On Monday night, KISS rocker Gene Simmons introduced the LA premiere of a new documentary, “We Are X” — about X Japan, a band he loves that’s massive in its homeland but little-known here.
Guests at the screening included Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello and X Japan fan Marilyn Manson.
Also on hand was X Japan’s leader Yoshiki, who performed a version of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” at an after-party on a see-through grand piano. (His band specializes in a “colorful collision of thrash metal and classical piano,” according to Rolling Stone. Their slogan’s “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock.”)
A mesmerized fan told us of Yoshiki’s national anthem, “Everyone’s hearts and ears were in awe.”
Yoshiki said Monday he’ll play Carnegie Hall with the Tokyo Philharmonic next year. Balthazar Getty DJ’d the LA bash at Teddy’s. The film’s scheduled to make a New York screening Thursday with a performance by Yoshiki.