Made it to the News AGAIN!!!!!

Who says we're too old to rock?

26 April 2007

COMPARED to today's reality TV talents, veteran Malaysian rock band Wings would be considered jurassic.

Its members still have their distinctive 1980s mullet hairdos, although squeezing into a pair of drainpipe jeans is but a memory for this group of fathers.

But forget about retirement. As far as this 22-year-old band is concerned, it would literally take the death of a member before they call it quits for the day.

Guitarist Abdul Zamin Abdul Kadir, better known as Joe, said that he was proud that the influential band is still rocking.
'We are still around because we keep doing what we do best,' said the 40-something lead guitarist.
He doesn't think much of the new talents churned out by reality TV shows Malaysian Idol and Akademi Fantasia.
'Many of them are interested only in becoming popular, it compromises the quality of the music. When you don't have quality, how long can you last in this industry?' Joe said.
Wings will be performing in Singapore on
1 May with other rock bands like Rockvival, Yakamashii, Edge, Osairis, Greensleeves, Voltage, Steel Damage and Stygian.
The band started out in 1985 with its original line-up of lead singer Ahmad Azhar Othman (Awie), guitarist Sham Baharom, bassist Samsaidi Haji Ulong Idris (Eddie) and drummer Azmi Hashim (Black).
It released its first album Belenggu Irama (Rhythm's Shackles) in 1987. Its six albums have sold more than a million units in Malaysia.
The group went through a slew of changes - from Joe replacing guitarist Sham for the 1989 album Hukum Karma (Karma's Punishment) to Awie leaving the band in 1993 to pursue acting and a solo career.
He returned in 2003. But last year, scandal struck over his secret second marriage, and bitter divorce from first wife Arnie Nazirah Anuar. It resulted in an ugly and public custody battle for the couple's two daughters.
When asked how Awie's problems affected the band, Joe said: 'We don't let our personal lives affect the band. We are professionals.
'It was a tough time for him but that was his business, it had nothing to do with us. We don't even talk about it when we are working.'
At the concert, fans will see the band's current line-up of Eddie, Awie, Joe and Black.
Last year, Wings released an album of its live performances called Wings Alive 06. It will also be releasing a VCD of its live shows sometime this year, as well as work on a new album.
For its Singapore concert, Joe said Wings will sing its old hits like Intanku Kesepian (My Silent Diamond) and Peronda Jaket Biru (Blue Patrol Jacket) 'if that's what the fans want'.
Joe believes the band has survived for so long because its songs still strike a chord with the younger generation.
'While we may have upgraded ourselves - we now use the computers to record - our songs still appeal to the soul of the young people today.'
He revels in being called a veteran musician.
Joe said: 'I am proud of that title. We've been around for so long, we've earned it.'

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,128673,00.html