broom_rider | "The Birthday" minus Imai :(

On September 1st, 2010, it was announced on the rockin’ blues website that lead guitarist Imai Akinobu had retired from the band. Although no reason for the sudden departure was cited, Imai expressed his gratitude to the staff and remaining band members. The Birthday intends to continue activities as a three-piece rock band.

Shit, so it's true :((
Finally came a believable translation from rockin' blues (Damn it, I must drop my stupid Art courses and take Japanese instead)

ANNOUNCEMENT: Thank you for always supporting The Birthday! This comes rather sudden, but we hereby report that guitarist Imai Akinobu has decided to retire from the band. Furthermore, consisting of the three remaining members, The Birthday will continue activities, and start recording new material this autumn. Although The Birthday and Imai Akinobu’s activities now part ways, we beg for your continued support and patronage.
IMAI’S PERSONAL COMMENT: After performing live some days ago, on the 6th of August, I retired from The Birthday. Thanks to everyone I have been able to play music and really enjoy myself. Thank you very much. I am also very grateful to the remaining band members and to the staff. Well then everyone, I hope you’ll always stay energetic. Farewell.

On one hand it's sad. Imai's guitar was a definitely a distinguished part of The Birthday's sound; besides, it's always sad when a member leaves a band. On the other hand - I saw a bunch of their live videos (from 2010 festivals, etc.), and he didn't sound as good as he used to, so may be it's the time... Anyway, The Birthday is just one of Chiba's projects, and it's Chiba who is heart and the driving force of the band. I don't think that as a three-piece band The Birthday would be bad, probably we'll here some interesting changes of the style... or may be they'll find a new guitarist. In any case, I wish the best of luck to Chiba and his band (whatever it is), because he is the best.

~~~~~~~~~~
Вчера я пропил своего гитариста,
Он больше не будет со мною играть.
Дорога в хард роке узка и терниста,
К тому же устал я как Гиллан орать. (c)

Значит, не просто слухи.... Гитарист Имаи Акинобу покинул The Birthday :(( Который, между прочим, является моей любимой из существующих команд. Пока существующих... они решили продолжать втроём. С одной стороны - жалко птичку, с другой - на последних живых видео Имаи звучал хуже, чем раньше, так что может время пришло... Вобщем, The Birthday - это просто очередная Чибина команда, и движущая сила там - Чиба, и никто другой. Я в него верю и надеюсь, что у него всё будет хорошо.

The Birthday