YOSHIKI Discusses 'Creativity and Rebellion' with Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)

On July 2, an episode of the podcast series 'The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan' featuring YOSHIKI was released.

The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan Viewing URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHE77hMfb6I

'The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan' is a talk show hosted by Billy Corgan, frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, featuring prominent figures from music, film, and culture who have made significant impacts in their fields. Past guests include Gene Simmons (KISS), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Sharon Osbourne (music manager/TV personality), Courtney Love (Hole), John Carpenter (film director/composer), Nancy Wilson (Heart), and Billy Idol & Steve Stevens, among other influential figures in music, film, and entertainment.

In this newly released episode featuring YOSHIKI, the long-time friends Billy Corgan and YOSHIKI engage in a profound dialogue about creativity, rebellion, X JAPAN, visual kei, and musical expression in the age of AI.

During the program, YOSHIKI reflected on X JAPAN's pivotal role in shaping the visual kei movement, stating, 'I always believed music and art should be freer,' and 'There are no rules. I wanted to break every single convention I could think of.' He revealed that their rebellious spirit against the rigid music scene and social atmosphere in Japan at the time was the foundation of X JAPAN's artistic expression.

Billy recalled his first visit to Japan in the early 1990s with The Smashing Pumpkins, where he was deeply shocked by X JAPAN's massive hairstyles, unique visuals, and overwhelming stage presence. From an American band's perspective, they seemed like 'aliens from another planet'—a completely unprecedented act. He emphasized that 'much of the credit for the visual kei style belongs to X JAPAN.'

YOSHIKI explained his musical background, starting classical piano at age 4 and drums at 10, and being influenced by KISS, punk rock, heavy metal, glam rock, and David Bowie. At the same time, he described how, in creating X JAPAN's music, he leveraged his classical training by meticulously notating every detail—from guitar solos to drum and bass parts—composing rock music like building an orchestra.

He also shared the story of X JAPAN's early days, when they founded their own record label to maintain creative control instead of conforming to major label rules. YOSHIKI recalled being advised to adopt a 'correct image' and follow industry norms for a major label debut, but he insisted, 'I didn’t want anyone else to define who we were.'

Billy also delved into X JAPAN’s meteoric rise from indie live houses to the Budokan and then the Tokyo Dome. YOSHIKI described their rapid success as 'moving at the speed of light,' noting that while they were treated as rock stars in Japan, they had to start from zero when breaking into the American market.

The program also touched on YOSHIKI’s collaboration with the legendary Beatles producer George Martin. Reflecting on that time when his English was still limited, YOSHIKI explained how he communicated his musical intentions through the piano during production. He described Martin as 'someone who carefully listened to the artist’s words and helped make them even better.'

After X JAPAN disbanded and following the tragic death of hide, YOSHIKI was overwhelmed by grief and considered stepping away from the spotlight, focusing solely on composing behind the scenes. However, he revealed that a turning point came when he was commissioned to compose and perform a piece for the 10th anniversary of the Emperor’s enthronement. Hearing the audience’s emotional response during the performance in front of the Imperial Palace made him realize, 'I should return to the stage once again.'

Toward the end, the conversation turned to music and human expression in the age of AI. YOSHIKI stated that AI 'won’t eliminate music,' emphasizing that in artistic creation, it is human imperfection and the unique expressions born in the moment that truly matter. In response, Billy agreed, noting that even if a computer could play the piano perfectly, people come to see YOSHIKI to witness what he expresses in that very moment—resulting in a profound dialogue only artists can share.

Covering creativity, rebellion, loss and rebirth, and the role of artists in the AI era, this rare long-form interview offers deep insight into YOSHIKI’s artistic roots and his ongoing evolution—made possible only through his long-standing friendship with Billy Corgan.

The discussion also highlighted YOSHIKI’s continued international activities beyond rock, extending into classical music. His upcoming two-night concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 16 and 17 was introduced, showcasing YOSHIKI’s current global presence and building anticipation for his next artistic chapter.

[Program Information] Program Name: The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan Host: Billy Corgan Release Date: July 2, 2026 Viewing URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHE77hMfb6I Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more

<YOSHIKI CLASSICAL Los Angeles Concert Overview> YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 IN LOS ANGELES WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL “SCARLET NIGHT” & “VIOLET NIGHT”

Dates: Local time, July 16 (Thu) and 17 (Fri), 2026 Venue: Walt Disney Concert Hall Ticket Details: https://www.yoshiki.net/disneyhall2026

<YOSHIKI Related Links> YOSHIKI Official Site: https://jp.yoshiki.net/ YOSHIKI Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/ YOSHIKI YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/yoshikiofficial

<Contact for Inquiries> YOSHIKI PR