Hideto Matsumoto

Hideto Matsumoto, better known by his nickname hide (typically spelled in all-lowercase letters, sometimes in all-uppercase), was a Japanese musician, singer, and songwriter known as the lead guitarist of the rock band X Japan from 1987 to 1997 and a solo artist from 1993 onward. He also formed the United States-based rock supergroup Zilch in 1996. Hide sold millions of records, both solo and as a member of X Japan. X Japan rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, credited as founders of the Japanese visual kei movement. When they disbanded in 1997, he focused on his solo career which started four years prior and went on to enjoy significant popularity. At the height of his fame, while recording his third studio album and about to launch an international career with the newly formed Zilch, he died in 1998 of what was ruled a suicide by hanging. He was seen as an icon for Japanese youth rebelling against their country's conformist society, and his death was labeled "the end of an era". Hide was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, on December 13, 1964. He was first exposed to rock music at the age of fifteen, through the album Alive II by Kiss. That same year his grandmother bought him his first electric guitar, a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. He formed his first band, Saber Tiger, in 1981 and started playing shows at live houses in Yokosuka. He graduated from a cosmetology school in 1985 and obtained a beautician license. In July 1985 Saber Tiger released their self-titled EP, which included two songs, "Double Cross" and "Gold Digger". ¹ In 1987, he joined X Japan (then called X) as their lead guitarist, replacing Jun. He became the main lyricist and composer of the band, writing songs such as "Joker", "Miscast", "Scars", "Rusty Nail", "Dahlia", and "Pink Spider". He also contributed to the band's image and style, often wearing colorful and eccentric outfits and hairstyles. He was known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence, as well as his virtuosic guitar skills. With X Japan, he achieved international fame and success, selling over 30 million records and performing at large venues such as the Tokyo Dome and Madison Square Garden. ¹ In 1993, he began his solo career with the single "Eyes Love You", followed by his debut album Hide Your Face in 1994. He explored various genres of music, such as alternative rock, industrial rock, and electronic music. He collaborated with other musicians, such as Zilch, Spread Beaver, and Oblivion Dust. He also established his own record label, LEMONed, which signed several artists, such as Zeppet Store, Vinyl, and Lucy. He released two more solo albums, Psyence in 1996 and Ja, Zoo in 1998, both of which reached the number two position on the Oricon chart. He also embarked on several tours, both in Japan and abroad, attracting large crowds of fans. ¹ On May 2, 1998, hide was found dead in his apartment in Tokyo, hanging by a towel tied to a doorknob. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but some fans and friends speculated that it was an accident or a prank gone wrong. His funeral was held at Tsukiji Hongan-ji on May 7, and was attended by about 50,000 people, including his family, friends, and fellow musicians. His remains were cremated and his ashes were buried at Miura Reien in Miura, Kanagawa. ¹ Hide's death shocked and saddened many people, especially his fans and the members of X Japan. His death also coincided with the disbandment of X Japan, which was announced a few months earlier. Many tribute events and projects were held in his honor, such as the hide Memorial Summit, the hide Alive the Movie, and the hide Museum. His music and legacy continue to influence and inspire many artists, both in Japan and around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented musicians in Japanese rock history. ¹