Former X Japan Bassist Loses Battle With Inner Demons (RIP)

Former X Japan bassist Taiji Sawada has lost his recent battle with his inner demons and died at the age of 45 on July 17 after being removed from life support. Sawada left the iconic Japanese band in 1992 and went on to perform in Loudness and DTR.

Leading to his death, he was arrested on July 11 and charged with allegedly assaulting a female member of a Delta Airline crew, which was en route to Saipan from Tokyo. After the assault, he punched the plane window and kicked the seat in front of him.

While in custody, Taiji was rushed to an intensive care unit after attempting suicide by hanging himself with a bed sheet in his detention cell - which left him brain dead and on life support. His mother and fiancée made the decision to turn off his life support system and he passed at 11 am on Sunday.

X Japan leader Yoshiki posted a simple message on his Twitter account on the 17th: “Everybody… Be Strong.”

X Japan continues to maintain its success in Asia while preparing to release its first English speaking album in America. The first single Jade was released late last month. Sawada was replaced by Hiroshi "Heath" Morie in 1992 and continues with the band through the recent reunion and US launch.