By Terry Zeller For Dailymail.com

Published: 06:52 GMT, 18 November 2023 | Updated: 06:58 GMT, 18 November 2023

Heath, the bassist from X Japan, the largest rock band in Japan, passed away at the age of 55. 

The band announced his death with an official statement on October 29, revealing that he succumbed to colorectal cancer. 

‘His cancer was found during an examination in June of this year,’ they wrote. ‘Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital’.

‘We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime,’ continued remaining X Japan members, Yoshiki, Toshi, Pata, and Sugizo.’

‘We, the members of X Japan have personally bid farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss’.

RIP: Heath, the bassist from X Japan , the largest rock band in Japan, passed away at the age of 55

RIP: Heath, the bassist from X Japan , the largest rock band in Japan, passed away at the age of 55

Cancer: The band announced his death with an official statement on October 29, revealing that he succumbed to colorectal cancer

Cancer: The band announced his death with an official statement on October 29, revealing that he succumbed to colorectal cancer

Cancer: The band announced his death with an official statement on October 29, revealing that he succumbed to colorectal cancer 

In an individual statement, lead singer Yoshiki wrote, ‘He was such a wonderful bass player, a band member, and a wonderful human being.’

‘Heath and I got closer than ever over this past year,’ he continued. ‘On my birthday last year, he appeared as a guest on my program, and we talked endlessly afterwards in my dressing room. There was also a time after that when we talked on the phone for hours until daybreak.’

‘This summer, on August 20 Heath performed as a guest at my dinner show. How could I have known that that would be my last performance with him? 

‘I couldn’t help make Heath’s wishes come true, and for that I feel fully responsible. I apologized to him when I bid farewell,’ Yoshiki concluded. 

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Heath, bassist of X Japan, dead at 55 from colorectal cancer as band pays tribute: ‘He was such a wonderful human being’

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