Not even a broken neck will stop the X-Japan drummer!

Earlier this month, X-Japan took home the award for “Best International Band” at the Golden Gods Awards. While reading the names of the nominees, presenter Joey Belladonna of Anthrax stopped before reading “X-Japan” and said “You know this is a set-up, right?” Ouch.  Always one to take the high road, Yoshiki, who accepted the award, didn’t acknowledge the slight. Clearly, Mr. Belladonna didn’t believe they were quite metal enough to beat out the likes of Rammstein and Lacuna Coil, but that’s because he obviously doesn’t know how Yoshiki rolls. 

He's Got His Own Comic Book...with Stan Lee - In Image's Blood Red Dragon, Yoshiki didn’t get his powers from an itsy-bitsy spider, either; he got struck by lightning. He also doesn’t have time for regular ol’ groupies. His groupies just so happen to be the Maidens of the Dragon Temple, and, in addition to copious amounts of cleavage, they also wield swords and giant hammers. Did we mention it was co-created by Todd McFarlane and Stan Lee?

He's Fashion Savvy - Not only did Yoshiki produce the Asia Girls Explosion fashion show earlier this year, he also wrote the music for it and showcased his line of kimonos (aptly named “yoshikimono”). This wasn’t a small-time show - guests included A-listers like Marilyn Manson and Olivia Palermo.

He Rocked So Hard He Broke His Own Neck...and Kept Going! - Although the exact details of the injury are disputed (some say he actually broke it and others believe it was simply fractured) what’s clear is this: Yoshiki rocked out so hard, and so often, that his neck actually required major surgery in 2009. Although doctors have repeatedly told him he could end up paralyzed if he continues, he went on two major tours following the surgery. Why? Because he’s metal like that.

Credits: nerdistnews

X Japan took home the award for Best International Band Wednesday night at the Golden Gods Awards, becoming the first Asian band to ever be nominated for a Golden Gods Award. Yoshiki accepted the awards on behalf of the band, saying:

“Thank you Revolver. Thank you so much for recognizing us. Some people might have heard of us, we’re from Japan. Well, our band name is X Japan. We toured North America in 2010, and did our first world tour last year. Now we are finishing our first worldwide debut album. And we are planning on doing another world tour soon. And to our beloved fans: Thank you so much for your support, we are going to keep on rocking. And we fucking love you.”

WE ARE X!!!!!!

X Japan, one of Japan’s hottest rock commodities, took home the prize for ‘Best International Band’ last night (April 11) at the fourth annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
Hand delivered by members of Anthrax, X Japan drummer/leader Yoshiki was on hand to accept the award.”Thank you Revolver, thank you so much for recognizing us,” said Yoshiki during his acceptance speech. He continued, “Some people might have heard of us, we’re from Japan. We toured North America in 2010, and did our first world tour last year.” He went on to tell the crowd that they’re working on finishing up their first English album with a world tour to follow.
As with any great acceptance speech, it ended with Yoshiki thanking the loyal X Japan following, “To our beloved fans, thank you so much for your support, we are going to keep on rocking.”
It’s hard to emphasize the success of X Japan in their home country. With monster sales in the 30 million albums range and selling out the Tokyo Dome a record setting 18 times, their popularity is overflowing.
Another testament to their fanbase is X Japan’s inclusion in the Loudwire Cage Match Hall of Fame after beating out a slew of serious contenders from Black Veil Brides to Jane’s Addiction.


Credits: Loudwire