Yoshiki Performs Classical Piano Duel with Hologram of Himself at SXSW

LOS ANGELES, CA (MARCH 19, 2014) – This past weekend at the 2014 SXSW Music and Media Conference global rock icon YOSHIKI unveiled a never before seen classical concert performance at FLAUNT Magazine's party celebrating its upcoming List Issue. YOSHIKI mesmerized the audience at Austin's Qui as he performed a piano duel with a hologram of himself. The result was a dramatic musical experience celebrating the artistry of the multi-talented, classically trained musician. To watch the performance, visit YOSHIKI's YouTube channel HERE. Additional images of YOSHIKI's SXSW performance are available via THIS LINK.

YOSHIKI will kick off his first ever classical world tour April 25th in Costa Mesa, CA, performing music from his new classical album YOSHIKI Classical. Known worldwide as founder of the legendary band X Japan, arguably the most successful rock band to come out of Asia, YOSHIKI has sold 30 million singles and albums combined. The YOSHIKI Classical tour is a rare chance for fans of both his signature brand of rock and classical music to see him perform in some of the world's most renowned concert halls. With YOSHIKI Classical, YOSHIKI is fulfilling his mission of bringing the beauty of classical music to rock and pop audiences around the world.

Billboard Magazine dubbed YOSHIKI Classical “a collection of beautiful pieces of music with sweet melodies, soaring voices and vibrant strings.” Classic FM called the CD, “an enlightening exploration of one musical auteur's quest.” YOSHIKI Classical features collaborations with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra and the Quartet San Francisco. YOSHIKI Classical debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries around the world.

The first leg of YOSHIKI's highly anticipated world tour kicks off in the United States and includes classical concert performances in the following cities:

About YOSHIKI YOSHIKI, one of Asia's most influential music artists and biggest rock icons, is a songwriter, drummer and classically trained pianist. His rock group X Japan has sold 30 million singles and albums combined and filled the 55,000-seat Toyko Dome a record 18 times. Now the band's popularity is spreading throughout the world, having recently completed a sold-out World Tour, performing in North America, Europe, Latin America, and South East Asia. In 1999, YOSHIKI composed a piano concerto that he performed with a 77-piece orchestra to celebrate the tenth year of the Emperor of Japan's reign. In 2005, YOSHIKI composed the theme song and conducted the Super World Orchestra at the opening ceremony of the World Expo. Previously, YOSHIKI also recorded a classical album co-produced and arranged by acclaimed Beatles producer Sir George Martin and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Beyond music, YOSHIKI has his own Visa Card and MasterCard issued by one of the largest Japanese banks. Recently, the legendary Stan Lee created a Super Hero based on him, and he was the first person for whom a Hello Kitty product line was named (“Yoshikitty”). In 2010, he launched the non-profit organization YOSHIKI Foundation America (www.yoshikifoundationamerica.org), which continues to donate to various charitable organizations, including supporting Japanese Earthquake victims. Follow YOSHIKI on www.twitter.com/yoshikiofficial, https://www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial, and www.yoshiki.net