YOSHIKI at Carnegie Hall, New York City

The highly anticipated YOSHIKI Classical at Carnegie Hall in New York City finally came to fruition last Thursday and Friday evening on January 12th and 13th. People from all backgrounds came to both sold-out shows. YOSHIKI performed some of X JAPAN's most iconic songs, some of his original compositions from the Yoshiki Classical album, as well as some well-known classical pieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The drummer, pianist, composer, and leader of X JAPAN performed front and center on the piano with special guests Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yuga Cohler. The set also featured performances from talented singers Katie Fitzgerald and Ashley Knight.

On January 12th, the concert began sans YOSHIKI with Yuga Cohler conducting the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra as they opened with I’ll be your Love and The Last Song. Images of YOSHIKI performing all over the world were projected on the wall behind the orchestra.

After the song, YOSHIKI came out dressed in a black suit and in his soft, wispy voice introduced himself and the songs in his usual candid and humble demeanor. He evoked some laughter from the crowd when he joked, “It’s kind of weird to play a song called The Last Song at the beginning, but … ” In between songs he shared with the audience various stories behind and the significance of each of the songs. Many times it was lighthearted and caused the audience to chuckle, other times it took a serious tone, such as when he talked about X JAPAN and the story of his father’s suicide.

YOSHIKI briefly spoke of X JAPAN's story before performing La Venus, X JAPAN's newest single that is played during the ending credits of "We Are X", the recently released X JAPAN documentary film. “X JAPAN's story is almost too crazy to be true,” he said. The piece opened with a beautiful cello solo followed by a violin solo from the concert master. Scenes from the documentary "We are X" were projected on the wall during the performance. Other notable pieces played during the first set were the Forever Love, the Global Globe Theme and Hero, songs YOSHIKI composed for various animations and the Golden Globes®.

After the intermission and a performance of Tears by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, YOSHIKI returned on stage, having changed into a white suit jacket. He performed Miracle, during which soprano singer Ashley Knight put on a stunning performance. He then announced a change in the program and humbly spoke about how grateful he was for being there, “There is something called the American Dream. I came here to pursue that dream a long time ago. It hasn’t been easy, but I keep on trying. Yes, the dream is not only for people from here. People from around the world are pursuing this thing called the American Dream. I hope the upcoming president of the United States will realize how thankful I am towards America. I hope the President continues to keep the American dream alive for the entire world. Asian, Hispanic, black, white … we are all the same. I would like to play this song to thank America for giving me a chance to be here.” Following this speech and applause from the audience he performed America’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.

Another highlight from the show was Without You, a tribute to all the important people YOSHIKI lost in his life. Images of hide, Taiji and YOSHIKI as a young child with his father projected on the wall during the song. This piece was directly followed by Kurenai and Art of Life. Art of Life, another signature X JAPAN song, was captivating and powerful. The strings and brass weaved together with the piano mesmerizingly until the climax, where YOSHIKI played his classic tormented solo. YOSHIKI thanked the audience and everyone again for the chance to play in Carnegie Hall. He spoke about not taking anything for granted, “Everything that happens, I think it’s a miracle.”

The show ended with a performance of Endless Rain. The hall was basked in sparkling white light from a large mirror ball hanging over the stage, and the audience sang along together, filling Carnegie Hall with their voices, creating a very beautiful and awe-inspiring moment. YOSHIKI received a standing ovation from the audience and fans rushed to the front of the hall at the end of the performance with several bouquets of roses for him.

Set list

01. I’ll Be Your Love (Theme for the World Expo Japan)
02. The Last Song
03. Forever Love (Theme for the animation film "X")
04. Golden Globe Theme (Theme for the Golden Globes®)
05. Hero (Theme for the animation film "Saint Seiya")
06. La Venus (Theme for the film "We Are X")
07. Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven)
08. Anniversary (Theme for the Emperor of Japan 10 Year Anniversary)
09. Tears (Theme for the TV drama "Nikushimi ni hohoende")
10. Miracle
** extra song: The Star-Spangled Banner – new arrangement by YOSHIKI
11. River of the Light
12. Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky)
13. Without You
14. Kurenai
15. Transition
16. Art of Life
17. Endless Rain (Theme for the film "Zipang")