# Hide

> Japanese musician (1964–1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q44315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hide_(musician))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hide

## Summary
Hide, born Hideto Matsumoto, was a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer active from 1981 until his death in 1998. He is best known as the guitarist for the influential heavy metal band X Japan and for his solo career under the name "hide."

## Biography
- **Born**: December 13, 1964
- **Nationality**: Japan
- **Education**: Educated at institutions identified by IDs Q114895236 and Q11326789
- **Known for**: Lead guitarist of X Japan; solo artist; member of Zilch
- **Employer(s)**: Member of X Japan (inception 1982) and Zilch (inception 1998)
- **Field(s)**: Heavy metal music
- **Occupations**: Guitarist, singer, composer, singer-songwriter, record producer, recording artist
- **Died**: May 2, 1998

## Contributions
Hide contributed to the Japanese music scene primarily through his work as a guitarist and songwriter. He was a member of the heavy metal band X Japan, which was founded in 1982. He also performed with the American rock band Zilch, established in 1998. As a solo artist, he released music through record labels including MCA Records. His professional work period began in 1981.

## FAQs
**What bands was Hide a member of?**
Hide was a member of X Japan, a Japanese heavy metal band formed in 1982, and Zilch, an American rock band formed in 1998.

**What was Hide's role in the music industry?**
He operated in multiple capacities including guitarist, singer, composer, singer-songwriter, record producer, and recording artist.

**When was Hide active?**
His work period began in 1981 and continued until his passing in 1998.

## Why They Matter
Hide played a significant role in the heavy metal music genre within Japan and internationally. As a member of X Japan, he contributed to the band's prominence in the visual kei movement and heavy metal scene. His involvement in Zilch further expanded his influence into American rock markets. His identity as a guitarist and songwriter left a lasting mark on the industry, evidenced by his continued recognition and the maintenance of his official legacy.

## Notable For
- Lead guitarist for the heavy metal band X Japan
- Member of the American rock band Zilch
- Solo recording artist under the name "hide"
- Active contributor to the heavy metal music genre
- Associated with MCA Records

## Body

### Identity and Background
Hideto Matsumoto, professionally known as "hide," was a Japanese human and a multifaceted musician. His aliases include "hide" and the Japanese script representation 松本 秀人. He was a citizen of Japan, an island country in East Asia.

### Musical Career and Affiliations
Hide's professional music career spanned from 1981 to 1998. He held several occupational roles within the industry:
*   **Guitarist**: He was a musician who played the guitar.
*   **Singer**: He performed vocals for listening audiences.
*   **Composer**: He authored music in various forms.
*   **Singer-songwriter**: He wrote, composed, and sang his own songs.
*   **Record Producer**: He oversaw and managed the recording of music.
*   **Recording Artist**: He performed music for recordings.

He was a member of two primary musical groups:
*   **X Japan**: A Japanese heavy metal band (inception: 1982). This group is a central part of his legacy.
*   **Zilch**: An American rock band (inception: 1998).

### Record Labels and Production
Hide's work was associated with specific record labels, including MCA Records (an American record label owned by MCA Inc., inception 1962) and other entities identified in the source data (Q2338889, Q3266796, Q6521392).

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Hide maintains a significant digital footprint, reflecting his enduring relevance. His official website is located at `http://www.hide-city.com`. He has a presence on various platforms and databases, as evidenced by numerous identifiers:
*   **Social Media**: Official accounts on Instagram (`hide_official_byheadwax`), Facebook (`Official.hide`), and Twitter (`official_hide`).
*   **Music Databases**: Identifiers include MusicBrainz Artist ID `b4065fe7-a1b0-46d9-ae7f-ae0f80c7975a`, Discogs artist ID `36481`, and AllMusic artist ID `mn0001351844`.
*   **Film and Media**: IMDb ID `nm0559512`.
*   **Library and Knowledge Systems**: VIAF ID `253908417`, ISNI `0000000372760159`, and National Diet Library Authority ID `00817973`.

### Legacy
Hide's life concluded on May 2, 1998. He is categorized as an instance of a human (Homo sapiens). His work in heavy metal music and his role in X Japan remain his primary defining contributions. His legacy is managed and documented through extensive sitelinks and biographical entries across knowledge bases.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Find a Grave
3. Encyclopaedia Metallum
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/hide)