The music world has been left reeling from the news of Hiroshi Morie’s death, known popularly as Heath, the bass guitarist of the legendary rock group, X Japan. The proficient musician, who joined the band in 1992 filling the void left by Taiji Sawada, succumbed to cancer, ending his glowing career abruptly. His extraordinary bass capabilities and captivating stage persona played a pivotal role in the band’s triumphs, establishing him as an irreplaceable figure within the group.
Heath’s sterling performances and contributions to the band’s discography, notably in the albums “Dahlia” and “The Last Live”, were instrumental in the group’s rise to both domestic and international fame during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His striking long hair, tattoos, and magnetic aura, coupled with his faultless integration into the band, cemented X Japan’s position as trailblazers in the sphere of rock and metal music.
The world was rocked by the news of Heath’s demise at the age of 55, following a year-long struggle with cancer. His illness, which was kept away from the public eye and from his bandmates, was confirmed by those closest to him. Heath had chosen to keep his diagnosis private, intending to focus on his treatment without causing concern to others. However, his health took a turn for the worse, leading to his untimely departure on November 7th, 2023.
Throughout the various lineup changes and hiatuses in X Japan’s journey since 1992, Heath’s importance within the band remained steadfast. After the band’s break-up in the late 1990s, Heath pursued a solo career, producing individual music and partnering with other artists. He was also a key figure in X Japan’s reunion in 2007, participating in their comeback performances and recordings.
The unanticipated loss of Heath has sent ripples of sorrow across the music industry, with fans and fellow musicians expressing their grief and appreciation on social media platforms. Yoshiki, the band’s leader, hailed Heath as a pillar of unwavering support, lauding his musical genius. Toshi, the group’s vocalist, remembered Heath’s kindness, infectious smile, and intense passion for music on Twitter.
Bandmates Shinbun and Toshil also paid their respects to Heath. Pata, the group’s guitarist, remembered Heath’s infectious sense of humour and his inspirational nature in a moving tribute on Facebook. Sugizo, another guitarist from the band, honoured Heath’s memory through a YouTube video, celebrating their musical collaboration and highlighting Heath’s positive outlook.
As the music community mourns the loss of Heath, he is remembered not just as an accomplished musician, but also as a dear friend. His influence continues to live on, touching the lives of those he interacted with, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of music.
