X Japan Unveil ‘We Are X’ Film Trailer, Yoshiki Books SXSW Gig
X Japan are the latest rockers to share their story on film. A new documentary called We Are X is making the film festival circuit, recently debuting at Sundance and it's receiving several screenings this week at SXSW. But for those unable to make either event, there's now a trailer for the documentary that you can see above.
In the trailer, we get a glimpse of the band's story, becoming Japan's biggest rock band, going through tough times, then reuniting. There's also appearances by comics giant Stan Lee, Marilyn Manson and KISS' Gene Simmons in the trailer. Simmons is seen stating, "If those guys were born in America, they might be the biggest band in the world."
The film had its first South By Southwest screening Friday night, but there are subsequent screenings this coming Wednesday (March 16) at the Topfer Theatre-Zach at 10:45AM and at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on Friday (March 18) at 5:30PM.
In addition, the band's drummer, songwriter and classically-trained pianist Yoshiki has booked a special show at the Paramount Theater on Friday at 7:15 following the screening. He'll be performing classical versions of the band's songs with a string quartet. Tickets for the special performance are available at this location.
X Japan are currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their still-untitled next album. The band was initially eyeing a March 2016 release coinciding with a return to the stage, but postponed both when guitarist Pata was rushed to the hospital with a severe blood clot. Even with the delay, the album is currently expected to arrive in late 2016.
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