X Japan Release Statement on Hiroshi “Heath” Morie’s Death
Earlier this month, X Japan bassist Hiroshi “Heath” Morie was reported dead, but the bend didn’t make a statement right away. Now they have.
Heath died at the age of 55 after succumbing to his battle with cancer. According to the band, Heath’s death was originally going to be announced in mid-November in order to comply with family wishes, but thanks to “unwarranted media coverage” the news was discovered. Once it became well-known, the band got together to make the following statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of X Japan’s ’s esteemed bass player Heath after his battle with colorectal cancer, on October 29, 2023, at the age of 55. His cancer was found during an examination in June of this year. Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime. We, the members of X Japan, have personally bid farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss. Individual tributes from X Japan members will be shared on Heath’s official website at heathproject.com.”
Morie played with X Japan from 1992 to 1997 when they broke up, and then returned to the fold when the band got back together in 2007 until his passing. He’s featured on albums Art of Life (1993) and Dahlia (1996).
In conjunction with the band’s overall statement, X Japan frontman Yoshiki Hayashi also weighed in on the loss of his bandmate with a lengthy statement/reminiscence in which he not only looks back on his time with Morie, but also states that he’ll be in charge of putting together a memorial concert in the future.
“I am still at a loss for words at this heartbreaking news. I am confused as to whether I should be writing this message as Yoshiki or as the leader of X Japan.
“I received the news about Heath’s passing right after a performance and event in New York. I flew immediately to Tokyo to say farewell to him.
“Heath joined X Japan in 1992 through an introduction by Hide. The announcement that he joined the band was made at Rockefeller Center in New York, our first concert together was at Tokyo Dome, and our first TV performance was NHK’s year-end Kohaku Utagassen. Despite having to jump in during such high-profile events and the pressure he must have felt, Heath always gave it his all as a phenomenal bass player.
“After our band reunited, we went on a world tour in the U.S, Europe, South America and Asia. When I suggested Heath to play bass together with Taiji in what became the latter’s final show, he happily accepted. He was such a wonderful bass player, a band member, and a wonderful human being.
“Heath and I got closer than ever over this past year. On my birthday last year, he appeared as a guest on my program, and we talked endlessly afterwards in my dressing room. There was also a time after that when we talked on the phone for hours until daybreak.
“This summer, on August 20th, Heath performed as a guest at my dinner show. How could I have known that that would be my last performance with him? I couldn’t help make Heath’s wishes come true, and for that I feel fully responsible. I apologized to him when I bid farewell.
“Speaking as Yoshiki personally, I am so mentally and physically drained, so drenched in sorrow, that I don’t know what to say right now. I feel that if I stop now, I won’t be able to go any further, so I’m immersing myself in my busy schedule. But as the leader of the band, there are still some things that I must do. Heath’s family conveyed his words to me: ‘Don’t be sad,’ he said. ‘Cheer up, and say goodbye to me with a smile.’ Heath also requested that I, Yoshiki, be in charge of his memorial concert. I will discuss this further with his family to make sure that that is accomplished. There are also several things I need to fight for in order to make that happen.
“My story with Heath keeps going on and on. I wish I knew how to express the depth of my feelings here, but first I need to learn how to live with this profound loss. I will have more to say in the future.
“Thank you for everything, Heath. And may you rest in peace. I hope that someday we can play music together again.”
Once again, our thoughts and condolences go out to Morie’s friends, family, and former bandmates during this difficult time.
