[i]This is a topic concerning me, and it deals with the idea that The Pillows are on the verge of retiring. There are arguments supporting this idea and arguments against it, I will simply just state the arguments on both sides and allow you guys to elaborate off of it and comment on weather you agree or disagree with the theory. [/i]

[b]Supporting Contention:[/b] The Pillows Are Retiring
[b]Thesis:[/b] Due to age limitation and the amount of music being released it can be insinuated that the pillows are retiring
[b]Argument:[/b] This argument is basically saying that The Pillows are an aging band, all the members are in their 40s and are still doing multiple performances. Within the last few years all the band members have been in multiple projects, releasing multiple albums, and constantly performing. This could be considered a "last stretch" for the talented group before they put a halt on everything. It can also be argued that the "creativity" of the music has been declining, also indicating that the uniqueness of the pillows is dieing. Opposing arguments are many, but the one i would address in this contention is that the pillows have a growing fan base and growing popularity, but this argument isn't always coherent to longevity, for example look at back upon the band "Fishmans" they retired essentially on the peak of their fame; this can also be said about the Beatles.

[b]Opposing Contention:[/b] The Pillows are not retiring
[b]Thesis:[/b] Due to growing popularity it is illogical to retire
[b]Argument:[/b] The Pillows are having tremendous success, still being able to compete with all the younger bands out there. After the release of My Foot the band has risen to higher status in the Japanese musical scene. They are also achieving the one thing that most Japanese bands cannot attain: international success. Although the pillows are aging it is obvious the band is taking advantage of this new found success.

[i][b]So please state if you agree or disagree and please also state why, this discussion is all in good fun and is meant to educate. making you think in holistic terms. Please do not post if you cannot support your opinion. Thanks (and no spamming)[/b][/i][/i][/b]

Honestly, I'm willing to bet that the pillows still have quite a few years left in them. I'm sure we'll see them have a 20th Anniversary. I also wouldn't doubt a 20th Anniversary Tour that reaches the USA.

I'm mostly guessing since they're at their highest point in their career (in number of fans, i know some people will start with the "the pillows new songs sux zomg!!") and they still seem to really enjoy being in the band, and their (not so recent) move to a new record label.

the pillows are still together and have given no signs of breaking up. Of course the band will eventually come to an end, but that could be tomorrow or five years from now for all we know. Any comments on their creativity are purely subjective and cannot seriously be taken into consideration here.

I'm not advocating that "creativity" is the reasoning for the argument, but rather is more of an indication. the "creativity" argument is just reinforcement, not the actual bulk.

So far I agree that they wont retire within the next year, but the behavior being portrayed right now by the band can go either way. The participation in multiple projects and the release of multiple albums has been seen in many bands right before their end.

I brought this up with a friend of mine who knows much of the music industry and he also countered by saying that
"the band members could have a really strong chemistry equating to the fact of them being able to do multiple projects and release multiple albums; bands with very strong internal connections don't break up.

There is no way to objectify that a breakup is on the loom. In fact, there is no evidence that suggests that the pillows will not continue indefinitely. It's a no-brainer.

[quote="Little Bastards"]
I brought this up with a friend of mine who knows much of the music industry and he also countered by saying that
"the band members could have a really strong chemistry equating to the fact of them being able to do multiple projects and release multiple albums; bands with very strong internal connections don't break up.[/quote]

I'm inclined to agree with your friend. Sawao is the front man for the band so we see him talk alot alone. However, whenever they're talking together they seem like life-long pals, and they actually have spent almost half their lives together.

I would not be horribly surprised if Jun left. I mean, he kinda is sawao's bitch.

But I dont see them ever NOT being friends. And since they all enjoy making music, and sawao seems to have a bottomless well of enthusiasm for his own work. ( i didnt say a bottomless well of creativity mind you.) Coupled with the fact that they never really had "a sound" they sort of just play whatever sawao is into at the time.

So they have and have demonstrated the potential to stick around until Sato dies.

During one of the talking breaks at a show during this tour, Yamanaka gave his standard introduction of the members, and then thanked them and said that he planned to continue making music for them for years and years to come; the other members indicated that they felt the same.

I seriously doubt they'd retire any time soon, considering they still have so much energy left.

They'll be like the Rolling Stones. The only difference being that Manabe won't look like a skeleton at 60 . They'll go on until all four drop dead at the same time onstage.

[quote="omnistry"]They'll be like the Rolling Stones. The only difference being that Manabe won't look like a skeleton at 60 . They'll go on until all four drop dead at the same time onstage.[/quote]
I'm sure that Sawao's plans are based on what hes seen the Stones do.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet that the pillows have just recently signed to Avex Trax. At the very least, they must have a contractual obligation to put out more albums. But what Mare says seals it, I;m sure they'll be around for a good while still.

[quote="Kaze no Mirai"][quote="omnistry"]They'll be like the Rolling Stones. The only difference being that Manabe won't look like a skeleton at 60 . They'll go on until all four drop dead at the same time onstage.[/quote]
I'm sure that Shin's plans are based on what hes seen Keith Richards do. [/quote]

This is good, exactly what i wanted, good old fashioned educational discussion. Through the comments so far i would have to say that the evidence is clear, they wont break up anytime soon.

[quote="Son Goshin"]I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet that the pillows have just recently signed to Avex Trax. At the very least, they must have a contractual obligation to put out more albums. But what Mare says seals it, I;m sure they'll be around for a good while still.[/quote]
I mentioned the label switch in my first post.

[quote="Camio"]So they have and have demonstrated the potential to stick around until Sato dies.[/quote] Um...what is that supposed to mean?

[quote="rockman240"][quote="Camio"]So they have and have demonstrated the potential to stick around until Sato dies.[/quote] Um...what is that supposed to mean?[/quote]

He's planning to kill Sato!