X Japan Launches Charity Auction for Flood Victims in Thailand

X Japan, one of the most successful rock bands in Asia having sold in excess of 30-million albums, wrapped its five-stop tour of South East Asia last month with SRO shows in Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok, that drew some 50,000 fans, many of whom had waited their entire lives to see the theatrical hard outfit live in concert.

As much of a long-awaited rock 'n 'roll celebration that these shows were, the members of X Japan were well aware of the devastating floods that had been assaulting Thailand. In fact, stories found their way to the band about die-hard fans who actually had to swim through the flooded streets of Bangkok and the surrounding affected areas in order to get to the concert.

Consequently, the day before X Japan's Bangkok show, the band allied with the Thai-based concert promoters BEC-Tero Care and contributed a cash donation to Family for Flood Relief to help save the tens of thousands of people affected by what has been called the worst flooding their in 50 years. In addition, all members of X Japan have donated personal and/or stage items for a charity auction that is taking place now through Dec. 23.

The items up for auction include include the traditional Thai costume that band leader/drummer/keyboardist Yoshiki wore at the band's Bangkok concert, plus two framed, signed drum skins from Yoshiki's own drum set, a beautiful paisley shirt worn by guitarist Pata, a pair of bassist Heath's sunglasses, one of guitarist/violinist Sugizo's custom-made, long-sleeve cotton T-shirts, and a selection of items from vocalist Toshi. Each item has been mounted onto a plaque for protection and display, each item includes a photograph of the band member with the item, and each plaque has been signed.

"As a band and as citizens of Japan," said X Japan's leader/drummer/keyboardist, "we have had difficulties to overcome, but we know how important it is to keep moving forward. The show must go on."

For more information or to place a bid, log onto www.bectero.com/xjapan2011 or www.facebook.com/bectero.

X Japan has been in the studio recording what will be its first album to be sung in English and released outside of Asia. The first single from the album 'Jade' is currently getting spins at mainstream rock and active rock radio, and can be checked out below.