After starting his career as lead guitarist for the metal group X-Japan, Hide (real name: Hideto Matsumoto) went on to become an iconic musician in Japan during the 1990s. During his short solo career, he experimented with everything from catchy pop/rock sounds to hard-edged industrial, released two highly successful alternative rock albums and a number of equally successful singles, and co-founded an English-language side project. His death at age 33 shocked fans around the world; he remains one of Japan's most beloved and influential artists.
Born in Yokosuka, Japan, Hide was first exposed to rock music through the Kiss album Alive!, as well as the gift of a Gibson electric guitar from his grandmother.
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