The J-Rock community sighed in relief after holding it’s breath for X JAPAN’s live video shoot in Hollywood on January 9th, to go off without a hitch, or a last-minute cancellation. Thankfully it appears as though everything went as planned for the 4-song promotional music video production. Fans began arriving hours ahead of time, with the first 100 receiving glowsticks with painted X JAPAN logos. The total attendance was estimated around 8,000 fans storming Hollywood Blvd. to get a glimpse of their idols. With a custom laser light show, 2 helicopters, 20 big rigs, 3 camera cranes, dozens of pyrotechnic cannons, and hundreds of staffers, the shoot was a wild success!

See numerous incredible photos at Oricon and X Freaks forum.

Filming was shot for the following songs:
Rusty Nail
I.V.
Jade
Endless Rain

Scores of Youtube videos have been uploaded featuring different fan perspective shots of the event. It’s nice to see that cameras and recording were allowed!

I would have really liked to have been there for this historic experience, but I’m very proud that so many fans came out to support the band and show them that the U.S. loves J-Rock too!

There’s a pretty big rumor going around that X JAPAN might be playing at this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, Illinois. No word from the band yet but some pretty creditable sources are posting about the possibility. If it’s true, the band would stick out like a sore thumb at the festival known for it’s modern alternative rock, but it would be terrific exposure for a Japanese rock band outside of some convention and put them in front of new people. I’m crossing my fingers and, once again, holding my breath.