On July 17th, former X JAPAN and one time LOUDNESS bassist Taiji Sawada died following a suicide attempt on July 14th. X Japan drummer/founder Yoshiki has issued the following statement:

"Receiving the news of Taiji's death has left me speechless. I don't know how to cope with the loss yet.

Playing at the Nissan Stadium together last year brings memories as if it was yesterday. To imagine what the fans are feeling right now breaks my heart. But that is the reason why we have to stay strong.

X Japan will have to carry on with not only (late guitarist) Hide, but Taiji as well in our hearts.

May the amazing bassist Taiji rest in peace."

Reports indicate that Sawada was arrested on July 11th "for interference with a flight attendant" due to an incident on a plane en route from Japan to Saipan. He was reporedly facing federal charges in the US for the incident. On July 14th , Sawada was taken to an intensive care unit after attempting suicide by hanging himself, thus delaying his court appearance.

As reported by BW&BK;, Sawada was a member of X Japan from 1985 - 1992, recording three albums with the band before departing due to creative differences with founder/drummer Yohsiki. He went on to record one album with Loudness in 1992 - their self-titled album featuring ex-EZO frontman Masaki Yamada debut as new vocalist - and can be heard on the band's 1994 live album, Once And For All.

Sawada also recorded and performed with D.T.R, launched CLOUD NINE with guitarist Shu Yamagishi, and had stepped back into the spotlight as of 2010 with his own band, TAIJI WITH HEAVENS, recording one EP and performing live.

He was invited to join X Japan as a special guest for two shows at Nissan Stadium in Tokyo on August 14th and 15th, 2010, officially ending the conflict between himself and Yoshiki. Footage from the reunion can be viewed below.

Check out BW&BK; scribe Carl Begai's interview with Sawada from February 2010 here.