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entertainment

Yoshiki, KISS to perform together again on New Year’s Eve 'Kohaku' music program

14 Comments
By SoraNews24

Every year, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK holds a music contest called "Kohaku Uta Gassen" or “Red and White Song Contest.” Airing on New Year’s Eve, many of Japan’s top acts of the year converge to perform their biggest hits while viewers at home can vote for their favorites.

The show is a New Year’s tradition, now entering its 70th year, and this year’s iteration will feature major artists like Official Hige Dandism, Arashi (who just announced they will team up with Kenshi Yonezu), AKB48, Radwimps, and Foorin to name only a few. The show is not without its surprise guests either and one early surprise has been the addition of American rock legends KISS.

Earlier this month, X Japan star Yoshiki surprised KISS fans by appearing on stage during the Japan leg of their final world tour in Tokyo and Osaka.

Now it appears KISS are returning the favor by joining Yoshiki on his country’s biggest TV event.

Yoshiki has often cited KISS as a major influence, having introduced him to the therapeutic energy of rock to help him overcome the grief of his father’s death. However, during a press conference to promote their "Kohaku" appearance, KISS admitted they had a lot of learn from Yoshiki as well.

“My humble heart will never forget that Yoshiki is a legend in Japan,” said Gene Simmons, “I’m inspired by his sincere attitude towards work.” Paul Stanley added, “Not just because Yoshiki is a wonderful pianist and drummer, but we’re also inspired by the way he teaches about the importance of life.”

Japanese fans were quite excited about the news,

“Seriously?! Kick-ass!”

“This is the best present ever. Thank you!”

“Wow! This is freakin’ awesome.”

“KISS on Kohaku?! No way!”

“I remember seeing KISS on NHK in 1977 as a child and was blown away that it showed them starting fires and smashing guitars.”

“Oh boy, I should go tell my grandma!”

“Get out!!! Yo-chan and Kiss are going to kill.”

“I don’t usually watch Kohaku, but I think I will this year.”

This collaboration will be aptly portmanteaued as YOSHIKISS and since they are males, they will probably perform on the white team.

The song choice is also unclear at the moment. “Beth” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” are likely candidates since that’s what they performed at the concerts. “Black Diamond” is also in the running since its the song Yoshiki arranged for the KISS tribute album "Kiss My Ass" in 1994.

Anything’s possible, however, and we may even see KISS try their hand at an X Japan classic like “Kurenai” or “Forever Love.” Considering that by all indications, this will be their last-ever performance in Japan, KISS will likely want to go out with a bang in what Simmons calls his “most favorite country in the world.”

Source: NHK Kohaku Uta No Gassen, Oricon News, Hachima Koku

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Yoshiki makes surprise appearance at KISS concert in Tokyo 【Video】

-- Aomori mascot shows no fear in front of legendary X Japan drummer Yoshiki【Video】

-- X Japan’s Yoshiki to be the first Japanese male to appear on the cover of Vogue Japan

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

14 Comments
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Exactly why NHK has to be crushed.  No small fortune is being confiscated from the populous and paid to these entertainers for them to appear on the show.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Aaaand this is why I'll be ankle-deep in empty tins with a Bond film on New Year's Eve.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

KISS is still going?  They will ruin kohaku, the one must see tv event of the year.......

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I cant believe people still like this band

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I can’t think of anything worse than watching Kohaku on New Year’s Eve, even if KISS are on it

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Is it just me, But this is really bad. I know KISS is KISS but this is just not right. Absolutely ZERO passion. Rock and roll all night has turned into some kind of goofy parody on what used to be. Truly cringe worthy.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

KISS is a GREAT idea! Awesome!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Would not want to be seen dead at a kiss concert let alone watching it on tv in my own living room, FFS do they have no dignity any longer ?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

“KISS on Kohaku?! No way!”

Yes way!!!

KISS is still going? They will ruin kohaku

They will not, they'll liven it up!

I cant believe people still like this band

I can't believe anyone dislikes this band.

Aaaand this is why I'll be ankle-deep in empty tins with a Bond film on New Year's Eve.

Get someone to record Kohaku so you can watch Kiss' performance later, and make the Bond Film You Only Live Twice.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This performance will lower the average age for the show from 83 to 81.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Pre-recorded?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Pre-recorded?

Yup.

And mimed. Gene Simmons was still 'singing' when he stuck his tongue out.

All quite pathetic, really.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Don't care, Yoshiki is really good, and Kiss are still doing what they love doing after all time...Never Stop Rocking and Rolling! even if the wheels are falling off!!

But who cares?

Perfume just blew all the other Pop acts clear off the stage! Excellent!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Kiss? They’re still playing? What a great idea, 4 non secular jews from New York have captivated the rock scene with their trivial lyrics and especially their get up. More of power to them.

i hope they play Black Diamond

invalid CSRF

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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