Real name: Matsumoto Hideto (松本 秀人)

AKA hide (ヒデ).

Born: December 13, 1964

Origin: Yokosuka, Japan

Died: May 2, 1998 (aged 33) in Tokyo, Japan

Genres: Alternative rock, heavy metal, power metal, progressive metal, J-Rock

Occupation: Singer, songwriter, musician

Instruments: Guitar, bass, vocals

Years active: 1981–1998

Labels: Sony, Lemoned Plant

Associated acts: X Japan, Zilch.

He was a popular Japanese musician. He was primarily known for his work as lead guitarist of the popular heavy metal band X Japan from 1987 to 1997. He was also a successful solo artist and co-founder of the United States based band Zilch.

He died in May 2, 1998, and was found hanged with a towel tied to a doorknob in his Tokyo apartment.