Released in December 1993, "Tears" was a milestone for the band, marking their first single released under the name . It was the first track to feature Heath on bass and served as the theme for the Japanese TV drama Nikushimi ni Hohoende .
It was produced, arranged, and conducted by George Martin , the famed producer for the Beatles.
Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra , this arrangement first appeared on Yoshiki’s classical solo album, Eternal Melody . X Japan Tears Instrumental
The instrumental beauty of "Tears" allowed it to transcend language barriers, finding immense popularity across Asia:
One of the most significant versions of "Tears" is the orchestral instrumental featured as a B-side on the original single. This version has a legendary pedigree: Released in December 1993, "Tears" was a milestone
Stripping away the rock elements—the drums, electric guitars, and Toshi’s soaring vocals—reveals the song’s intricate classical architecture. The sweeping strings and delicate piano highlight the "symphonic metal" DNA that defines X Japan's unique style. 3. A Cross-Cultural Legacy
Yoshiki composed the song as a deeply personal tribute to his father, who passed away by suicide when Yoshiki was only ten years old. Initially, Yoshiki was hesitant to release such a soft ballad under his own name, fearing fan backlash, and originally used the alias for the credits. Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra , this
For many fans, the instrumental version of "Tears" is the ultimate way to experience the song’s "Dry your tears with love" message. Without the lyrics, the listener is left with the pure, raw emotion of the melody—a blend of sorrow, nostalgia, and eventual hope. It stands as a testament to Yoshiki’s dual life as both a speed-metal drummer and a classically trained pianist.