As X JAPAN lay down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album,  Japan's most iconic rock band have announced that the world premiere of the new 

documentary film from Passion Pictures--'WE ARE X'--will take place this week at the 

Sundance Film Festival.

'WE ARE X' explores the evolution, groundbreaking history, and hopeful future of the land of the rising sun's most legendary rock group. X JAPAN have sold 30 million singles and albums combined and continue to tour the world performing sold-out shows to massive arenas in 16 countries throughout the U.S. and Europe.

On Friday, January 22 at 9pm, YOSHIKI -- songwriter, drummer, classically-trained 

pianist, and the creative force of X JAPAN -- will perform live with a string quartet for the 

first-ever Sundance Festival Base Camp party presented by Canada Goose. 

YOSHIKI will headline the Festival Base Camp, a new outdoor venue located at 

Swede Alley behind Main Street. Other artists confirmed to perform include Dan 

Deacon, Flying Lotus, and Neon Indian.

"It's overwhelming to see the full documentary 'WE ARE X,'" says Yoshiki of X JAPAN. 

"Stephen Kijak and John Battsek opened doors, which I shut and never intended to re-

open. I didn't realize that on the other side, dark memories could co-exist with a 

meaningful future. Audiences will be a witness to our history and future."

Saturday, January 23 will mark the world premiere of 'WE ARE X' in the World

Cinema Documentary Competition at Prospector Square Theater in Park City at 2:30pm. YOSHIKI and the film team will be on hand for the red carpet at 2:00pm and a Q&A after the premiere. 'WE ARE X' was created by the production team behind the 
Academy Award-winning film Searching For Sugarman: producer John Battsek 

(Passion Pictures) alongside renowned director Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile and 

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man-- (executive produced by David Bowie). From X JAPAN's massive success (over 30 million albums, singles and videos sold) and sold-out tours worldwide, 'WE ARE X' chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of this legendary quintet who will never give up. On Sunday, January 24, YOSHIKI will perform live at the ASCAP CAF�at Sundance at 4:00pm. For the full Sundance 2016 schedule for performances and screenings of 'WE ARE X,' see the grid below.

X JAPAN initially split up in 1997 after playing their fifth New Year's Eve show at the 

55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome; they have now sold out the Tokyo Dome a record 18 

times. The group reformed in 2007 and have released three singles: "I.V." in 2008, 

"Jade" in 2011, and "Born To Be Free" in late 2015. They've been touring worldwide 

ever since--and in October 2014, the group performed their debut Madison Square 

Garden show in New York before announcing the new album and 'WE ARE X' film 

releases slated for 2016.

Catch YOSHIKI of X JAPAN's performances and the 'WE ARE X' screenings at

Sundance 2016:

YOSHIKI Performance at Sundance Festival Base Camp
1/22 Fri (9:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Outdoor Venue (Swede Alley, behind Main Street)
'WE ARE X' World Premiere
1/23 Sat (2:30 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Prospector Square Theatre
'WE ARE X' Press and Industry Screening
1/24 Sun (9:00 am) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Holiday Village Cinema 2
YOSHIKI Performance
1/24 Sun (4:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : ASCAP CAF� (Rich Haines Gallery)
'WE ARE X' Public Screenings
1/24 Sun (6:00 pm) : Salt Lake City, UT : Tower Thatre
1/26 Tue (10:00 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Redstone Cinema
1/28 Thur (9:00 am) : Sundance-Park City, UT : Yarrow Hotel Theatre
1/29 Fri (9:15 pm) : Sundance-Park City, UT  : Holiday Village Cinema 2