Heath Obituary – Death: X Japan’s Longtime Bassist Has Passed Away At 55, Cause Of Death
Heath, the longstanding bassist of Japan’s renowned rock group X Japan, has passed away at the age of 55, as confirmed by the group. The talented musician succumbed to colorectal cancer on October 29, 2023, following a sudden decline in his health.
X Japan expressed deep sorrow in a statement, acknowledging the loss of their esteemed bass player. Heath, whose cancer was discovered during a June examination, fought courageously against the disease, but unfortunately, his condition deteriorated in October, leading to his passing in the hospital.
Formed in 1982, X Japan, with its single-named members, achieved megastar status in Asia, particularly with their 1989 album “Blue Blood.” Heath joined the group in 1992, contributing to albums like “Art of Life” (1993) and “Dahlia” (1996), both chart-toppers in Japan. Despite a farewell show in 1997, the group re-formed in 2007, and Heath remained an integral part until his untimely death.
Born Hiroshi Morie in 1968, Heath pursued a solo career post-X Japan’s ’90s breakup, releasing albums until 2009. In 2000, he co-founded Dope Headz with fellow X Japan guitarist Pata. The band released several albums in the early 2000s.
X Japan’s journey, marked by dramatic ups and downs, influenced the visual-kei rock movement. The band faced breakups and member deaths but sold over 30 million albums worldwide. The group made efforts to break into the U.S. market, with a documentary titled “We Are X” in 2016.
Heath’s obituary, initially scheduled for a later release, is shared earlier due to media coverage. The funeral will be a private affair among immediate family members, with the date undisclosed. The family requests restraint in visits, donations, or flowers. A formal farewell ceremony, following Heath’s wishes, will be arranged at a later date.
