X Japan leader Yoshiki was celebrated at a special handprint/footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) in Hollywood on September 14th. The musician made history as the first Japanese artist to be honored by the iconic theatre, joining over 300 others whose prints are immortalized on site.
KISS founder Gene Simmons was among the guest speakers who paid tribute to Yoshiki, who is the drummer, pianist, and chief member of power-metal institution X Japan.
“I’m here to honor a one-of-a-kind, not only personality, but a multi-instrumentalist, a real tour de force,” said Simmons from the lectern. “So, Americans are so full of themselves, have no idea what’s going on in the rest of the world, but I know the man himself. This is a talent, a giant in the industry, multi-instrumentalist, drummer, pianist, creative force that you need to find out more about.”
Gene continued: “This honor today is, this is — it’s about time. And you need to do yourself a favor. Music has no boundaries. Music is the universal language. And you need to find out about Yoshiki and his creative children X, otherwise known as X Japan, and his newest band, The Last Rockstars. Your life will be better for it. I’ve seen him in action. Very few people compare to the man. The man, the legend, Yoshiki.”
Simmons’ introduction was followed by tributes from award-winning actor Lee Byung Hun and music executive Guy Oseary. Yoshiki fought back tears when it was his turn to address fans and media.
“I want to dedicate this moment in my life to my beloved mother who always believed in me,” Yoshiki said. “She was the very first person to see my hands and feet, and now she can see them from the sky, looking down here at Hollywood.”
When it came time to place his handprints and footprints in cement, Yoshiki surprised attendees by pressing his signature drumsticks into the surface, as well, making his impression that much more unique.
Shared the TCL Chinese Theater in a statement: “It was an honor to host the great Japanese musical artist Yoshiki for a world-famous handprint-footprint ceremony. It was a great testimony to his celebrity and worldwide appeal that so many media crews descended upon our Hollywood forecourt for a fitting and highly successful event. It is a timely recognition of his amazing scope of talent.”
X Japan recently dropped “Angel,” their first new song in eight years. Watch footage from the Chinese Theatre ceremony via local news station ABC7 and the video for “Angel” below.