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YOSHIKI, picture taken during Yoshiki Classical press call in Berlin on 2014/03/24 © Wanda Proft

YOSHIKI to Undergo Third Neck Surgery

  • Life, THE LAST ROCKSTARS, X JAPAN, YOSHIKI
On August 1st, 2024, musician, composer, and producer Yoshiki Hayashi announced at his AI YOSHIKI project press conference that he will undergo a critical third neck surgery. He also addressed the urgent operation the following day at his Evening with YOSHIKI 2024 event. The operation will be performed on October 8th and YOSHIKI plans to take a period of rest.
YOSHIKI, picture taken during Yoshiki Classical press call in Berlin on 2014/03/24 © Wanda Proft
YOSHIKI (2014) © Wanda Proft
Due to his unique and intense performance style as the drummer of X JAPAN and THE LAST ROCKSTARS, as well as a classical pianist, YOSHIKI has been suffering from severe effects on his physical health for years. In the mentioned press conference, he also revealed that he is unable to cope without strong painkillers, which often make him dizzy.

In 2009, YOSHIKI underwent his first operation for cervical foraminal stenosis, leading to a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy. After suffering from a herniated disc in 2017, YOSHIKI underwent the second surgery. He also experiencing numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm, which apparently he hasn’t fully overcome even today. During the operation, an artificial cervical disc was inserted between his fifth and third vertebra of the neck.

Now, how does the third operation come about? YOSHIKI continues to suffer from his injured cervical spine and decided to visit his doctors in Los Angeles before his current trip to Japan due to the severe pain he has been suffering from since last year. One of his doctors explains: »After evaluating the MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, we see a spur in the right C5 affecting the nerve ridge and a protruding disc in C6-C7. More importantly, we also see that C5-C6 is fused and not moving, and that’s exerting exceptional pressure below at C6-C7 and generating a significant amount of pain.«

YOSHIKI states: »Right now, I cannot feel my left hand and I’m having severe burning sensations in my left fingers. Fortunately, my motor neurons are still intact, but the sensory nerves are damaged. Everything I touch feels like ice, including my piano keys. It’s unbearable.« Thorough medical examinations indicate that an urgent operation is unavoidable. If you are interested in further details, you can read on YOSHIKI’s official website how the operation is performed.

Although the operation is critical, YOSHIKI does not want to miss his commitments and will not undergo the operation until October 8th, 2024. As editorial team fueled by the love for music, we have the highest regards for YOSHIKI’s dedication to his fans and craft. Yet, we strongly believe that health should always come first. Responding to health concerns in a timely manner is the best thing anybody can do, also in commitment to our loved ones and supporters. This being said, we wish YOSHIKI a successful operation and that his health improves considerably after the surgery!

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Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken during a press call in March, 2014, for YOSHIKI’s Yoshiki Classical tour on behalf of the now discontinued online magazine KYOKUconnect.

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Merle Buck

Photographer and writer from INDIE FIGHTERS addicted to music, photography, and cats. She captures concert moments and supports tour managements, promoters, and musicians. Merle is also contributing her work to EN.CORE ROCKS.

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