Yoshiki Sells Out Back-To-Back Shows at New York's Famous Carnegie Hall

January 14, 2017 -- Yoshiki performed two back-to-back sold-out shows at New York’s famous classical venue, Carnegie Hall, on January 12 and 13, 2017. Our multitalented hero played a selection of his classically composed numbers from his solo project, X-JAPAN's decades-long career, and iconic pieces from Tchaikovsky and Beethoven; all with the help of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following four shows in Japan and a dramatic re-scheduled event in Hong Kong, the final performance of Yoshiki Classical Special World Tour 2016-2017 was broadcast live on January 13 across the world in sold-out screenings in Hong Kong and Taiwan and to homes across Japan via the WOWOW pay-per-view service. Yoshiki introduced each song to the audience, connecting his personal history with the compositions, including video tributes to deceased X Japan members Hide and Taiji.

Yoshiki also included a surprise performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” after a heartfelt speech about his personal pursuit of the American Dream. The evening's final number brought the audience together when he played X's most iconic song: "Endless Rain." After which, they unified in a "We Are... X!" call-and-response famous at X's live shows. 

Yoshiki Classical Special at Carnegie Hall
January 12 & 13, 2017
Musical Selections

1st Set
1. I’ll Be Your Love (Theme for the World Expo Japan)
2. The Last Song
3. Forever Love (Theme for the animation film X)
4. Golden Globe Theme (Theme for the Golden Globes®)
5. Hero (Theme for the animation film Saint Seiya)
6. La Venus (Theme for the film We Are X)
7. Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven)
8. Anniversary (Theme for the Emperor of Japan 10 Year Anniversary)

2nd Set
9. Tears (Theme for the TV drama Nikushimi ni Hohoende)
10. Miracle
** extra song: Star-Spangled Banner – new arrangement by YOSHIKI
11. Bloom Like A Rose (Theme for the TV drama Seisei Suru Hodo Aishiteru)
12. Say Anything (Theme for the TV drama Lullaby Keiji)
13. River of the Light
14. Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky)
15. Without You
16. Kurenai
17. Transition
18. Art of Life
19. Endless Rain (Theme for the film Zipang)

Yoshiki’s upcoming projects include the release of X Japan’s new single, “La Venus” (currently in contention for an Oscar for Best Original Song from the documentary film We Are X), X Japan’s new album, and the band’s concert performance at SSE Wembley Arena on March 4, 2017 (postponed from last year due to the illness of band guitarists Pata).