Old-timers bring back golden rock tunes for a cause
Names from the golden era of Malaysian rock will be dusting off their guitars and strutting their stuff as nearly 100 musicians take the stage during a musician's benefit concert this Sunday.
The likes of The Alleycats, The Strollers, Leonard Tan and Michael Veerappan are among the big names to grace the concert which is being organised by the Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia (PPM).
PPM vice-president Edwin Nathaniel told Malaysiakini that this concert was...
Names from the golden era of Malaysian rock will be dusting off their guitars and strutting their stuff as nearly 100 musicians take the stage during a musician's benefit concert this Sunday.
The likes of The Alleycats, The Strollers, Leonard Tan and Michael Veerappan are among the big names to grace the concert which is being organised by the Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia (PPM).
PPM vice-president Edwin Nathaniel told Malaysiakini that this concert was initially planned for 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Whatever funds we collect are going into a fund for veteran musicians. PPM is an NGO with a focus on helping those who gave their heart and soul to entertaining the public but might be struggling in their twilight years,” he said.
Edwin added that it was not uncommon for musicians to struggle financially in their latter years, particularly when they were stricken by illness and unable to earn a living.
“Many musicians did not have a stable income. They were paid on an ad hoc basis depending on performance contracts. Therefore, when they hit retirement age, you might find they do not have EPF (Employees Provident Fund), Socso (Social Security Organisation) or medical insurance to help them.
“Many have come forward requesting help with dialysis. During the pandemic, we would give them food vouchers as well,” said Edwin, emphasising that PPM was focused on live circuit musicians, not those who had recording or songwriting careers, which had long-paying royalties.
He said that even after the pandemic, musicians are struggling to find places to play as clubs have been closing down and even ones that are open often choose to have a two-piece outfit instead of a full band.
“Even the big-name bands can't find places to play,” Edwin added.
He said that PPM is seeking the support of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to be able to hold more such events.
The Musicians for Musicians benefit concert will be held at the Barrister's Hall in Menara BAC, Petaling Jaya. The nine-hour event will kick off at 3pm.
Other names on the card include Lord Justice, Sons of Adam, Stag, Bala, Small Stones, Royston Sta Maria, Heavy Machine and the Union Band.
Meanwhile, Edwin clarified that in many cases, such as with the Strollers and Alleycats, the version of the band that exists now only has a handful of original members as others have passed on.
The Strollers, for example, is led by drummer Hussein Idris and bass player Billy Chang with a new line-up. Other members such as Nand Kumar, Terry Thaddeus, Amrin Majid, Ramli Yaakob and Hussein's brother, Hassan Idris have all passed on, while former keyboard player Michael Magness is based in Australia.
Single tickets are available for RM100 while a table for 10 pax with a six-course menu is priced at RM5,000. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.facebook.com/musiciansformusicians.
