BEIJING (Kyodo) The leader of the popular Japanese rock band X Japan expressed hope Saturday of performing at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing soon, following the band's concerts in Hong Kong in January and Taiwan in May.

"We don't yet know when, but possibly next year. We will definitely do it," Yoshiki, the drummer of the band, said at a talk event with Chinese fans in Beijing, referring to plans for a concert in the Chinese capital.

The band tried to perform at the stadium, which was the main venue of the Olympic Games last year, in the fall.

But the plan had to be postponed as the facility will be unavailable for the time being due to a series of events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the country, which was founded Oct. 1, 1949.

Xing Yi Meng, 20, the leader of a local fan club, said after the talk event, "I cannot believe the concert has been put off. I wish we could have heard good news."