Heath, the bassist for X Japan, Japan’s biggest rock band, has died at the age of 55.
On October 29, the band announced his death with an official statement, revealing that he had been suffering from colon cancer.
“His cancer was discovered during a checkup in June of this year,” they wrote. “Despite his efforts to fight the disease, his condition suddenly deteriorated in October and he breathed his last in hospital.”
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who appreciated Heath throughout his life,” continued X Japan members Yoshiki, Toshi, Pata and Sugizo.
“We, the members of X Japan, have personally said goodbye to Heath but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss.”
RIP: Heath, the bassist for X Japan, Japan’s biggest rock band, has died at the age of 55
Cancer: The band announced his death on October 29th with an official statement revealing that he had been suffering from colon cancer
In an individual statement, lead singer Yoshiki wrote, “He was such a wonderful bassist, band member and wonderful human being.”
“Heath and I have become closer than ever in the last year,” he continued. “On my birthday last year he appeared as a guest on my show and we chatted endlessly in my dressing room afterwards.” “There was also a period after that when we talked on the phone for hours until daybreak.”
“This summer, on August 20th, Heath appeared as a guest on my dinner show. How could I know that this would be my last performance with him?
“I couldn’t help but make Heath’s wishes come true, and I feel fully responsible for that.” “I apologized to him when I left,” Yoshiki concluded.
Heath was born Hiroshi Morie on January 22, 1968 in Amagasaki, near Osaka, and joined X Japan in 1992. At this point, the band had already made a name for themselves with their 1989 album Blue Blood.
Heath appeared on the 1993 album Art of Life and 1996’s Dahlia, both of which became huge hits.
Before disbanding, the group gave a sold-out farewell performance in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve 1997.
Heath would then try his luck with a solo career. After releasing his self-titled debut album in 1995, he released several more albums until 2009.
In 2000, he formed the band Dope Headz with guitarist Pata from X Japan and others, which produced four albums.
Founding of the band: Heath was born Hiroshi Morie on January 22, 1968 in Amagasaki near Osaka and joined X Japan in 1992
Big Hits: Heath appeared on the 1993 album Art of Life and 1996’s Dahlia, both of which became huge hits
Final bow: Before disbanding, the group gave a sold-out farewell performance in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve 1997
A 2016 documentary film entitled “We Are X” featured Heath and X Japan prominently.
“Heath’s obituary was originally scheduled to be published later in November in accordance with his family’s wishes, but will be published earlier due to unwarranted media coverage,” the band’s statement continued.
“A formal farewell ceremony for Heath will be arranged at a later date… in accordance with Heath’s wishes as communicated by his family.”