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.