Guy Oseary Speech at Yoshiki Handprint and Footprint Ceremony

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https://www.maximotv.com  Guy Oseary speech at Yoshiki handprint and footprint ceremony held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California USA on September 14, 2023. This video is only available for editorial use on Broadcast TV, online, and worldwide platforms. To ensure compliance and proper licensing of this video, please contact us. ©MaximoTV

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00:00 >> Bring to the stage now for Yoshiki, legendary music executive Guy O'Seary.

00:09 [ Applause ]

00:11 >> It was 1998. I was just starting out in the music business. I was 25.

00:29 I worked at Maverick Records which was on 8000 Beverly Boulevard with Madonna and Freddie the man.

00:37 And Freddie owned the building that I was working in. It's the place where I started at 18 years old.

00:44 And he came to me and said, you know, today we're going to have someone come look at the building and possibly buy it.

00:51 And he's the Michael Jackson of Japan.

00:55 And I thought, wow, he's coming here to buy this building?

00:59 He said, yeah, he's coming to look at it today. So let's just, you know, be good when he shows up kind of thing.

01:05 So he showed up and it was a magical moment as he walked by the offices.

01:14 The only thing missing was theme music to go along with Yoshiki.

01:19 He needs theme music when he comes out, when he walks. He carries this incredible energy with him.

01:26 Somewhat Prince-like, actually. And I hadn't seen him for many years later until -- oh, he actually bought the building.

01:35 We were kicked out. Had to find a new building. I haven't been back since.

01:41 But it was years later that a friend of ours, mutual friend, Mark Benioff, reconnected us.

01:48 And gave me a chance to get a front row seat to seeing him, the man behind the glasses, the man, not just the mythical Yoshiki, but who he really is.

02:04 And he is a true artist. To see what he's accomplished over those 25 years since I first saw him is remarkable.

02:14 It's an incredible feat to survive and accomplish all the things that he has in the music business.

02:20 It's not easy at all. And he's continually innovated and pushed himself.

02:28 If you've seen anything on Yoshiki, you'd know that it's not been an easy road.

02:33 He's had to deal with a lot of issues, a lot of tragedy with his band, losing his best friends, and also physical.

02:48 Some people would -- he's broken his neck, he's broken his back, he's broken his arms.

02:54 And he's always pushed through all of these tragedies. But he really is a true artist.

03:03 I don't believe, having known him now for a while, that he has any hobbies.

03:10 He has no children. His songs are his children. His art is his life.

03:15 And he gives 100%. He's dedicated to pushing the envelope all the way up as much as he can.

03:25 He doesn't really see a ceiling. He just sees the next chapter.

03:32 Taking a page out of Gene's book on owning your brand, he's also been an incredible businessman.

03:42 While innovating and creating and composing, if you Wikipedia him, you'll see "pop, rock, classical, and heavy metal."

03:52 It's unbelievable. But he also paid attention to his brand. He's also paid attention to his business.

03:59 And there's Yoshiki credit cards, Yoshiki wine, Yoshiki champagne, Yoshiki clothing.

04:07 I'm looking forward to Yoshiki Airlines. He doesn't have that yet. But I'm sure he will.

04:14 And I'm just very proud of him. I'm very proud of what he's accomplished.

04:19 As I said, to get to this place is not easy. To get to here, it's dreams.

04:28 It's really hard to imagine to go from where he has to this point right here.

04:34 I'm really proud of him. Congratulations, Yoshiki. Thank you.

04:38 [Applause]

04:41 (whooshing)

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