YOSHIKI, drummer, pianist and leader of X Japan, is going to undergo emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery on May 16th in Los Angeles. The news were announced by a press release from Resonance Marketing & Media.

The drumming style of the artist led him to develop cervical foraminal stenosis, for which he underwent surgery in 2009. Unfortunately, the intensity of his work and everyday activities have led to a herniated disc and the return of the problem. The condition has worsened during the last six months, resulting in a loss of sensation in his left hand. Doctors in both America and Japan have agreed that unless he does not undergo surgery immediately, his health situation will be irreversible.

YOSHIKI said on his official website: “I'm having neck surgery next week. This time the surgeon will open my neck from the front and insert an artificial disc between my vertebrae. I'm a little scared but I'll make it through.”

All planned events scheduled for May are cancelled, while future activities may also be canceled or rescheduled based on the artist's recovery.

Sources: jame-world.com, crunchyroll.com, bbc.com