Iconic Japanese rock band X Japan have announced the passing of their bassist, Hiroshi Morie, widely known as Heath. In a statement, the band confirmed the 55-year-old musician succumbed to colorectal cancer. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of X Japan’s esteemed bass player Heath after his battle with colorectal cancer, on October 29th, 2023, at the age of 55,” they wrote.
The band thanked its fanbase for their support of Heath. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime,” they wrote. “We, the members of X Japan, have personally bid farewell to Heath but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss.”
X Japan’s bass player Heath spent more than 20 years with the band
Hiroshi Morie was born on 22nd January, 1968, in Amagasaki, Japan. He played in bands such as Paranoia and Media Youth before joining X Japan in 1992. The band split up in 1997 and Heath embarked on a solo career.
In 2000, Heath co-founded Dope HEADz with X Japan guitarist Pata and former Spread Beaver percussionist and programmer I.N.A., but the group was short-lived, ceasing activity after its second album in 2002.
X Japan reformed in 2007 with Heath in tow. No new music has been released since their reformation.
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