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Early Life

Hideto Matsumoto, known professionally as Hide, was born on December 13, 1964, in Midorigaoka, Japan. His musical journey began at the age of fifteen when he was introduced to rock music through Kiss's album "Alive II." His grandmother gifted him his first electric guitar, a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, igniting his passion for music. After graduating from Tokiwa Junior High School, he attended Zushi Kaisei Senior High School, where he briefly joined the brass band before focusing solely on guitar. In 1981, he formed the band Saber Tiger, which later evolved into Saver Tiger, performing at local venues with a unique and shocking stage presence.

Career

Hide's career took a significant turn when he joined the iconic Japanese metal band X Japan in 1987, where he served as the lead guitarist until 1997. His contributions helped shape the band's sound and visual style, making them pioneers of the visual kei movement. In addition to his work with X Japan, Hide launched a successful solo career in the early 1990s, releasing several albums, including "Hide Your Face" and "PSYENCE." He also formed the supergroup Zilch in 1996, further expanding his musical repertoire. Hide's innovative style and flamboyant persona made him a beloved figure in the Japanese music scene until his untimely death in 1998.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hide was known for his close relationship with his younger brother, Hiroshi, who managed him and often accompanied him on stage. Despite his fame, Hide maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life, with little known about his romantic relationships. His influence on Japanese music is profound; he is credited with inspiring a generation of musicians and is often compared to legends like Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. Hide's legacy continues to resonate, as many contemporary artists cite him as a significant influence in their work, solidifying his status as a guitar god in Japan.