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Fans wonder why Southern All Stars call it quits

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Ever since the legendary Japanese rock band Southern All Stars announced on May 19 that they will take a break from 2009, suspending the group's 30-year career, fans have been wondering why.

Band members will pursue solo projects, their office said, adding that it has not been decided when the band will re-form. The office said that members of the group hope to present fans with ''fresher and more stimulating activities'' when they resume playing as a band.

The group, led by singer-songwriter Keisuke Kuwata, debuted in 1978 with ''Katte ni Sindbad.'' It scored many big hits including chart-topping songs such as ''Itoshi no Ellie,'' which was covered by the late Ray Charles as ''Ellie My Love.''

“Kuwata is a very sensible and practical person," said a friend. "I think one of the reasons for the sudden suspension of their music activities is the health condition of his sister. She has been suffering from a serious illness for a long time. I think he wishes to be with her as much as he can.”

Eriko Iwata, 56, Kuwata's elder sister, is well known to his fans. Making use of her English language ability obtained from spending 20 years in the United States, she has helped him create English lyrics for his songs. Her name is often cited in the credits for some of Kuwata's songs.

Their father Hisaji and mother Masako ran cinemas, cafes and restaurants in Kanagawa. Kuwata's friend says Eriko became a fan of the Beatles who inspired Kuwata. Since their parents were busy working, Erika took care of Kuwata. However, their father passed away in 1994 and their mother in 2004. Now, Erika is the only family left for Kuwata.

“My illness has nothing to do with his decision this time” Erika told Shukan Post, but admitted she was not well. Kuwata's agent also denied any relationship between his personal issues and the decision to break up the band.

Music critic Seiichi Tomizawa points out Kuwata has always cared about his band members. "The reason why Southern All Stars has not broken up before is that they equally share the profit from sales, which has strengthened the bond among them.” Tomizawa says none of the Southern All Stars members will have financial problems after they suspend their music activities.

Kuwata's close friend also says, “Kuwata possibly thinks his band has become too big to handle. I think he must have wanted more free time to do what he wants. If he starts a solo career, he can better manage his time with Eriko.” (Translated by Taro Fujimoto)

© Japan Today

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Fans wonder why Southern All Stars call it quits

"Musical differences" - works for most bands

Followed by less-than-stellar solo albums

Followed by a few years in the wilderness

Followed by a reunion tour

Magic formula!

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Jeez, 30 years; you'd have thought they earned a break...

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The only thing to really "wonder" about is... when is "SMAP" gonna fold their tent !

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blvtzpk pretty much covered it.

They'll do their sell-out farewell tours and make a tonne of cash.

Then they'll release a new "Best of" album or three, and maybe a live one too. They'll all sell like hotcakes, even though everyone already has their previous best of album that contains the same songs.

Then they'll go their separate ways for a year or two.

Then they'll announce a "one-last-time" reunion tour, which of course will sell out even quicker than the farewell concerts.

Then on the final night of the "one-last-time" reunion tour, they will announce that they have decided to reform and make a new album, thanks to the support of their fans. Everyone will cheer. Tears of joy will fall.

The album will have a great rock single, and a tear-jerking ballad, but the remainder will be mediocre album filler, but it will still debut at number 1 on the oricon chart, and stay there for weeks because of the popularity of the singles and because it contains a "limited edition rare live version" or one of their more famous songs of yesteryear.

Then the rumours will start that it will be their last album. The supporting tour will sell out. They'll make more cash..

etc. etc.

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I'm really sad to see them go, regardless. I love their songs and Kuwata's voice.

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Ever since the legendary Japanese rock band Southern All Stars announced on May 19 that they will take a break from 2009

will --> would

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Maybe they can tour with Mick and Keith someday.

Strolling Bones / Southern Oldsters Farewell Tour #17

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Fans wonder why, and the world revolves

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