Hide

After launching his professional path as the lead guitarist of metal outfit X-Japan, Hideto Matsumoto, known professionally as Hide, rose to iconic stature within Japan's music landscape throughout the 1990s. Across a brief solo span he explored styles ranging from infectious pop-rock textures to aggressive industrial edges, issued two commercially dominant alternative rock albums plus multiple hit singles, and helped establish an English-language side venture. His passing at age 33 reverberated globally among followers, yet he endures as one of the nation's most cherished and impactful figures.

Yokosuka native Hide first encountered rock through the Kiss recording Alive! and a Gibson electric guitar presented by his grandmother. He soon assembled Saver Tiger, which achieved regional notice before issuing a self-titled EP and contributing to a compilation album; the band dissolved in 1986. The dissolution prompted Hide to question a musical future until a call arrived from Yoshiki Hayashi, founder, drummer, and pianist of Chiba-based X-Japan. Initially hesitant, he accepted the invitation to join the reactivated lineup in 1987. Over the ensuing decade the ensemble emerged as one of Japan's foremost acts, each member cultivating an ardent individual following. Hide distinguished himself through singular fashion choices, theatrical stage behavior, vivid red then pink hair, and an exuberant demeanor, becoming second only to Hayashi in visibility and esteem.

Hide initiated solo work in the early 1990s while still active with X-Japan. His debut album, Hide Your Face, arrived in 1994 and introduced an alternative rock approach distinct from the parent band's heavy-metal foundation. Following a well-received solo tour he balanced commitments between projects, unveiling the second solo effort Psyence in 1996 and mounting further promotional dates whenever X-Japan schedules permitted. After X-Japan disbanded in 1997, Hide formally designated his solo endeavor Hide with Spread Beaver, honoring the backing musicians who had accompanied him since 1994. That same year he also co-established Zilch, an American-based venture featuring Paul Raven, Dave Kushner, and Joey Castillo.

Sessions for both Hide with Spread Beaver and Zilch occupied the first months of 1998, yet Hide did not survive to witness their completion. Found in his Tokyo apartment on the morning of May 2, 1998, suspended from a towel fastened to a doorknob after an evening of substantial drinking, he was ruled a suicide by officials. Associates and relatives contested the determination, noting the absence of a suicide note, while admirers proposed possibilities ranging from mishap to foul play. Regardless, none questioned his transformative presence in Japanese music. Fifty thousand mourners attended his funeral, and numerous domestic artists honored him through live performances and tribute recordings. The final solo album Ja, Zoo and Zilch's debut 3 2 1 both appeared posthumously later that year. Collections of his recordings continue to enjoy strong popularity.