Yoshiki’s upcoming projects include the release of X Japan’s new single, “La Venus” (currently in contention for an Oscar for Best Original Song from the documentary film We Are X), X Japan’s new album, and the band’s concert performance at SSE Wembley Arena on March 4 (postponed from last year due to the illness of band guitarists Pata).

Tickets for X Japan at SSE Wembley Arena: bit.ly/XJapanWembley

VIDEO: X Japan - Wembley Arena - March 4
youtu.be/rbDOqwN5Vb4

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