Japanese pianist Yoshiki Hayashi is well known for his flair onstage.
The co-founder of the wildly popular group X Japan often dons elaborate, David Bowie-level ensembles while dramatically pounding piano keys -- and sometimes drum sets -- amidst dizzying electric light displays. His ability to blur the line between classical music and hair metal never disappoints, so when we heard the raucous musician was going to battle a holographic version of himself, we were hardly surprised.
The strange battle of epic proportions took place during this year's South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX, in which a flesh-and-bones Yoshiki took the stage with his virtual counterpart to duet. In the video posted above, you can watch as Yoshiki's holographic body appears onstage (to the tune of an angelic choir) shortly before Yoshiki himself steps out to a cheering audience and performs "Art of Life."
You don't have to be a Yoshiki fan to appreciate the sheer genius of this classical music stunt. But in case this is the first time you're hearing of the record-breaking artist, you should know he's sold over 30 million albums and singles, conducted the Super World Orchestra at the World Expo, inspired a Stan Lee superhero and sparked a Hello Kitty product line called "Yoshikitty." In other words, he's kind of a big deal.