By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Tickets to the upcoming reunion concerts of Japanese rock group X Japan in Seoul are selling like hotcakes despite the gloomy economy. One of the most popular Japanese rockers in Asia, X Japan is bringing its much anticipated world tour to Seoul March 21 and 22.
The ``X Japan World Tour in Seoul'' will be staged at Olympic Gymnasium #1, Olympic Park. Concert organizers said tickets are already 60 percent sold out.
Die-hard fans are scrambling for the best seats, which is why the most expensive tickets, which cost 165,000 won, are already 99 percent sold out. Remaining tickets, which cost from 66,000 won to 132,000 won, are already 60 percent sold.
X Japan is composed of drummer and pianist Yoshiki, vocalist Toshi, guitarist Pata and bassist Heath. The band was formed in 1982 but achieved mainstream success with their second album, ``Blue Blood,'' in 1989.
A pioneer in the ``visual kei,'' or Japanese glam rock movement, the group was known for its flashy costumes, heavy make-up and striking haircuts. Their style was copied by their legions of fans, not to mention countless J-rock groups.
X Japan released three more albums, ``Jealousy,'' ``Art of Life'' and ``Dahlia,'' selling a total of over 20 million copies. The band had a devoted and loyal fan base not just in Japan, but other Asian countries, including Korea.
Fans were devastated when the group announced its break-up in 1997 after Toshi decided to leave the group.
In 2007, the band announced it was reuniting for a world tour, much to the delight of fans. Proving the band's popularity was stronger than ever, X Japan performed three sold-out concerts at the Tokyo Dome in March 2008 for a total of 150,000 fans.
However, its world tour encountered difficulties late last year. The band had to postpone planned concerts in Paris, New York, Taipei and Bangkok due to Yoshiki's health and problems with concert organizers.
During their New Year's Eve concert in Tokyo, the group once again announced plans for a 2009 world tour, including shows in Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, New York, Los Angeles, Germany and Finland.
X Japan finally resumed its world tour last month, performing for the first time in Hong Kong. Around 20,000 fans attended the two concerts staged in the city state.
For the Seoul concert, a second round of ticket sales will open March 12 at 7 p.m. Visit ticket.interpark.com or www.xjapan.kr. Foreigners can call I-Yescom at (02) 783-0114 for ticket reservations.