It is difficult listening to the original version and not seeing, even lyrically, that it was made with Gackt in mind. It is Gackt's song, with all the dark, mysterious tones of music, instrumental and his singing (search also for "Killing You Softly" i.e. "S.K.I.N concert AX 2007 part 2" video). This song "Beneath the Skin" is the only out of known four-five S.K.I.N. songs which was covered by X Japan and lately by The Last Rockstars (both Toshi and Hyde are higher pitch singers than Gackt). As "Beneath the Skin" composition is credited to Sugizo, it probably indicates that other songs were (co-)authored by Gackt and cannot be covered without his permission. In 2016 Yoshiki's interview with Gackt about S.K.I.N. (is on YT), Yoshiki said that managed to compose only one song without lyrics. In interviews in 2007, Gackt said that all members got more or less along well, but there were differences between them, sometimes had hard time working with them in the studio and would rather or leave or was the one who made most of the recording but everyone contributed to songwriting, but was the only one who really tried shaping the band's music style with "Japanism" in mind which is something already did in his music. The issue with the interviews is that one of them was made slightly before S.K.I.N.'s debut performance and was basically foreshadowing the break-up of the project. Basically, if the supergroup means something and everyone's serious about it, to be the first Japanese artists going worldwide breaking world charts (as intended), then he will stay, but won't do it as a free-time side project. After the concert there were rumors that Gackt and Yoshiki clashed after the debut. In 2008 Gackt's interview with Miyavi (is on YT) they said it was a great live, but up till that point it was rough, faced various issues and fighting, with Miyavi being a mediator between Yoshiki and Gackt. Meanwhile in the same period Yoshiki started working again with Toshi, management pushed him to start working on X Japan again, and not soon afterwards the debut concert Yoshiki felt the urge of reforming X Japan, something which happened with Luna Sea as well, which at the time was only a trend of following Led Zeppelin's one-night reunion. Yeah, very new and original of them, although some good things came out of all that (at least for the visual kei movement in Japan). The issue with S.K.I.N. as a project is that it was envisioned between Yoshiki and Gackt already in 2002 and when it was officially announced in 2006, Gackt postponed and changed his solo career music activites. Changing even further his image into more "dark" and "rock", duing a "normal" type of rock concert tour so-called "D.R.U.G. Party" in late 2006-early 2007 which is different than his typical concerts, was the first opening his music and video catalog to American and European market (including iTunes) and so on. He was completely prepared for S.K.I.N.'s world conquest (as was promoted in the press). Not only that, the project was intended as Yoshiki's return to the rock stage in big fashion - and part of the broader "J-rock revolution" created by Yoshiki (festival with following same-titled website). However, S.K.I.N. had a very, very bad balance. As said, it was Yoshiki's return, Miyavi was only growing up his career and was mostly popular in underground i.e. visual kei scene, Sugizo was always part of alternative scene with small audience. The only real and active mainstream star at the time was Gackt. He was an Asian superstar. Less than two years ago sold-out Tokyo Dome, sold-out concerts in Korea, his singles and albums were selling hundreds of thousand copies. Gackt was living the pinnacle of his career. All other three members together were hardly selling 10% of copies and tickets Gackt did. From a business wise standpoint, no manager would advise Gackt pursuing the project till the end and ignoring his solo career. Some in the media perceived and called S.K.I.N. as new "Gackt's band", and even bassist Ju-ken was at the time Gackt's studio & live band member (the most sought bassist at that time in business). One thing is for sure, the Last Rockstars have by far a better and healthier balance than S.K.I.N. as all the members are now accomplished nationally and globally as artists in their own name and solo careers without much pressure to be completely focused on their solo careers as well. Musical-wise, S.K.I.N. is excellent and better project but outdated for cultural trends since 2010. For today, far more suitable is L'Arc～en～Ciel & X Japan combination with Miyavi's sound and Sugizo's beat. However, artist should never follow a trend, this is true rock... Well, basically, Yoshiki blew it up reforming X Japan and Gackt felt betrayed. Yoshiki kind of used Gackt to return to the mainstream spotlight, ignoring promised vision of the project, and simply put, it was not his one-man-band like X Japan. Yoshiki never lasted in projects which were not his own and always wanted to be centre of attention, never really understood the purpose of the frontman in a band. You will see how he behaves with The Last Rockstars as well - as he is the leader and central star of the group, although Hyde is much bigger and popular rockstar in Japan, fortunately Hyde has a different and more tolerant character than Gackt. In later Yoshiki's interview with Gackt can be seen that Gackt knows Yoshiki well psychologically, but Gackt surely felt it as a disappointment. Yoshiki admitted it was his fault and apologized to others many times to be sorry and putting pressure on them. Nevertheless, Gackt said that was still willing to put his projects, and others theirs as well, aside and be part of S.K.I.N. only if Yoshiki is ready, willing and serious about it - that's it. If Yoshiki has such a will and wish then everyone will accept his call. Yoshiki often, throught his career, showed signs of temporary immaturity and indecisiveness, for example neverending promising of new X Japan's studio album, which unfortunately is mostly due to various life traumas he had since early life. Yoshiki is a troubled musical genius. Unfortunately, due to it and ego clashes blew up a project which could have changed modern music history. Anyway, Gackt is not the same as 15 years ago. The stage charisma, energy, voice, creativity he once had around 2002-2007, nobody could and still cannot compete, not even himself and Hyde seems to be a better fit for this kind of project today. Times are not the same as before, Gackt also became fed up with all the entertainment industry business, while facing serious health issues for years. He recovered and promised new music so probably will become more active. It is strange that Yoshiki decided to form The Last Rockstars while Gackt was sick, probably he refuted to join them as couldn't so instead of S.K.I.N. was formed The Last Rockstars. Who knows, being a close friend with Hyde and others it is not impossible to see Gackt join the Last Rockstars for a special live show "S.K.I.N. & The Last Rockstars" or even as a full member. People are not aware, having both Gackt and Hyde singing on the same stage would be the biggest rock/music thing in recent Japanese history, far bigger than S.K.I.N. and The Last Rockstars or the reunion of X Japan and Luna Sea. It is something Japanese and international fans dream about for over 20 years.
All of this was so well put holy shit. I applaud you for giving a fantastic history of the supergroups. I personally loathe Yoshiki because he's promised so much over the years and never delivered. I also really hate his high and mighty personality where he thinks he's the "biggest rockstar" of the group yet Hyde (in Japan) and Miyavi (in the US) are leaps and bounds ahead of him. BUT I am willing to put all that aside to support the other three members in this journey. The LA concert was tons of fun just as much as the SKIN concert was when I was younger.
@@TBZK Thanks, am following Japanese rock scene since mid-00s so am well informed about almost everything. The problem with audience, fan clubs and everything is that you don't have whole generation (c. 20-30 y.), but half of that hence between 00 and 2023 basically passed three generations. Many fan unofficial and official activites don't exist anymore in the last 10 years. People grew up, moved on, changed musical taste, interest etc., there's no much time to waste for an artist... Yes, Yoshiki's work in his American studio in the first decade of 21st century was really good and promising, his production and writing quality would have made a great combination with then same production, writing and style of Gackt, but also Sugizo and Miyavi. I am not the only one who thinks that S.K.I.N. could have been one of the best music projects in modern music history... Indeed, following Yoshiki in his post-X Japan period is difficult because it is incoherent, there's no finish line. He first started with Violet UK project, which was a really excellent "solo" music project, but almost nothing was officially released until today (at least not the best rock tracks), thou there was his solo album (thanks God at least for that), a concert DVD and later classical album & tours. Same thing with S.K.I.N., started it, there does exist official music studio and live video recording of the concert (few years ago seemingly a concert video editor uploaded on YT a short video of the official footage but it was deleted, am angry that did not download it), but no official release (also, X Japan's return 2007 single/song "I.V." sounds more like unfinished song for Violet UK/S.K.I.N. than typical X Japan track). Same thing with X Japan, he reformed the band, promising a new studio album for 15 years, for years saying that it is 90-99% finished, as of 13 February 2019 it is 100% complete with production and everything, but (!), Yoshiki is "looking for the perfect timing to release it". Today, on 16 February 2023, over 4 years have passed, actually 5 years as of X Japan inactivity, and Yoshiki could not find "perfect timing" for a release? Due to bad singles charting and lower than expected sales of compilation & soundtrack more like afraid of "failure". A true rockstar doesn't give a f* about perfect timing, public image, charting, sales. Somebody would expect that after he has finished & satisfied himself with his solo career and classical stuff to restart doing X Japan at least for a short arena tour promoting the release of the sixth studio album. Then in his return to the rock stage is doing exactly what? No, he is not restaring X Japan, he is exactly doing the same thing as with S.K.I.N, in big fashion, forming The Last Rockstars who are conceptually a S.K.I.N. imitation spinoff. What do you expect will happen with TLR? I really want them to succeed, release a full studio album and tour all over the world, but man, no comment needed if happens the contrary, it will be expected... Yes, Yoshiki acts as a "prima donna" and likes to think of himself as the biggest Japanese rockstar and X Japan as the biggest Japanese rock band/group. The band's sale of reportedly over 30 million records cannot be verified by copies sold & music certifications, something Japanese music industry is very strict and detailed - they actually barely sold 10 million copies, same number as Luna Sea, which is 6 million less than Kyosuke Himuro, 10 million less than Spitz, 20 million less than L'Arc an Ciel, 28 million less than Zard, 40 million less than Glay, 50 million less than Mr. Children, 70 million less than B'z to name a few. X Japan is certainly a household name and can easily sell concert tickets, but man, they are more a name and important due to their cultural impact than anything else (but others had bigger impact as well). Hide, guitarist of X Japan, was by far more popular and successful solo than Yoshiki. Regarding visual kei rock scene, X Japan aren't even the most influential, that is Dead End with singer Morrie. Also, considering international scene, you are right as well, Miyavi in the last 15 and more years had done hundreds of concerts internationally, probably the most of any Japanese music act - and nobody bats an eye... oh well, it is rock and roll, we can only wish them luck.
Thank you very much for this comment and its reply! Very interesting! I could be reading you for the rest of the day. I admit I knew very little about all this background history. One thing came to my mind when I watched the L.A.'s concert: why did YOSHIKI didn't let MIYAVI say what he himself wanted to express? This seems very picky of me, but MIYAVI's English is very good and understable. Unfortunately, YOSHIKI is not like that, despite his valuable qualities. As he couldn't express himself very well because of language barriers, maybe if MIYAVI had helped him his message would be clearer and its essence would have reached people better. I'm loving TLRS and I don't want them to end. At the same time, I feel sorry for Gackt (and I've been thinking about him since the debut of TLRS). Maybe he doesn't care at all (as much as I do), but it's a little sad being sick and then realize that the TLRS seems to be a great band and people are eager for their success, and how S.K.I.N. couldn't make it in 2006/2007.
Thank-you so much for this wealth of information. I so appreciate you taking the time to piece all of this together for those of us who weren't as easily able to follow along and connect the dots with what may have been happening at the time. I remember being in my late teens when the S.K.I.N. project was announced, and I was literally mind-blown that all of these incredible forces from Japan could be united in any capacity, let alone on a single stage doing international tours. I was so excited for this project when it was new, and I remember seeing a bit of poorly recorded video footage from one of their US shows ((was it only a single show?)) and then I heard nothing more for years on end, until I eventually "forgot" about S.K.I.N. as a whole. Before I knew it, Gackt and Miyavi were back to solo releases, and I just assumed that they'd moved on, and so should I. I know Yoshiki is intensely protective of his art, and I was always under the impression that Gackt may also have his own issues being a team-player, at least artistically. So I naturally assumed the two of them discovered it was more taxing to work together than apart, and decided to part ways while they were still on good terms; which is respectable. Though of course, my assumptions were all based on outside observations. I would never assume to truly know, or understand. When I was in my early teens, Gackt was one of my introductions to the world of Japanese Rock ((and Visual-Kei for that matter; I started with him, and went back through the years to find other legends within the genre, which of course includes YOSHIKI)). I have the utmost respect for both Gackt and Yoshiki, as well as Sugizo, Hyde and Miyavi ((all of whom I spent my teens listening to)). So I mean no offense to either artist with any of my above statements and observations. It's a shame the S.K.I.N. project never got the chance to properly take off. From what I hear, it was a beautiful possibility. I'm happy the project was re-imagined as The Last Rockstars, but I would have loved for Gackt to be involved in some way. I know Hyde and Gackt have recorded together before ((on the song 'Orenji no Taiyou', which is gorgeous)), so maybe Gackt can perform with Hyde in this new incarnation of the S.K.I.N. project at some point in the future, and we'll finally get the chance to hear studio-versions of these ((previously S.K.I.N.)) tracks.
Lyrics are slightly different than X Japan's and The Last Rockstars cover version: I trust a mystery 'Cause it's your true feelings Pretend to feel the same To bury your sins Can see in your eyes (Hey, just give me something) (Hey, something real) And life is a memory It doesn't disappear It's not the way it used to be Will Jesus reveal His blood beneath the skin (Hey, just give me something) (Hey, something real) Confusion Drown into your head Rejection Disperse your faith Hey darling Don't you see it's burning life Till we see forever and ever It'll never turn into ashes If you ever try smash it with your hand We will suffer till your souls rise above Can you take my breath away To find the way Can't find the place Can't find the world for me I trust a mystery 'Cause it's your true feelings Pretend to feel the same To bury your sins (over) I trust a mystery 'Cause it's your true feelings Pretend to feel the same Beneath you and me It is not the way it used to be I trust a mystery (over) Pretend to feel the same (over) INSTRUMENTAL Hey darling Don't you see it's burning life Till we see forever and ever It'll never turn into ashes If you ever try smash it with your hand We will suffer till your souls rise above Can you take my breath away To find the way Confusion Drown into your head Rejection Illusion Of what we used to be Rejection Destroy your trace (Hey, just give me something) (Hey, something real)
He actually looks and sounds in excellent shape, previous month sang national anthem (th-cam.com/video/W0T6EPm8cBM/w-d-xo.html), for next month will held again a small tour feat. K (see for example th-cam.com/video/yWEoJsMKUhM/w-d-xo.html), and as this year will be his 50th birthday as well as 30th anniversary of music career most probably there will be many news.
![The Last Rockstars - Beneath the skin [NYC 2/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aZg_GKrDCJM/mqdefault.jpg)
1番ワクワクしたバンドだったな。YOSHIKIとGACKTとSUGIZOが同じバンドにいるという事だけで期待感がもの凄かった。
This version is simply the best.
YOSHIKIとGACKTのピアノコラボ。MIYAVIの三味線、SUGIZOのバイオリン、どれをとっても貴重な映像。まさに奇跡‼️
Stupenda canzone !!!🌟🌟🌟🌟
It is difficult listening to the original version and not seeing, even lyrically, that it was made with Gackt in mind. It is Gackt's song, with all the dark, mysterious tones of music, instrumental and his singing (search also for "Killing You Softly" i.e. "S.K.I.N concert AX 2007 part 2" video). This song "Beneath the Skin" is the only out of known four-five S.K.I.N. songs which was covered by X Japan and lately by The Last Rockstars (both Toshi and Hyde are higher pitch singers than Gackt). As "Beneath the Skin" composition is credited to Sugizo, it probably indicates that other songs were (co-)authored by Gackt and cannot be covered without his permission. In 2016 Yoshiki's interview with Gackt about S.K.I.N. (is on YT), Yoshiki said that managed to compose only one song without lyrics. In interviews in 2007, Gackt said that all members got more or less along well, but there were differences between them, sometimes had hard time working with them in the studio and would rather or leave or was the one who made most of the recording but everyone contributed to songwriting, but was the only one who really tried shaping the band's music style with "Japanism" in mind which is something already did in his music. The issue with the interviews is that one of them was made slightly before S.K.I.N.'s debut performance and was basically foreshadowing the break-up of the project. Basically, if the supergroup means something and everyone's serious about it, to be the first Japanese artists going worldwide breaking world charts (as intended), then he will stay, but won't do it as a free-time side project. After the concert there were rumors that Gackt and Yoshiki clashed after the debut. In 2008 Gackt's interview with Miyavi (is on YT) they said it was a great live, but up till that point it was rough, faced various issues and fighting, with Miyavi being a mediator between Yoshiki and Gackt. Meanwhile in the same period Yoshiki started working again with Toshi, management pushed him to start working on X Japan again, and not soon afterwards the debut concert Yoshiki felt the urge of reforming X Japan, something which happened with Luna Sea as well, which at the time was only a trend of following Led Zeppelin's one-night reunion. Yeah, very new and original of them, although some good things came out of all that (at least for the visual kei movement in Japan).
The issue with S.K.I.N. as a project is that it was envisioned between Yoshiki and Gackt already in 2002 and when it was officially announced in 2006, Gackt postponed and changed his solo career music activites. Changing even further his image into more "dark" and "rock", duing a "normal" type of rock concert tour so-called "D.R.U.G. Party" in late 2006-early 2007 which is different than his typical concerts, was the first opening his music and video catalog to American and European market (including iTunes) and so on. He was completely prepared for S.K.I.N.'s world conquest (as was promoted in the press). Not only that, the project was intended as Yoshiki's return to the rock stage in big fashion - and part of the broader "J-rock revolution" created by Yoshiki (festival with following same-titled website). However, S.K.I.N. had a very, very bad balance. As said, it was Yoshiki's return, Miyavi was only growing up his career and was mostly popular in underground i.e. visual kei scene, Sugizo was always part of alternative scene with small audience. The only real and active mainstream star at the time was Gackt. He was an Asian superstar. Less than two years ago sold-out Tokyo Dome, sold-out concerts in Korea, his singles and albums were selling hundreds of thousand copies. Gackt was living the pinnacle of his career. All other three members together were hardly selling 10% of copies and tickets Gackt did. From a business wise standpoint, no manager would advise Gackt pursuing the project till the end and ignoring his solo career. Some in the media perceived and called S.K.I.N. as new "Gackt's band", and even bassist Ju-ken was at the time Gackt's studio & live band member (the most sought bassist at that time in business). One thing is for sure, the Last Rockstars have by far a better and healthier balance than S.K.I.N. as all the members are now accomplished nationally and globally as artists in their own name and solo careers without much pressure to be completely focused on their solo careers as well. Musical-wise, S.K.I.N. is excellent and better project but outdated for cultural trends since 2010. For today, far more suitable is L'Arc～en～Ciel & X Japan combination with Miyavi's sound and Sugizo's beat. However, artist should never follow a trend, this is true rock...
Well, basically, Yoshiki blew it up reforming X Japan and Gackt felt betrayed. Yoshiki kind of used Gackt to return to the mainstream spotlight, ignoring promised vision of the project, and simply put, it was not his one-man-band like X Japan. Yoshiki never lasted in projects which were not his own and always wanted to be centre of attention, never really understood the purpose of the frontman in a band. You will see how he behaves with The Last Rockstars as well - as he is the leader and central star of the group, although Hyde is much bigger and popular rockstar in Japan, fortunately Hyde has a different and more tolerant character than Gackt. In later Yoshiki's interview with Gackt can be seen that Gackt knows Yoshiki well psychologically, but Gackt surely felt it as a disappointment. Yoshiki admitted it was his fault and apologized to others many times to be sorry and putting pressure on them. Nevertheless, Gackt said that was still willing to put his projects, and others theirs as well, aside and be part of S.K.I.N. only if Yoshiki is ready, willing and serious about it - that's it. If Yoshiki has such a will and wish then everyone will accept his call. Yoshiki often, throught his career, showed signs of temporary immaturity and indecisiveness, for example neverending promising of new X Japan's studio album, which unfortunately is mostly due to various life traumas he had since early life. Yoshiki is a troubled musical genius. Unfortunately, due to it and ego clashes blew up a project which could have changed modern music history. Anyway, Gackt is not the same as 15 years ago. The stage charisma, energy, voice, creativity he once had around 2002-2007, nobody could and still cannot compete, not even himself and Hyde seems to be a better fit for this kind of project today. Times are not the same as before, Gackt also became fed up with all the entertainment industry business, while facing serious health issues for years. He recovered and promised new music so probably will become more active. It is strange that Yoshiki decided to form The Last Rockstars while Gackt was sick, probably he refuted to join them as couldn't so instead of S.K.I.N. was formed The Last Rockstars. Who knows, being a close friend with Hyde and others it is not impossible to see Gackt join the Last Rockstars for a special live show "S.K.I.N. & The Last Rockstars" or even as a full member. People are not aware, having both Gackt and Hyde singing on the same stage would be the biggest rock/music thing in recent Japanese history, far bigger than S.K.I.N. and The Last Rockstars or the reunion of X Japan and Luna Sea. It is something Japanese and international fans dream about for over 20 years.
All of this was so well put holy shit. I applaud you for giving a fantastic history of the supergroups.
I personally loathe Yoshiki because he's promised so much over the years and never delivered. I also really hate his high and mighty personality where he thinks he's the "biggest rockstar" of the group yet Hyde (in Japan) and Miyavi (in the US) are leaps and bounds ahead of him. BUT I am willing to put all that aside to support the other three members in this journey. The LA concert was tons of fun just as much as the SKIN concert was when I was younger.
@@TBZK Thanks, am following Japanese rock scene since mid-00s so am well informed about almost everything. The problem with audience, fan clubs and everything is that you don't have whole generation (c. 20-30 y.), but half of that hence between 00 and 2023 basically passed three generations. Many fan unofficial and official activites don't exist anymore in the last 10 years. People grew up, moved on, changed musical taste, interest etc., there's no much time to waste for an artist... Yes, Yoshiki's work in his American studio in the first decade of 21st century was really good and promising, his production and writing quality would have made a great combination with then same production, writing and style of Gackt, but also Sugizo and Miyavi. I am not the only one who thinks that S.K.I.N. could have been one of the best music projects in modern music history... Indeed, following Yoshiki in his post-X Japan period is difficult because it is incoherent, there's no finish line. He first started with Violet UK project, which was a really excellent "solo" music project, but almost nothing was officially released until today (at least not the best rock tracks), thou there was his solo album (thanks God at least for that), a concert DVD and later classical album & tours. Same thing with S.K.I.N., started it, there does exist official music studio and live video recording of the concert (few years ago seemingly a concert video editor uploaded on YT a short video of the official footage but it was deleted, am angry that did not download it), but no official release (also, X Japan's return 2007 single/song "I.V." sounds more like unfinished song for Violet UK/S.K.I.N. than typical X Japan track). Same thing with X Japan, he reformed the band, promising a new studio album for 15 years, for years saying that it is 90-99% finished, as of 13 February 2019 it is 100% complete with production and everything, but (!), Yoshiki is "looking for the perfect timing to release it". Today, on 16 February 2023, over 4 years have passed, actually 5 years as of X Japan inactivity, and Yoshiki could not find "perfect timing" for a release? Due to bad singles charting and lower than expected sales of compilation & soundtrack more like afraid of "failure". A true rockstar doesn't give a f* about perfect timing, public image, charting, sales. Somebody would expect that after he has finished & satisfied himself with his solo career and classical stuff to restart doing X Japan at least for a short arena tour promoting the release of the sixth studio album. Then in his return to the rock stage is doing exactly what? No, he is not restaring X Japan, he is exactly doing the same thing as with S.K.I.N, in big fashion, forming The Last Rockstars who are conceptually a S.K.I.N. imitation spinoff. What do you expect will happen with TLR? I really want them to succeed, release a full studio album and tour all over the world, but man, no comment needed if happens the contrary, it will be expected... Yes, Yoshiki acts as a "prima donna" and likes to think of himself as the biggest Japanese rockstar and X Japan as the biggest Japanese rock band/group. The band's sale of reportedly over 30 million records cannot be verified by copies sold & music certifications, something Japanese music industry is very strict and detailed - they actually barely sold 10 million copies, same number as Luna Sea, which is 6 million less than Kyosuke Himuro, 10 million less than Spitz, 20 million less than L'Arc an Ciel, 28 million less than Zard, 40 million less than Glay, 50 million less than Mr. Children, 70 million less than B'z to name a few. X Japan is certainly a household name and can easily sell concert tickets, but man, they are more a name and important due to their cultural impact than anything else (but others had bigger impact as well). Hide, guitarist of X Japan, was by far more popular and successful solo than Yoshiki. Regarding visual kei rock scene, X Japan aren't even the most influential, that is Dead End with singer Morrie. Also, considering international scene, you are right as well, Miyavi in the last 15 and more years had done hundreds of concerts internationally, probably the most of any Japanese music act - and nobody bats an eye... oh well, it is rock and roll, we can only wish them luck.
Thank you very much for this comment and its reply!
Very interesting! I could be reading you for the rest of the day.
I admit I knew very little about all this background history.
One thing came to my mind when I watched the L.A.'s concert: why did YOSHIKI didn't let MIYAVI say what he himself wanted to express? This seems very picky of me, but MIYAVI's English is very good and understable. Unfortunately, YOSHIKI is not like that, despite his valuable qualities. As he couldn't express himself very well because of language barriers, maybe if MIYAVI had helped him his message would be clearer and its essence would have reached people better.
I'm loving TLRS and I don't want them to end. At the same time, I feel sorry for Gackt (and I've been thinking about him since the debut of TLRS). Maybe he doesn't care at all (as much as I do), but it's a little sad being sick and then realize that the TLRS seems to be a great band and people are eager for their success, and how S.K.I.N. couldn't make it in 2006/2007.
Thank you so much for this fantastic explanation.
I loved so much SKIN. I am very glad to understand better the situation
Thank-you so much for this wealth of information. I so appreciate you taking the time to piece all of this together for those of us who weren't as easily able to follow along and connect the dots with what may have been happening at the time.
I remember being in my late teens when the S.K.I.N. project was announced, and I was literally mind-blown that all of these incredible forces from Japan could be united in any capacity, let alone on a single stage doing international tours.
I was so excited for this project when it was new, and I remember seeing a bit of poorly recorded video footage from one of their US shows ((was it only a single show?)) and then I heard nothing more for years on end, until I eventually "forgot" about S.K.I.N. as a whole.
Before I knew it, Gackt and Miyavi were back to solo releases, and I just assumed that they'd moved on, and so should I.
I know Yoshiki is intensely protective of his art, and I was always under the impression that Gackt may also have his own issues being a team-player, at least artistically. So I naturally assumed the two of them discovered it was more taxing to work together than apart, and decided to part ways while they were still on good terms; which is respectable. Though of course, my assumptions were all based on outside observations. I would never assume to truly know, or understand.
When I was in my early teens, Gackt was one of my introductions to the world of Japanese Rock ((and Visual-Kei for that matter; I started with him, and went back through the years to find other legends within the genre, which of course includes YOSHIKI)). I have the utmost respect for both Gackt and Yoshiki, as well as Sugizo, Hyde and Miyavi ((all of whom I spent my teens listening to)). So I mean no offense to either artist with any of my above statements and observations.
It's a shame the S.K.I.N. project never got the chance to properly take off. From what I hear, it was a beautiful possibility. I'm happy the project was re-imagined as The Last Rockstars, but I would have loved for Gackt to be involved in some way. I know Hyde and Gackt have recorded together before ((on the song 'Orenji no Taiyou', which is gorgeous)), so maybe Gackt can perform with Hyde in this new incarnation of the S.K.I.N. project at some point in the future, and we'll finally get the chance to hear studio-versions of these ((previously S.K.I.N.)) tracks.
GACKTもHYDEも大好きなんだけど、本当にどっちのボーカルも見事にハマる。TOSHIもカッコイイけどね！
Lyrics are slightly different than X Japan's and The Last Rockstars cover version:
I trust a mystery
'Cause it's your true feelings
Pretend to feel the same
To bury your sins
Can see in your eyes
(Hey, just give me something)
(Hey, something real)
And life is a memory
It doesn't disappear
It's not the way it used to be
Will Jesus reveal
His blood beneath the skin
(Hey, just give me something)
(Hey, something real)
Confusion
Drown into your head
Rejection
Disperse your faith
Hey darling
Don't you see it's burning life
Till we see forever and ever
It'll never turn into ashes
If you ever try smash it with your hand
We will suffer till your souls rise above
Can you take my breath away
To find the way
Can't find the place
Can't find the world for me
I trust a mystery
'Cause it's your true feelings
Pretend to feel the same
To bury your sins (over)
I trust a mystery
'Cause it's your true feelings
Pretend to feel the same
Beneath you and me
It is not the way it used to be
I trust a mystery (over)
Pretend to feel the same (over)
INSTRUMENTAL
Hey darling
Don't you see it's burning life
Till we see forever and ever
It'll never turn into ashes
If you ever try smash it with your hand
We will suffer till your souls rise above
Can you take my breath away
To find the way
Confusion
Drown into your head
Rejection
Illusion
Of what we used to be
Rejection
Destroy your trace
(Hey, just give me something)
(Hey, something real)
Thank you for sharing this video.
各メンバーが存分に個性を出している点を評価してBeneath The SkinはS.K.I.Nが一番好き！
S.K.I.Nのビニースはなんか一際幻想的！
I wish they had good quality video for this one! Gackt and Yoshiki show down on piano with Sugizo violin is something out of this world!
懐かしい♪♪
やっぱりこの時にライブ行っておけば良かったな…と今更思う
逆にこれが成功して長続きしていたらXと LUNA SEAの復活は無かった可能性もあったかもしれない。
それくらい爆発力を秘めたバンドだったんだなと。
ある意味、今はXとラルクがそれに当てはまりそうで、また当時と違ってhydeがしっかりまとめ役をやってそうで複雑な今。
My favorite concert I ever went to. Last Rockstars is cool, but I will always think this would have been way better.
GAckt fits this much
more than hyde
Gacktがしっかりリハーサルしたかったのに、誰かさんが来なくて練習出来なかったライブはこれですか？
持ち歌４曲あとミヤビのライブってこれですか?
What has Gackt been doing these days anyone?
He actually looks and sounds in excellent shape, previous month sang national anthem (th-cam.com/video/W0T6EPm8cBM/w-d-xo.html), for next month will held again a small tour feat. K (see for example th-cam.com/video/yWEoJsMKUhM/w-d-xo.html), and as this year will be his 50th birthday as well as 30th anniversary of music career most probably there will be many news.
He recovered from a serious illness and returned to the stage.
I was at his Live in Yokosuka 2 months ago. Sounds great as always.
Much better than "the last rockstars"...
🤣🤣🤣🤣
It''s the same band :), only different vocalist.
i dont like the autotune.. it's too loud 🤣
@@creativebodyflying With Gackt's low register tone and additional bassist make it better
Does anyone know where I can hear the original song beside this concert video that isn't xjapan or the last rock star covers ? 😭
I don't think it was ever released
Beneath the skinはGacktのボーカルが1番しっくりくる