Chapter 3. The Birth of Х. Part 4. Membership changes and joining of Hide.

In April 1986, the second single of the group X, called "Orgasm" went on sale. Yoshiki himself phoned shops selling indie records, and arranged for the supply of discs. He received orders from became interested points of sale for about 10 discs at cost 1,000 yen. By that time, Yoshiki had moved from a friend's apartment in Mejiro and rented an apartment, which cost much cheaper than housing in Ekoda. He brought all 2500 copies home, and sorted and packed them in boxes himself. The room was filled so that there was no place to sleep, but Yoshiki could not entrust such important work of preparing the discs for sale to no one.

Impulsive, always going his own way, Yoshiki nonetheless carefully thought over the strategy for X as a band. This became apparent in many areas, and one of the examples was the advertising campaign.

 "If you put ads in music magazines, it will produce a great effect" - Yoshiki had been saying each time picking up the magazine. And just as he would call directly to the factory and publishing house, he turned to the editorial office to learn the conditions of advertising. He explained that the ads could be placed through an advertising agency or directly through the publisher of the magazine. After that he learned about the prices. It turned out that the cost of advertising depended on the circulation of the magazine and on what page it would be placed.

Yoshiki was able to find several hundred thousand yen, and placed advertisements of the single in magazines. It found a broad response everywhere. This had never happened with indie group before; releasing the single, it gave advertisements in magazines. Not the fans of the group, but managers of live-houses could not hide their amazement.

 After that, Yoshiki found another, and seemed unthinkable, way to raise the popularity of the group. It was a performance in the popular comic television program.

Advertising in the press and performance on television changed the audience of the band. Many people, learning about Yoshiki from TV, then came to the concerts, and the number of spectators in live houses increased several times. Typically, the reaction of people who did not attend live houses was different. But at the concerts of X from the very beginning a noisy atmosphere was formed. Young people, who filled the hall to overflowing, jumped, almost bursting from the overwhelming energy. Looking at Yoshiki, banging on drums with furious force, like an athlete, with all body perceiving in music of X, they completely submerged in rhythm.

 Before the eyes of admiring fans, Yoshiki, whose lithe body concealed physical strength and at the same time seduction, appeared as the image of an angel, which was depicted in churches.

However, Yoshiki, who went ahead, relying only on his own strength, had to meet counteraction as well. The growing popularity had a downside; X began to be ostracized in the world of live-houses, and was stuck with a label of a group that cares only about its external image.

However, Yoshiki did not lose confidence in his abilities.

 "If you continue to run, then, sooner or later you will see the target. I don't have ways to retreat, now. "

 And Yoshiki felt that the group of X, gaining acceleration with a deafening roar, moved forward.

With the money raised from the concerts, Yoshiki bought a cheap used van and having decided to arrange a tour to mark the release of the single, started preparations. Large-scale tour, which was to take place on areas of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, became a new challenge for the band. And in the case of successful completion of the tour the sphere of group's activity would be increased dramatically.

But by the time the tour through the largest cities began, disagreements started among the group members. Jun and Hikaru, whom Yoshiki believed finally found permanent members of the group, began to contradict him.The cleavage had become more sharply defined, and eventually it became impossible to fix anything. They were throwing caustic remarks against Yoshiki:

 Music of Yoshiki completely ceased to be a hard rock. We want to play real hard rock. "

"We do not want to play in the group, which is involved in TV programs and gets too many influences from everywhere."

 During the tour right on the stage they announced about their separation from X and creation of a new band.

 "Now we want to create a completely different group. This will be a group, performing classic hard rock; because it is no longer possible there. "

Yoshiki, who was deeply wounded by these harsh words, could do nothing, except watching their backs.

 Of course, to play in a group or to leave it - was a private matter. But how could you announce it right at the concert, and with laugh!

 Yoshiki did not speak with Hikaru and June again. Gathering all his strength, he completed a scheduled tour. Hikaru and June soon left the group.

 Although the first edition of a single in 2500 copies was sold out, Yoshiki did not do a second overprinting since participated in the recording June and Hikaru had left the group.

Yoshiki, who was not parted with members of the group for the first time, thought that even now he should not be upset. Again, along with Toshimitsu, it was needed to search for new people. And suddenly he rushed into despair. Maybe he had never been able to find such participants, which he wanted.

In confusion he listened to what was happening around them.

Managers of live-houses and attended concerts music critics never ceased to scoff:

 "To act in a humorous TV show is like to cause rock band a mortal wound. Now they can't even be called a rock band. X must stop their performances. In general, it is best to disband the group. "

 Each time, hearing these words, Yoshiki boiled:

 "What a nonsense - reduce all rock music to the same level!"

 But Yoshiki, bravely struggling with it, had always been alone.

 And now, when the group once again was left with drummer and vocalist only, he could not but reproach himself.

Three years had passed since graduating from high school, Yoshiki became 21 years old. And all these years completely, without distractions, he devoted to X.

Not fearing the unknown, without a long training burst into the world of rock music, Yoshiki did not enroll in a music college and gave up a career of pianist. But he did not regret this. But when the group was left by those two men, whom he believed to be the real group members, then an emptiness appeared somewhere inside his chest. And he could only see himself, bent from a blow. Yoshiki, absently gazing into space, saw only a fixed figure of a drummer of X.

Rock music that emerged in the second half of the 20th century carried the tremendous energy that could sweep away all obstacles. For Yoshiki, who from a young age accepted rock as a way to express himself, to continue the group's activities meant to continue believing in himself.

His pure enthusiasm, that led him to live-houses, opened many doors. However, moving forward on this path, and in the world of rock music, which became the symbol of the struggle for freedom, he was confronted with the existence of limitations and generally accepted opinion.

And the energy spent on destruction, now urged him to strive for excellence.

 "Music of X is neither hard rock nor heavy metal."

"The group, which is involved in television broadcasts, cannot perform hard rock."

 The more Yoshiki heard such statements, the more his heart felt desire for musical excellence. He locked himself in a studio rented for the night at 500 yen per hour, and continued drumming till the morning.

And while recording, Yoshiki also strove for perfection. Many musicians could not sustain his insistence and persistence as he pointed to errors in playing and endlessly repeated takes, and left the group.

And the true face of Yoshiki, in which without any balance coexisted destruction and creation, perfection and incompleteness, silence and noise, life and death, rest and motion,  and all that in a single moment transformed into one another, this true face of his was known by Toshimitsu only .

Yoshiki started to lose self-confidence as a leader of the group after leaving of Jun and Hikaru. Trying hard for X, but without reaching the results he saw himself flying high in the sky, and having lost direction. Overflowing with ideas, the soul of Yoshiki was plunged into darkness. With pale face, he voiced aloud troubled thoughts which beset him. And the only person, who listened to him, was Toshimitsu.

 "If it goes on like this, perhaps we will never find new band members. I'm sick of it all. Maybe it's better to quit?"

Staring at upset Yoshiki his friend Toshimitsu remained totally the same .It was the same Toshi, who three years ago, sitting in Yoshiki's room, ate with appetite peanut chocolate.

 "Is it so far we have not achieved anything? Everything will be fine, Yoshiki. Everything will get better. And we will continue to strive together. "

 While listening to the voice of Toshimitsu, Yoshiki had many thoughts intertwined in his mind. Splitting the morality, wanting to destroy the existing mindset, demonstrating it with all his actions, Yoshiki moved forward under the influence of the force of denial. In other words, if there were no obstacles in front of him, would he be able to reach the goal.

 Only completely destroying all the obstacles in his way ...

 Yoshiki looked into the face of Toshimitsu, and his anxiety disappeared, like burst soap bubble.

"Yes, Toshi, for the nth time we are going to search for the new band members."

 Yoshiki often had a premonition that tomorrow's life could come to an end. That's why he wanted to live now, at every moment to the fullest. Therefore, new targets immediately imprinted in his pulsating heart and called him forward.

In the second half of 1986 Yoshiki started to look for a guitarist and a bassist. He decided once again to find common points with Taiji, who left the band about a year ago because of musical differences, and called him up again.  Since then Taiji had not joined another group.

 "Let's try and play in X again? We need a bass player. "

 Taiji silently listened to the offer of Yoshiki. The last knew that Taiji was not so easy to change his fundamental beliefs, and there were still conflicts and contradictions between them, but at the same time believed that they would be able to move together toward one purpose.

Finally, agreeing with the bassist, it was necessary to look for a guitarist. Yoshiki found a guitarist by the name of Isao, who was known for his excellent playing technique. Visiting Isao, who lived in Kokubunji, he secured his consent to join X.

Yoshiki, surprised that he managed to gather such strong musicians, hoped that now X would be able to truly express themselves in music.

 "I want two guitars in X" -

 Yoshiki said, and everyone agreed with him.

Yoshiki remembered all the friends and acquaintances who could become a candidate for guitarists. While there were a lot of good musicians, but only one embodied his ideal. Yoshiki had not yet met guitarist better than Hideto Matsumoto, the group leader of SAVER TIGER.

 "Hide-chan was born to be a guitarist of X. It's so obvious! "- Said Yoshiki to his friend Toshimitsu. "Someday, X will be better than SAVER TIGER, and I will lure him anyway - he declared more than once.

Yoshiki learned about the existence of Hideto at the time, when X had just started their performances in live-houses. He was at a recital of SAVER TIGER, which was held at the club EXPLOSION, and was appalled by their energy and flair. It seemed that the force of Hideto made the running in a band. They did not adhere to certain frames, being fashionable and at the same time wild. Their performances, and especially Hideto's guitar play, were reminiscent of BLACK SABBATH of Ozzy Osbourne era, and made a huge impression on viewers.

This band was really popular and had many fans, so that the rumors about their real debut to take place soon, were not unfounded.

Hideto, in turn, had heard about Yoshiki, about whom, in the company of common friends, there were more talks than about anyone else, as well.

 First time Hideto saw Yoshiki during the concert of X in live-house in Yokohama, and at the first glance Yoshiki sunk into his soul.

 For Hideto, who was born in Yokosuka, Yokohama and Shonan areas had a special significance. Scarcely had he entered the hall, he felt tension.

 After watching the concert, during which guitar were broken, drums were smashed, fireworks were exploded, Hideto, being a little nervous, went to the dressing room. He could not find Yoshiki among covered with a thick layer of makeup fair haired musicians. Soon after, he jumped out of the closet and appeared in front of Hideto:

 "Welcome, I am Yoshiki."

 It seemed that this charming man was not the one who cried harsh words to the audience during the concert.

When Hideto saw Yoshiki, who resembled a foreign child somehow, his tension disappeared completely. He quietly began the conversation:

 "Wow, everything is completely smashed, as if the huge Obaku rushed around the stage, so interesting."

"Yes, yes, it turned out well" - answered pleased Yoshiki and invited Hideto to the party, which as always was held after the concert.

 "If you can, come and visit, there will also be fun."

 Hideto gladly accepted his invitation.

In a crowded restaurant, on seeing Hideto, Yoshiki pushed away people and prepared a place for him.

 "I've heard that X gave the best parties, but the reality exceeded expectations."

 These words pleased Yoshiki very much.

 "Well, today it is even modest, usually more people are attending.".

Amidst the din of laughter and hubbub Yoshiki and nbthe guitarist, who was just one year older, sat side by side and slowly lead the conversation. At this moment, both realized how identical their thoughts and feelings were.

 Later Yoshiki often met with Hideto in other places, not associated with live-houses. People around were very surprised to see driving a warm conversation the leader of the popular group SAVER TIGER and the leader of the group X, which at any moment could be disbanded due to the lack of musicians. There were also a lot of well-wishers who advised Hideto  "to stay away from this Yoshiki" and not to perform with him on one stage. Hideto wondered at the number of detractors of X, but their friendship with Yoshiki was becoming stronger every day.

SAVER TIGER once gave a concert in Yokohama in Live-house called Yokohama 7th AVENUE. Yoshiki heard about it, and rushed by car from Tokyo to Yokohama. As he watched the concert, the decision finally got stronger in him.

 "Today, I will invite him for sure."

Yoshiki could not afford to Hideto, shining on the stage, not become yet another member of X.

 Drinking a lot at an after - party, Yoshiki, in spite of the musicians from the band sat next to him, said:

 "Hide, come and join X!"

Sitting next to Yoshiki friend reached out and stopped his mouth.

"Yoshiki-san! It is impossible in such a place! If you going to lure the leader in the face of the band, it can cause a big scandal! "

 "It does not matter. Today I want to tell him directly! "

 But most of all was surprised Hideto himself. He grabbed Yoshiki's hand and led him into a corner of the cafe.

"Please do not say it in such a place, Yoshiki. Let's talk here. "

 Other band members heard Yoshiki and there were angry voices. But there were plenty of sake, which usually served for the beginning of strife, but this time helped to avoid a scandal. Yoshiki and  the members of the group SAVER TIGER,  being heavily drunk already , did not fight, but peacefully, laughing, continued to party until the morning.

 Continued to drink Yoshiki turned to Hideto and said gravely:

 "Hide, you and me in the future will be together for sure!"

Yoshiki knew that many groups would be happy to see Hideto in their ranks, but he believed Hideto sure to become one of X.

 Hideto listened to the self-confident words of Yoshiki and only smiled silently.

But in reality, SAVER TIGER also had major problems with the members. Despite its popularity, due to contradictions between the musicians in the second half of 1986 the band was forced to stop its activity.

When it was decided to disband the group to which Hideto put all his soul, he telephoned Yoshiki.

 "I'm leaving the group."

 "What happened?"

  Hideto replied curtly:

 "We decided to disband SAVER TIGER. Members just stopped to understand each other, and we could not continue together. "

 His voice sounded extremely upset.

 "I have a license of cosmetologist. I'll return home in Yokosuka, and will become a beautician. Guitar will have to be forgotten. "

"Really? Can you change the decision? "

 "I've already decided."

 Yoshiki, who still persistently called Hideto to his group, heard his firm decision, uttered in a stifled voice, and decided to take it. He deeply respected the feelings of Hideto and did not call him to the group again.

 "Well, perhaps it would be better."

The conversation ended.

 However, deep in heart Hideto was not at rest. After two or three days, he had not start a new life, and called Yoshiki again.

 "Yoshiki, what are you doing now?"

 "We have a rehearsal in studio in Ikebukuro, now."

 Hearing this, Hideto immediately asked:

 "Wow! Can I come and watch? "

"Of course you can!"

 After some time arrived Hideto was met by Yoshiki, Toshimitsu, Taiji and Isao. Hideto settled on the floor of the studio and carefully watched a rehearsal of the four musicians. Starting at eight o'clock in the evening, a rehearsal was over about two o'clock in the morning. Yoshiki turned to Hideto:

"We're going to drink, Hide, would you like to join?"

 "Yes."

 Yoshiki understood that his friend was having a hard time after the disbandment of his group. Imagining all the bitterness of such feelings, he could find no words of sympathy and consolation.

 And suddenly in the middle of frivolous conversation Hideto quietly, so that only Yoshiki heard him, said:

"Do you still need a guitarist in X?"

 "Yes."

 After Yoshiki's answer Hideto again fell silent.

 In the bar Yoshiki, understanding feelings of Hideto, started a non-significant conversation. Suddenly, Hideto said:

 "I join."

 "What?"

 Although Yoshiki perfectly understood the meaning of the words, he could not help but ask again once more.

 "Are you serious?"

Bad reputation of Yoshiki and his group didn't matter for Hideto. He knew that he could be in a band only with Yoshiki, who could understand his pain after losing SAVER TIGER.

 "Yes, I join X."

 Yoshiki, unable to cope with the overflowing emotions, jumped up and gave a wild cry of joy. The remaining band members were also very happy. After all, the one who was considered the best guitarist now linked his name to X.

 Yoshiki now felt as he was able to remove mountains. And maybe now they could change the world of rock music. Yoshiki was 21 years old, and he felt an unprecedented strength in every breath, every heartbeat.

 In late 1986, shortly after joining of Hideto, another incident happened. Guitarist Isao got into a motorcycle accident, taken to the hospital, and after that was forced to leave the group.

" X should have two guitars" -  said Hideto, and Yoshiki nodded in acknowledgment:

 "Yes, we must urgently seek for the second guitarist."

 And Yoshiki promised Hideto to find the second guitarist for sure.

On January 2, 1987 Yoshiki called one friend guitarist. It was Ishizuka, who occasionally appeared in X as a support guitarist. Shortly before, Yoshiki, Toshimitsu and Taiji, three of them, were recording for the album «SKULL TRASH ZONE VOLUME I" and the guitar part was given to Ishizuka. «Stab Me In The Back" and «No Connection" were recorded, and after that Ishizuka returned to work in a video rental store. He still had not been engaged in a permanent group.

 "Pata, this is Yoshiki. What are you doing now? "

 "Just the same, do my work at a video store."

 Yoshiki briefed him about joining of Hideto and remembering the play of Ishizuka made a final decision.

 "Pata, come and join X. No one other than you will be able to play along with Hide. "

 Pata, as usual, wasted no time for a long thinking.

 "OK."

 Yoshiki was thrilled that finally he managed to gather a group of full membership.

And though they met every day at rehearsals in the evenings they do not want to part, and they drank together until the next morning. Every time they came together in the canteen, located near the rented studio, Yoshiki was whispering softly:

 "Now I have another family."

Yoshiki was seized by a premonition that soon important events would begin. And although at first glance no significant changes were noticed, but it seemed something was brewing in the air. Like the precision instrument, Yoshiki, with his susceptibility had already knew, that creation of X would be the first sign of new Japanese rock music.

Chapter 3. The Birth of Х. Part 3. Live-house performances and the foundation of Extasy Records.

At the end of March 1984 Yoshiki moved to Tokyo and rent a room in a house in the luxurious Egota District in Nagano region. This place was meant for students of musical institutions to live in, so there was a bedroom, equipped with sound proofing, and a living room, where a piano  and a drum kit, designed for exercise were put,  and free space not occupied by clothing and personal belongings remained as well. Mother had promised to transfer 500,000 yen to his bank account each month. She made successful investments, and Yoshiki had not to worry about money. It was quite enough for living, so it was not necessary to work. However, he soon began to look for a job. So far he had not worked a single day, and it was interesting to get a new experience. So he got a job as a waiter in a cafe-restaurant Sing-sing-sing in Shibuya for 500 yen per hour.

Yoshiki worked in the evening from 5:00 to 12 am, and visitors quickly remembered him. A polite young man with a pleasant smile attracted the attention of young men and women, and the number of customers had grown with each passing day. However, a beautiful face and shapely figure combined with an incredible temperament, and it brought Yoshiki quick popularity.

 Like years of high school did not become the thing of the past, Yoshiki repeatedly quarreled with visitors of the cafe. Reprimanding arrogant visitors, Yoshiki angrily raised his voice. Hearing the noise, the Director of the cafe had been appearing and many times Yoshiki got it hot and strong from him.

 "I'm sorry, I tried too hard."

Normally quiet, he was able to instantly explode under the influence of emotions - and this changeability made Yoshiki extremely popular. Regular visitors started conversations with him, called him to their tables and treated to cocktails. Sometimes he had to drink up to 20 cocktails a night. But even swaying on his feet, he continued to serve visitors. Yoshiki liked to talk to people. In addition, in the kitchen worked young people who played in groups and in some measure shared his interests.

In his spare time he played the piano and drums, and now, in the new environment where he could concentrate fully on the affairs of the band, the new world that became his purpose appeared in his imagination.

However, the reality did not correspond to those bright hopes. First of all, it was necessary to find a bassist for a band. In addition, it was necessary to find live-house, which would become their main place of activity. But none of them knew what exactly should be done to begin to perform. They had no friends in Tokyo, as well as friends in the world of rock music, so there was nobody to explain to them the rules of the game.

 They had no other choice but to find a clue to the future of X themselves.

To find out the unknown, Yoshiki primarily bought the information magazine "Pia", opened a section on live-houses and began to visit on foot all the establishments in a row.

 He appealed to the owners or employees, and said directly: "We would like to play here. "If you checked all the addresses from the magazine, then necessarily you would get a chance somewhere.” He was determined not to act in haste.

 "We have a band, and we would like to perform at the concert. What do we need for this? "

Live house employees coldly greeted young man from an amateur group, which appeared suddenly, without prior arrangement and immediately announced his desire to perform.

"There are different places, depending on the genre; you can't play just like that anyplace."

 In some places, they refused to talk to Yoshiki at all, but there were also friendly staff who explained the situation.

 "We have a rock band."

 Frowning, the employee replied:

"We do not work with rock music"

 "Really?-It is clear, thank you. "

 Yoshiki made notes and went to the next place to repeat the same question.

 "To perform here, you need to conduct a preliminary audition. So it is unreal for a beginner- band. And even if you suddenly pass the audition, it will be impossible to play right away, because the schedule is already filled by two to three months in advance, so that will be only after this "

 "Right."

It became clear that their intention to play in live-houses immediately could not be realized. Moreover it turned out that to negotiate about the concert, a demo was needed. In many places, employees said Yoshiki the following:

 "Did you come with empty hands?"

 "Yes."

"It is useless, you spend time in vain. First of all, bring a demo, we'll listen and if we like it, then we'll think about it. "

 "Demo?"

 "Yes. Demo recording.  Record with you music, which you can give to listen to. "

Yoshiki understood that the search of live-house to play, the attraction of new band members - all that was his work as a leader of the group. And now it was necessary to find a way to make a demo tape.

On the other hand, the search for new members of the group was going with difficulty. Of course, if they started to perform, then the probability that after seeing and appreciating their play, suitable candidates would be found would have grown many times over. Now, while X was not playing, to meet the right people accidentally was not possible.

 In a music magazine section "Looking for members of the group" Yoshiki placed a line that bassist and guitarist were required for the band, and prepared to begin the interview.

Yoshiki and Toshimitsu and guitarist Izumizava gathered on the rehearsals and drove eager conversations.

 "I wish we would start to perform sooner! You always have to wait so long! "- said Toshi, and Yoshiki nodded vigorously. They were waiting for an opportunity to perform and for now they could only support each other with conversations.

Finally, they began to receive feedback on the ad, placed in a magazine and began the interview with guitarists and bassists. And it was a great tension for Yoshiki and Toshimitsu, because the young men responded to the announcement were clearly more experienced than them.

 "Oh! Look, what a cool hair he's got! I wonder why such an awesome guy responded to our ad? "- Yoshiki whispered in Toshimitsu's ear. Both of them had finished school only recently, and their hair was still short, so the young man with hair below his waist made a great impression on them.

"When he discovers of our performances, probably, he will refuse."

 Words of Toshimitsu confirmed.

 "Although you play your own music, but the arrangements are too punk. If start to play this at the concert, the audience will run away. "

 "You play heavy metal, huh? And why is your hair short? "

Thus, coming to the interview candidates only criticized the music of X and the appearance of both band members.

But they received important information. During these meetings, they realized that there was an irreconcilable opposition of punk and heavy metal bands in music world.

 The manner of performances by these groups was also different. Punk bands used stamping fast tempo chords, but without the reef. And in heavy metal music was built on the reef, but without the punk expression.  Yoshiki analyzed the differences in the genres of rock music and was forced to think about which genre X would play.

 "We will play thrash metal, which corresponds with both punk rock and heavy metal."

Talking about this with Toshimitsu, Yoshiki was forgetting about the time, however, they failed to find new band members for now.

Yoshiki tried to restrain the impatient heart. He understood that they had no experience of performing and, naturally, that could not find like-minded people.

 But he was not only waited for the responses to ads, but was actively looking for new people himself. That was how he met in Tokyo Tokuo Atsushi, who graduated the same high school a year early. Yoshiki outlined plans for X to become professional rock musicians, Atsushi, wanted to continue playing in the group, too. And Yoshiki decided to accept him as a bassist of X. At first glance Yoshiki liked his playing technique, and also raised upright hair and punk clothes. And although the voices were heard around: "You are a hard rock band, why did you accept punk?" Yoshiki did not pay attention to the difference in genres.

With bright-dyed hair, Atsushi did not hide his hot temper during performances, or in fights. Yoshiki liked his integral character.

 While the second guitarist was not found, they decided to start four of them and began to prepare for recording a demo tape. Yoshiki selected the songs and wrote a musical party for all members. He wrote in detail, indicating the intonation features, special vocalist sheet music for Toshimitsu. To write the music took a long time, but Yoshiki did not feel tired.

And finally, X could perform on the afternoon audition in live-house La Mama, which was located in Shibuya on the street Dogenzaka. And though it was just ordinary listening for musicians it became an important event. Tickets were sold for 500 yen, and of course, compared with evening concerts, it was a minor event, but Yoshiki was very glad that there was finally an opportunity to play on stage.

However, just 20 people came to the concert, and expected from the performance in a live-house excitement was not felt at all. Looking at the empty hall, Yoshiki, biting his lips, promised himself that someday they would present a concert, and crowded hall would be boiling with excitement. Thinking about it, he eagerly started to record demo. It was completed just in time when almost one year had passed since the date band members moved in Tokyo.

In February 1985, in the rented for 10,000 yen per hour studio in Takadanobaba district the demo tape of three songs of Yoshiki's authorship was made - «I'LL KILL YOU", "We are X" and "Stop Bloody Rain". Unthinkably long rehearsals took place before the recording. Expenditures for rental studio and equipment grew more and more. All the money earned, as well as transfers from mother, even what was meant to pay for the rent and food, Yoshiki used to cover these expenses.

Once the recording, in which so much time and money was invested, was ready, Yoshiki took the following actions. Determined to begin performances in live-houses, he took the tapes with demos and gave them out visiting all the places he was interested in, on foot.

 "This is X. We recorded a demo, please listen. "

 Hearing these words, almost all live-houses were taking the tape immediately. Even the employees appreciated the enthusiasm of Yoshiki.

He had a feeling that soon the performance in a live-house would become a reality at last. The decisive moment was approaching. Grown to his shoulders hair was dyed light. There was no other group where all participants would have light hair, and Yoshiki decided that X would be the first one, and encouraged Toshimitsu:

 "Toshi, you're a vocalist, so hair must be light by all means. This attracts attention immediately! ".

Following this plan, Toshi also began to grow his hair and dyed it light. However, his hair had been short, and the lighter tone made him old-looking, so that sometimes other teased him, saying that he looked like a granny.

No matter how young people praised freedom, but in reality, only rock musicians had their hair dyed blond. Walking through the city, Yoshiki caught the curious glances of passers-by and even in a crowd people parted, letting him pass. And this hair color was often used as a reason to refuse a working place.

The impression of hair color on the surrounded people was greater than expected. Yoshiki felt curious and condemning glances and his heart beat stronger when it seemed to him that he had made a step towards the world he was longing to be in.

 Loneliness - or the opportunity to look down on the crowd.

But he had support - X, so there was no reason to worry.

Shortly after the demos were distributed, the first concert was appointed. The venue for the concert was the Club Shibuya Yaneura. Yoshiki and all band members continuously rehearsed before the performance. Three songs that were included in demo, gained more energetic arrangement.

Yoshiki's songs, while having a furious pace, at the same time had a beautiful melody. Therefore, Toshi, understanding the complexity of the compositions of Yoshiki, paid special attention on how not to disturb the beauty of the melody.

Yoshiki focused not only on selection of the repertoire, but also on costumes and set design of the performance. Although in Tateyama X was the brightest band, but in Tokyo it would have to enter a competition with many other bands with a strong personality. Yoshiki decided to make a flashy makeup to match the blond hair, and produce unusual clothing.

 In addition, Yoshiki was busy in order to collect the audience.

For the band to appear on stage in appropriate time, it was necessary to sell tickets to the concert. There was rate of ticket sales in life-houses, whichever group performed .If the tickets were completely sold out, then that group was recognized as popular, and it could count on regular concerts. And if tickets remained, the group members would have to redeem them at their own expense. Although Yoshiki got enough keeping from mother, but for other musicians such expenses would have been a heavy burden.

 Therefore, Yoshiki contacted classmates and friends from high school who entered universities in the capital, and invited them to come to the band performance. On the day of the concert of X Shibuya Yaneura was packed. Live-house, where hard-rock concerts always took place, was filled with more than 200 common students. Friends and comrades of Yoshiki and Toshi gathered in the hall and warm atmosphere, as if at a meeting of classmates or someone's birthday was established. Employees of the club, looking at overcrowded hall, were simply speechless. It had never happened before that an entirely new band made a sell-out.

When the concert began, the audience happily welcomed the emergence of Yoshiki and Toshi. Crowning feature of the group was a fierce drumming of Yoshiki and the corresponding high-pitched voice of Toshi. It seemed Yoshiki had been turning on more from his play increasing the speed still more.

After the concert staff and managers of the club, not hiding surprise, asked Yoshiki:

 "What kind of band X is? How were you able to gather so many people? "

 "They are all my friends."

 "Will they be coming every time?"

 "Yes, I think they will."

 "Really?- Well, then, let's assign next performance.”

 As was said by Yoshiki, the hall was filled with classmates at the next performance again.

 In no time all live-houses heard the news that X was a band that could pack concert halls better than anyone.

Since the spring of 1985 X started to perform in the popular live-houses of Tokyo, such as La Mama, Shibuya Yaneura, Rock House EXPLOSION, Yotsuya FOURVALLEY. Group gave 5-6 gigs each month.

More visitors came at the concerts, exceeding even the expectations of Yoshiki, and tickets were sold out very quickly. Fans of hard rock and heavy metal heard about the band which made a full house, so not only friends and acquaintances, but ordinary viewers were coming to the concert. Rumors about a new great group quickly spread in the circles associated with rock music.

 In addition, new fans of Yoshiki and X appeared in places totally unrelated to live-houses. Getting acquainted in bars, Yoshiki was inviting new friends - students, employees of firms to concerts, members of other groups with whom he sometimes quarreled on the streets of the city at night, and then became friends, they all came to the concerts.

Bands performing together with X on the same stage, closely watched their ability to attract viewers. It often happened indeed that newcomers could not always fulfill the quota of ticket sales.

 But X was the complete opposite. Yoshiki alone could sell from 200 to 250 tickets. Proceeds from the tens of thousands of yen for the first concert had grown to several hundred thousand yen. Performances in the crowded hall filled Yoshiki with joy, and he was thinking about how to make image of X even brighter. He was thinking what to do to stand out among other groups, in other words, to find a way to further attract more attention.

 "What to do to surprise everyone? What to do, so it looked like exploding a bombshell? "

Everything went well, but even after a rough gig in a crowded hall stuffed so that you could not breathe, Yoshiki did not feel completely satisfied. He tried to get the bright costumes and various accessories to make performances more vivid.

There was a lot of tricks, which allowed to make gigs of X singled out from all other bands. Regrown at last to the mid-back Yoshiki's hair were set up in the form of sharp peak in the punk style, defiant makeup on the face, with red and black lines around the eyes and on the nose line , the suit looked like a woman's dress.

This appearance, which had been chosen by Yoshiki and other members of the band, totally separated them from the ranks of artists who played hard rock and heavy metal.

 But even more than the costumes and makeup, the audience's attention was attracted by the behavior of artists on stage.

 "The most important is passion. We will act without fear of damage. "

Following his words, Yoshiki, standing on a chair, jumped off the stage into the audience, launched around the band members who continued to play firecrackers and fireworks. Sometimes he jumped up and started smashing a drum set. After the end of X performance the scene was a mess, so that there was no place to make a step. Sometimes even equipment and lighting fixtures were broken.  Yoshiki invested almost entire income from the concert in organization of the next gig. Viewers not only listened to music, but also enjoyed the unusual show. However, other groups and managers of live-houses often burned their fingers at concerts of X.

It happened that totally unmanaged artists started fights with the audience, threw and broke not only their instruments, but the club furniture during a concert.

 Although the group was considered heavy metal one, but the influence of punk rock was strong enough, so that Yoshiki had many acquaintances among punk bands. Numerous punks gathered at the concerts, pushed and brawl.

 Suddenly, Yoshiki began receiving warnings from the managers.

 "The next time observe the order in our place, please."

 "What's up?"

 Attracting scandalous viewers, violent group X became a byword. Other groups, hearing the name of X, became gloomy, and tried to avoid them.

 "To perform together with X is something you do not want ..."

 "Of course, the audience is numerous, but in fact the whole scene is broken down."

 "And their music is something hard to understand."

 Many musicians, even heard the music of Yoshiki, regarded it as pointless.

There was another reason for the alienation of X from other groups – it’s after parties.  More than a hundred fans were gathering in the restaurant for these parties.

 Getting drunk, Yoshiki each time made such a fuss that nearly smashed up whole place.

No matter how outraged was the surrounding, but for Yoshiki such psychological relaxation was needed vitally.

 Handing down burning of the live until evening, and sharing this sense of spiritual ascent with friends, Yoshiki stored energy for the next concert.

 Overfilled with force, Yoshiki often put up a fight. In the evening the restaurant during these parties was also visited by employees returning from work at the firms. Seeing Yoshiki's blonde hair and strange clothes, they started to laugh at him. However, Yoshiki, replying calmly at first, suddenly flared up and began the scandal.

He did not hesitate to beat the dishes, to break walls and partitions, to turn the tables and tatami. Seeing flew into a rage Yoshiki, opponents immediately fled, but this could not pacify his anger.

Early in the morning drunk Yoshiki, hugging a bottle of sake, sat down on the first train on Yamanote line, and regardless of the place sprawled out on the seat and fell asleep. In the rush hour a lot of people were coming and going from the train, but no one disturbed the sleep of the fair-haired boy.

Waking up after midday Yoshiki was met by ominous notice prohibiting entering the restaurant and a huge bill for recovering losses. Almost all of the proceeds from the concerts had to be given to the settlement of these accounts.

Yoshiki earned the nickname "Dynamite without Bickford fuse. None of the people around could understand why he needed to brawl that much. Yoshiki could not explain such behavior even to himself. But it was precisely in this mad race that he felt the confirmation of the reality of his own existence, and could not restrain himself.

 "We play lives, which no one else could play. And we excel others in music and performance. "

Bright concerts strengthened Yoshiki's confidence in their own abilities, and he did not pay attention to any external hindrances.

A few months after the start of regular appearances in live-houses members of X, like a storm, burst into the world of rock music, received an offer of disc recording from indie studio DADA. Yoshiki, readily agreeing, decided to record the very first song he composed for X - "I'LL KILL YOU". Released in June 1985, 1000 copies of the CD were sold out within days.

 It seemed that X could take on a wave, and things were on the up and up. But in fact there were serious reasons for concern. Gradually, the relationship between the band members declined. Yoshiki spared no effort to remain an unprecedented group and to become majors, and Toshimitsu supported him unconditionally. At the same time Tokuo believed appearances in live-houses were enough. Yoshiki understood that a lot of work was needed to move forward and spent a lot of time rehearsing, which did not suit Tokuo. There were serious disagreements, and finally Tokuo left the group. Not many people were able to sustain the impetuous run next to Yoshiki.

However, since then X had to invite a temporary bassist for performances.

 "But who will now be the bassist?" Reflecting on this, Yoshiki thought of Taiji Sawada.

Taiji, who played in a band called DIMENTIA for about a year, was a wayward man who, after becoming drunk began to brawl and venturing scandals with anyone, regardless of the person. Yoshiki saw performances of this group and was able to assess the style of Taiji. That's why he called Taiji, who, by that time, had no longer played in the group.

 "We don't have a bassist now. Maybe we'll work together? "

Taiji had not been to the concerts of X, and therefore he did not hurry to answer. Besides, he had heard unflattering comments about the group and could not immediately accept the offer. Then Yoshiki called him again, offering to listen to recording of the concert. In fact, it was very different from what Taiji was playing, since he preferred the music in the style of heavy metal, similar to that played by the band Judas Priest.

 Yoshiki understood the stubbornness and intractability of Taiji. And although he had not agreed to join the X yet, Yoshiki asked him out for a drink, and they immediately became close friends. Taiji passed for a wayward man among his friends, and Yoshiki felt a kindred spirit in him.

 "Taiji is like my younger brother."

Soon Taiji moved into the apartment of Yoshiki. After that he made Yoshiki a condition:

 "I'll play with X, if you replace the guitarist. I'm not going to play with Izumizava. If you take my guitarist, I'll be with X ".

Yoshiki hesitated, but the group needed a bass player urgently, in addition Yoshiki was fascinated by Taiji's bright personality, and he had to fulfill this condition. Taiji immediately brought guitarist Yosifumi Yoshida, known as Hari. He replaced Izumizava, who was a member of X since its inception.

In addition, Yoshiki, who always wanted X to have two guitars, chose Ishizuka as a second guitarist. After BLACK ROSE group was disbanded, a newly created group JUDY also broke off its activity, and now Ishizuka was moonlighting in video rental store .At the time, when Ishizuka was the leader of JUDY, Yoshiki sometimes acted with them as a drummer, and he invited him to their group.

 "Do you want to play with our band permanently?"

 Ishizuka remembered that during school years Yoshiki received an award as the best drummer on the East West Music Festival in Chiba.

"No, I've got X"

 Ishizuka, knowing that there were only two permanent members of X - Yoshiki and Toshimitsu kept up with the idea.

"That's ok. You will stay as support-drummer with X."

 "No, I will not leave X".

 After this, Ishizuka no longer insisted.

 Being the same age as Yoshiki, Ishizuka dropped high school and became a professional guitarist, and even Yoshiki sometimes envied him.

And so Yoshiki called this man to invite him in the band.

 "I ‘ve always wanted X to have two guitars, Pata, help me out"

  Ishizuka got a playful nickname Pata among friends, because he loved manga "Patariko".

 Pata immediately responded to the invitation.

"Okay, with pleasure, I'm not busy at the moment."

 Ishizuka did not ponder for a long time, because he had been rather tired already of working in a video hire store and he wanted to play a guitar again.

During performances X often used the services of temporary guitarists and at the same time, Yoshiki often played with other groups as a temporary drummer. One day before the first concert of the band DOOM Yoshiki was preparing to go on stage. To put the hair upright, about an hour and two bottles of spray were needed. However, it was not enough time this day. Yoshiki did only half of the hair, as soon going out on stage was announced.

 "What to do? I don't have time! Makeup and hair are not ready! "

Seeing Yoshiki's problems, one of the band members said:

 "Once you have done only half of the hair, you should do only half of the makeup."

 "It's interesting, I'll try!"

Yoshiki had half of the hair stand vertically, the other half fell off freely at the shoulders, as well as his face had a half of makeup. The audience, noticing unusual style of Yoshiki, made a noise and riveted the eyes on his strange appearance permanently.

After that, asymmetrical form became Yoshiki's house style. He himself liked it very much, and used this make-up, which was born as a result of lack of time, up to the time they became majors.

In contrast to feminine style of Yoshiki, who often appeared on stage in a dress, clothes of Taiji, who became member of X, reflected emphasized aggressive style. Leather clothing was decorated with broken glass and metal rivets. He made all of this completely by hand.

To look more aggressive vocalist Toshimitsu put dyed in light color hair vertically and wore leather jacket, also made by Taiji. All clothes looked very expensive, but were made entirely by hand, so that the total cost made up around 10-20 thousand yen.

In summer of 1985 X, whose performances became increasingly powerful, for the first time performed on stage written and arranged by Yoshiki song Kurenai, which confirmed the continued development of the group and in musical sense as well.  During their gig, the audience swayed their heads to the beat of drums furious pace, swung their whole bodies to the growing sound of music. Blast beat and speed of Kurenai gave the possibility to feel the power of heavy metal and hardcore punk, and at the same time, gentle melody and dramatic lyrics won the hearts of listeners. This work is very different from that performed by the Heavy Metal groups of that time. It was this form Yoshiki was longing.

 However, despite the strong performances, the question of the final membership of the group remained unresolved.

Taiji, stipulating for his accession to X Izumizava's exclusion from the band, ultimately failed to overcome musical disagreements with Yoshiki , and left X. Unlike Yoshiki, Taiji insisted that the essence of the heavy metal band is a loud vocal and total use of reefs. Yoshiki, in contrast, was not kept within the rigid limits perceiving punk influence as well, and did not considered it necessary to constantly use the reefs. Dissatisfied Taiji left the group.

 After Taiji and guitarist Yoshida, who came with him, left, there were no more performances and Ischizuka returned to his work in a video store.

Deeply regretting his decision concerning Izumizava, Yoshiki visited him, bringing a sincere apology.

 "I made a serious mistake. Forgive me please! Maybe you will come back in X again? "

 Izumizava remained calm.

 "Never mind. Perhaps your decision was not a mistake. But I have my pride. I'm going to become a professional and will not return to the group from which I was turned out. "

 Yoshiki looked into his eyes and could only nod in response.

To find new members of the group auditions and interviews on the recommendations of many friends began. Yoshiki started looking for people himself. The number of candidates was huge but often newcomers were saying goodbye to the band in a couple of days. And the reasons were very different.

 Some musicians were not able to take an unusual style of music that combined punk rock and heavy metal, perfectly complemented by elements of classical music. But most beginners did not withstand heavy loads, which Yoshiki gave at the rehearsals.

Watching wild concerts it was difficult to imagine how much time the group paid to constant rehearsals. From the standpoint of Yoshiki, constantly dissatisfied with the level of musical performance, it was a natural thing. However, if the newcomer started complaining: "I do not want to spend so much time rehearsing!" he did not stay long in the group. Although Yoshiki was distressed because the band was not in the whole, but he was not going to let into the world of X just anybody. He looked not only at technique and performance style, but he was searching for a man who would match by nature.

Although Yoshiki was head over hills in looking for new band members, he created a new plan. In early autumn 1985, he said Toshimitsu:

 "I think we need to start recording. We have already mastered performances in live houses, so our next goal will be to release the disc. "

These words sounded as a sudden inspiration, in fact, expressed not only a sincere desire of Yoshiki to make progress in the rock world, but also carefully deliberate strategy.

Yoshiki understood that the release of indie records would make a big impression on the audience and those who look down on the group.

 Of course, all the groups, who played in live houses, except for the amateurs, wanted to release records. And there was a standard procedure for this. To perform in live-houses gathering more people to gain recognition of music critics and wait for proposals from producers and managers of major recording companies.

 However, Yoshiki was not eager to follow the beaten paths. About the same that in due time he did not know how to get to the scene of life-houses, now he did not know how to release the record. To make a release, not using the services of other people, Yoshiki decided to study the production process from the outset.

"What is needed for the release of the single?"

 Yoshiki acted openly. First of all, he turned to the factory where discs were produced.

 "Please tell me how much it will cost to release the disc?"

 The employee called the factory price for the manufacture of 1000 copies. Thus, bringing the source and paying a few hundred thousand yen, you could get ready-made discs.

 Research continued.

 "How a cover for a disc can be made?"

 He went to the publisher:

 "How much will it cost to produce the cover?"

Finding out prices, Yoshiki started to think about where a design could be ordered.

 "Probably, the design can be done in photo-studio."

 Proceeding to a photo studio, Yoshiki also asked about the prices and conditions.

 Now his mind developed a preliminary plan. To make a record first and then give the source to the factory to produce copies. To bring made in studio photographs and logo to the publisher, order covers, and everything would be ready.

Understanding the case, Yoshiki began thinking about the next step - the sale.  The production of discs was not an end in itself. The more people bought them, the more of them would be able to hear the music of X.

 "Where can I turn to, so as many ordinary people as possible could buy the record?"

From music magazines Yoshiki knew that across the country there were shops that sell indie discs, their complete list was also published there.

 "So, if we collect enough money, we can release the record ourselves. And when the disks are ready, they can be sold through these stores. "

After Yoshiki with youthful curiosity explored all the way from printing in the factory prior to sale in the store, he immediately began to act.

 In order to collect money for the release of records, Yoshiki decided to use his monthly payments from his mother. However, this was clearly not enough. He had to ask his mother to increase the amount.

 "Mom, I want to release disc, so I need to have more money."

 After hearing about the release of the disc, mother responded to the request and increased the amount of payment. However, requests of her son grew with each passing month, and concerned, his mother demanded that Yoshiki led a normal life and then reduced the amount of remittance. Of course, this was enough to live carefree for a 19-year old boy, but it was absolutely not enough for saving money on records production. 

To reduce the cost of housing, Yoshiki moved from apartments in Ekoda to the cottage in the town of Narita, Chiba Prefecture, which he inherited from his father. Having obtained a driver's license and having bought a cheap used car, Yoshiki each day traveled to Tokyo for rehearsals and performances, spending for 2 hours on the road each way.

 It took too much time, and once he stopped at his schoolmate's who lived in Medziro.

"It takes too much time to get home. Why don't I sleep here?" "

 And then he, to save time, had lived in this apartment for about 3 months. Living together in one room the size of 6 tatami (about 1.6 square meters) was strikingly different from freely living in an apartment in Ekoda, however, for Yoshiki, busy with preparations for the record, the question about the overnight stay appeared to be completely insignificant.

The goal - to produce the disc - was a challenge for Yoshiki and woke fighting spirit. Whatever high barriers stood in his way, he had been seething with energy more, to destroy them.

 Once, to the house where Yoshiki had been staying, another classmate came. Yoshiki gave him black plate and white pencil and said:

 "Write down what I am about to say."

 And Yoshiki spelled a word that popped up in his mind. Friend wrote and asked:

 «E-X-T-A-S-Y - what is it?"

 Ecstasy - is a name of my record company.. "

Yoshiki got up and left the room and attached the plate to the door.

 "So, from now on, my firm will be situated here."

That's how, in a small studio apartment in Medziro the new indie firm was born.

 "It will be the firm for recording the music of X".

 And since that day Yoshiki started his activities as a businessman. First, release the article of trade, and then sell it. Maybe business acumen was in his blood.

In order to control production costs and revenues from sales and pay taxes, it was necessary to establish a firm. Before that, Yoshiki bought many books and studied them all nights long, and consulted with his mother, who had experience in management of fabric store. Mother, who walked away from it all, explained to him some of the necessary procedures and rules. And finally, the recording company Ecstasy was officially registered, and Yoshiki, who had not yet turned 20 years old, became its director.

Of course, the organization of a small company, where, except him, was not a single employee, had not brought much change to the life of Yoshiki. But he believed that this company could communicate the music of X not only to live-house attenders, but to many fans of rock music.

Continuing the preparations for the record, Yoshiki found guitarist Takai Hisashi, known as Jun, and bassist Udaka Hikaru, performed as Hikaru. Both had impeccable technique and understood the music of Yoshiki.

 Yoshiki was glad that the time of record was approaching and started more intense rehearsals.

After that, he individually rehearsed on drums. Using a metronome to set the pace, he could drum for several hours, forgetting about food and sleep. Sometimes during these exercises, he stayed in a rented studio more than 10 consecutive hours without going out. The studio seemed to become his own. And although the cost of rent grew, it was not his concern.

 Thus, the achievements were needed, in drumming, as well as in the level of performances. Sensing this, Yoshiki pushed himself to the limit with all his might, the same way as was during preparation for exams in a music institute. And although the drumming technique perfected really obviously, Yoshiki did not stop at what had been accomplished. He went on with grueling exercises, after which he could not even move his hands.

"I want to learn how to play those rhythms that sound in my head."

 Yoshiki shared this thought with Toshimitsu. But the task exceeded the capabilities of his physical body. Completely exhausted by prolonged exercises, sometimes he fell powerless to the floor. But the restless soul haunted tired body.  

Due to the incomprehensible from the standpoint of common sense long-term exercises Yoshiki's body suffered from excessive load. However, it seemed to him that reached the limit pulse rate and tiredness to seizures were necessary for the rhythm of the music to force its way into each cell of his body, and therefore felt more relieved than tired.

In early 1986, recording began. The song, for which a few arrangements were made, was chosen for the single by Yoshiki. The song named “Orgasm”.

Chapter 3. The birth of Х. Part 2. Promise to the best friend.

Yoshiki successfully prepared for exams in the music institute, and soon moved from the last place of study progress up to the first hundred. However, not only academic disciplines were necessary for the examinations. Since Yoshiki was the only one at school who wanted to enter the Music Institute, he had to miss school sometimes, to practice piano at home.

 While he played, emotions overwhelmed Yoshiki, and his heart seemed to be purified. Like a summer rain suddenly poured into a scorching ground, filling it with life-giving moisture and washing away all the dust so the heart of Yoshiki was washed by the melody that filled his entire body. At these moments, he became his real self.

There had not been a precedent at Awa School yet, that someone of the students entered the Music Institute. However, teachers who evaluated the seriousness of Yoshiki and sighed with relief in his third year of study were now all out to support him. While dyed hair and a long jacket had not disappeared, but all friction with the teachers stopped completely.

 Exam preparation was time consuming, but Yoshiki, though with difficulty, continued the activity of X. Joint rehearsal with the band members were the only outlet for him. Gathering from time to time, they rehearsed the songs composed by Yoshiki, and gradually expanded their repertoire. Gradually, the distance between X and other bands of high school students, which only copied the songs of famous musicians was growing.

However, what was their personal level? Both Yoshiki and Toshimitsu, believing in their music asked such a question not for once.

 Yoshiki and Toshimitsu, standing on stage during the festival of culture, felt a great enthusiasm and were astonished by the response of listeners. There were practically no such bands among the school ones which sang their own songs, so they understood that the novelty of music had become one of the main reasons for their popularity. However, they absolutely could not understand what was their level compared with other groups.

"So, we must take part in the competition sometime" - offered Yoshiki, and none of the band members had objections. And shortly after they moved to the third grade of high school, they applied to participate in the EastWest Chiba province contest, organized by Yamaha.

For the first time they had to go to the performance from Tateyama to Chiba. In contrast to the festivals of culture, where to perform in ordinary clothes was not allowed, here the musicians took the stage in identical t-shirts and black trousers. Yoshiki did makeup and set his hair vertically. Toshimitsu, wrapped in chains, sang, alternating singing with loud cries, as if threatening the listeners. One of the members of the group had been punished by teachers right before the contest and performed with a shaved head.

Melody of the selected for the contest song «I'LL KILL YOU» and high-pitched voice of Toshimitsu stood out sharply against other groups. The guitarist also showed a great play during his solo, surprising the judges and the audience.

On that day one of the listeners in the hall was born and raised in Chiba Ishidzuka Tomoaki, who left high school and as a guitarist organized a rock band with friends. Eloquent presentation of five musicians from Tateyama and wonderful technique of the drummer raised a great interest in him. However, they did not exchange a word that day, and only in four years, in 1987, Ishidzuka would join the group under the name of Pata as a guitarist. It was several years later when Yoshiki and Ishidzuka met again in live-house and got acquainted with each other.

After the end of the performances, the organizers announced the winners. And although X, as a band, did not receive awards, but Yoshiki was awarded as the best drummer. Participating in the competition in order to test his strength, he was able to take the first place among the drummers. Receiving a small diploma, Yoshiki tried to keep the same face expression, but of course, he could not hide his glee. 17-year-old musician was filled with pride for his own play, for the uniqueness of music of X, and for being able to communicate it to others.

Gradually the time of the entrance examinations had been approaching. It was necessary to send documents to the selected institute and some certain results were necessary for that. Therefore, the educational load increased even more.

And just before winter holidays Yoshiki, spending time in preparing for exams, was visited by Toshimitsu.

 Ever since the elementary school, they often gathered in Yoshiki's room and listened to the music. In high school, the main topic of conversation, which they held like they were cousins, became favoured by both rock music and band's affairs. On that day, Yoshiki, and Toshimitsu discussed the fate of X after their graduation late into the night.

Yoshiki took a jar of juice from the refrigerator and offered Toshimitsu, who continued to fill his mouth with peanut chocolate with appetite. Yoshiki was afraid of acne, so did not touch the chocolate, and only looked enviously at his friend.

 "Toshi, you eat so tasty!" - He could not contain himself.

As a child, Yoshiki was taken to a hospital with a bout of food allergy to chocolate, which after that became a banned product for a long time. In high school, an allergy to chocolate was gone, but because of fear of acne he controlled himself with all his might and, looking at Toshimitsu, merrily devours favorite chocolate still had not eaten even a piece.

 After a while the conversation was resumed with renewed intensity. Toshimitsu looked at Yoshiki.

"So what do we do now?" - He said, referring to the band's future fate.

He once again reminded of the enthusiasm during the performance at the last festival of culture in school, and about winning in contests. In another contest, after the one organized by Yamaha, Toshi was awarded as the best vocalist and felt the pride as the lead vocalist of X for the first time. A small reward it was, seemed to illuminate the road ahead.

 "We probably are even better than we think!" - Said Yoshiki and Toshi had been completely agreed.

 Of course, Yoshiki already told Toshimitsu of his decision to enter a music institute. Toshimitsu, of course, was also preparing for exams, but he still had not decided on the choice of an institute. And finally, he announced his decision:

 "I thought for a long time and decided that I would not enter the institute. I want to go to Tokyo to pursue rock music. Yoshiki, come together? If we are together, if we are X, we will succeed! "

 Listening to these words, Yoshiki thought about Toshimitsu, whom he knew from the age of five.

Together they were carried away with music of KISS, organized rock band, and at the same time, they were like the exact opposite of each other by the nature and course of action .Unlike Yoshiki, who in high school proved to be a bully and who always had problems, Toshimitsu was a quiet, serious student with excellent success. In secondary school he was a member of the school board, in high school he was part of a team of volleyball players and had never broken the discipline and was not involved in fights. But he and Yoshiki, who had the reputation of a bully, played hard rock, organized a band, and it was likely something that caused the anxiety of his family and close surrounding. However, creating a band with Yoshiki, Toshimitsu never showed any doubt or hesitation. Whatever happened, he would always support the plans and all ideas of Yoshiki as a group leader, and embodied Yoshiki's musical images by his singing. Violating the rules, smashing all obstacles in his way Yoshiki and attentive to others, able to take into account different opinion Toshimitsu. They had directly opposite characters and mindset. Nevertheless, Yoshiki had no one else with whom he could discuss all matters relating to rock music and their band.

And maybe, along with Toshimitsu they could create the rock band, they were dreaming about. Something as though suddenly moved inside Yoshiki.

 He looked back at the year which he spent, up to his neck in preparation for entrance exams. And at that moment it seemed to him that he awoke from a deep sleep. All that time, when he was focused on preparing for exams, and held back the raging throughout his entire body energy, all that time seemed to him a sleep in broad daylight, of which he was finally able to return to reality. And now, talking with Toshimitsu, he suddenly began to realize that exactly that year, when he tried to enter the Institute, was an escape from reality, and was just a dream. Of course, to become a pianist was very difficult. But was it really something that could ignite a fire in him? Now Yoshiki doubted it.

However, while Yoshiki watched and listened  Toshimitsu, his thoughts had taken the opposite direction.

 "Had not I always hated the half-solutions?"

 Since the time, when Yoshiki in the age of ten, lost his father his ears were constantly ringing with one question: "Why do people live?" This was a question that he was looking and could not find the answer for, and which tormented him constantly. And only when the energy of rock music poured into him, as if celebrating life, only then death seemed to retreat.

But that year, when almost all the time was spent on preparing for exams, Yoshiki had turned away from questions of life and death. His heart was like closed with the wall called reality. And now, looking at the face of Toshimitsu, he suddenly thought, whether it was a great folly. If you stopped asking the question about why do people live, then as a result wonder and anger would leave. Was it possible to allow this?

He felt as if a powerful stream rose inside him. During the fierce drumming, he always felt himself alive. And with this, perhaps he would be able to withstand the growing thoughts of death. Yoshiki thought that this was sufficient.

Like fierce, uncontrollable water flow pushed him in one moment.

 Yoshiki immediately said Toshimitsu:

 "Well, if you do something - do not stop halfway. If we decide to go to Tokyo, if the fate of X will be at stake, then I will not enter the institute. Toshi, along with X, we will conquer Japan, no, we will conquer the whole world! "

 "Yes! Together we can do everything! "

They did not need many words to prove their feelings and thoughts. Solving the most important, they moved on to discuss specific plans. If you moved to Tokyo, then it would be difficult to play with the same body of band members. Most likely, it would be necessary to seek for new members. In addition, they both absolutely had no information about the lives of musicians, so felt insecure by entering an unfamiliar world. It was necessary to gather information on the activities of live-houses. Yoshiki understood the need to strive to become professionals.

 "Well, we reached a point of no return."

Sometime in high school Yoshiki wanted to become a rock star, and this was now his goal. And so he would not enter the Music University. He had to disappoint his mother and teachers, but there was no other way out.

And then Yoshiki and Toshimitsu both smiled, as if they saw their future ahead. This promise, which they exchanged, would be indestructible, Yoshiki vowed in his heart.

 When, after the winter break the third semester started, Yoshiki announced his decision to the class teacher:

"I will not go to college. Please, withdraw an application"

 "But the entering approval has come already! What have you been thinking at such a time! "

 The teacher was nearly speechless.

 "I decided to go to Tokyo and to continue to play in a band. I want to do what I like more than entering the institute. "

 Other teachers, who by that time supported Yoshiki, just nodded. Of course, the old prejudices that those who love rock music were necessarily hooligans had already dissipated. However, the decision to play in a rock band instead of entering university did not fit the notion of common sense. Many times, Yoshiki was summoned to the teacher's staff room and was persuaded to change his mind, but in vain.

 Mother hearing about the sudden decision, was constantly asking her son to enter the institute. "You can study at the Institute and at the same time play in a band, is not it a way out?"

 But Yoshiki did not yield to persuasion.

"If you enter the institute, it is unclear what will happen next. Although I love the piano, but do not want to be a music teacher. I still want to play in the group. Mom, for me it is the best! "

 If Yoshiki decided something firmly, then no one could stop him. And  mother, who knew it best of all, in the end gave her permission.

 By that time, Yoshiki had repeatedly visited concerts of various groups in Tokyo, starting with Kiss and Iron Maiden, but they were only foreign artists’ performances. Therefore, living in Tateyama, he had no idea about the activity of rock musicians - amateurs and where to find good musicians to participate in the group. Yoshiki and Toshimitsu had not enough information.

From music magazines, they only knew that the main place of performance for the bands were live-houses.  If the performance was successful, apparently, the band had a chance to perform in this place regularly.

While approaching the time of graduation from school, Yoshiki, skipping classes, often travelled to Tokyo, to collect information about live-houses. Teachers, who worried about him missing classes, sometimes went after him and found him alongside next in turn live-house.

However, seeing how persistently he sought his own way, little by little they began to feel sympathy for him.

 Graduation party, unlike the graduation in secondary school, was very quiet. Being sad about parting, teachers and students exchanged a lot of kind words.

In the class year book Yoshiki wrote only one letter: "X" as a message. To support his friend, Toshimitsu also wrote: «We are X". And these words meant not only hidden unlimited possibilities of the band, but also something hidden in the depths of their hearts.

Shortly after the graduation, Yoshiki, and Toshimitsu decided to move to Tokyo. In addition, Toshimitsu, who also did not go the institute, decided to study in the school of piano tuners for one year. In addition, they were joined by guitarist of X Izumizava Yuji, who played in the band from the very beginning and finished school with them. The three of them set off to conquer the world of rock music.

 End of March 1984.Leaving behind the warm spring sun-drenched Tateyama, Yoshiki alone settled in an apartment in Tokyo.