Yoshiki is the first Japanese artist to perform at Hegra, a world heritage site in Alula (Saudi Arabia)

Author Benedetta Baldin - 26.8.2025

Yoshiki announced at a press conference held at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, that he will be performing a special concert at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on November 20. This will be his first international show since undergoing his third neck surgery last October.

The performance, entitled “Hegra Candlelit Classics”, will take place on a stage lit by thousands of candles, with ancient tombs built approximately 2,000 years ago, as its backdrop. Yoshiki, a leading Japanese composer, pianist, and drummer, has sold out some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London, and has received acclaim for his outstanding performances. This upcoming show will be unique and unlike any other in the world, where guests will experience Yoshiki’s captivating performance and music that blends Rock and Classical Music, in a setting surrounded by historical ruins.

Also appearing on the first half of the show will be Grammy-nominated, world-renowned trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf, who has captivated audiences at festivals around the world. Yoshiki will be closing out the show.

In April 2025, Yoshiki was selected as one of TIME magazine’s “TIME 100 (the 100 most influential people in the world)” and in 2024, he became the first Japanese artist to have his handprints and footprints imprinted at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. He has consistently been active globally in a wide range of fields, including fashion, film, wine production, and charity work (through his 501(c)(3) Yoshiki Foundation America).

In the press conference, Yoshiki said:

As many of you may know, I underwent neck surgery last October and am currently undergoing careful rehabilitation. I was still considering how to proceed with my concert activities, so honestly, I was hesitant when I received this offer. However, I decided to go ahead with the concert because I felt that this performance had great significance and could potentially lead to future exchanges between Japan and Saudi Arabia. I am extremely honored and excited to be able to perform at such a historic venue. I owe it all to my fans.

He spoke passionately, expressing his excitement for his concert, which began with a special offer from Saudi Arabia and was realized after over a year of negotiations.

The show will also be a special day for Yoshiki, as he will be celebrating his birthday. The highly exclusive stage has been graced only by world-renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Ludovico Einaudi, and Yoshiki has been appointed to join the honorary list. The music, played in the ancient ruins lit by thousands of candles, will undoubtedly be etched deeply in people’s memories, transcending culture and time.

At the end of the press conference, Yoshiki gave a special performance on the piano.

I wish it would rain peace all over the world. I’d like to play ‘ENDLESS RAIN,’ which I also hope to perform in Saudi Arabia.

He said, and the melody he played deeply moved the large crowd of fans and press.

Details on Show at AlUla, Saudi Arabia:

https://www.experiencealula.com/en/things-to-do/experiences/yoshiki-and-ibrahim-maalouf-tickets-hegra-candlelit-classics

Date: November 20, 2025 (local time)

Venue: Hegra – AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, concert begins at approximately 10:45 PM

Ticket Prices: General Admission 600 SAR

(approx JPY 24,000), Premium 900 SAR (Approx JPY 36,000)