Peace, Love, Music! Crowd Rock Out for a Good Cause at ‘Concert 4 Aloysius-17’
Mangaluru: It was the best Rock/Metal gig that Mangaluru has ever seen since decades-the stage, the lighting, the sound, the costumes, the performance, the pyrotechnics etc – and the rock-metal band of the 80’s “Livin’ Machine” were simply awesome. This concert brought back memories when I used to organize Rock shows under the banner of “Rock Society” that I was at the helm-where we brought to Kudla rock bands like All Girl Rock Band from England “Girlschool’; Bootleg Beatles (England); Gnats (USA); Osibisa (UK); Rock Machine (Mumbai), 13 A.D (Cochin).; Muzik Mann/Cascades (Goa); and many others- and it was nice to meet my friends of “Livin’ Machine” namely Daryl Andrade, Ashraf BM, Peter Mehta, Alwyn, Deepak and the gang- where we all rocked the scene in Mangaluru in the eighties! ‘Livin’ Machine’ simply stole the show- and their performance was all for a good cause.
The crowd was predominately mixed comprising of Jesuit priests, SAC students (present and Ex), well-wishers and donors- and the large family members of Thumbay Group and Yenepoya group. Although the crowd was not much as expected- that’s how music buffs from Mangaluru are- they whine and complain if no one organizes shows in Mangaluru- and when someone organizes a unique show, Mangalureans don’t patronize, they either go to concerts in Bengaluru or Goa-oh well-nothing much could be done! But for those who didn’t make it for this mega-gig, you all missed one of the best rock/metal show that Mangaluru has ever seen. Sorry folks – it’s like no use crying over spilled milk- guess you’ll have to wait a while for yet another such rock mania to explore this coastal town.
Yes, Mangaluru’s prominent 137-year-old education institution St. Aloysius College hosted a spectacular musical event on Saturday, 7 January 2017, to celebrate the achievements of their alumni spanning over a century and their contributions to many spectrum’s of society. The event named “Concert 4 Aloysius ‘17” was held within St. Aloysius’s historic centenary campus grounds and ex-Aloysians from across the globe came together to organize this unique event giving a mesmerizing evening filled with “Peace, Love and Music”. This concert was sponsored by Thumbay Group UAE – leading healthcare providers; KEF Infra – the world’s largest integrated facility for offsite construction; and South India’s multifaceted conglomerate The Yenepoya Group.
The live performances by present Aloysians and the ex-Aloysians enthralled the crowd with their mesmerizing music talents. The evening began with the present college students of SAC unleashing their music talents comprising of rock, pop and Bollywood renditions. Following close on its heels was the multi-talented band “SAC Rock Revival” who gave the audience some hits from yester years from artists like Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Dire Straits etc. Renowned Indian Ethnic Musician and also an ex-Aloysian Guru Kiran, added some Indian music masala performing some Sandalwood and Bollywood movie songs.
But the “star-studded” attraction of the evening was Mangalore’s Iconic Rock / Metal Band from the 80s – “Livin’ Machine”, who rocked the scene giving the crowd their favorite piece of numbers they grew up with like “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi; “Winds of Change” by Scorpions;” Summer of ’69’ by Bryan Adams; “We Will Rock You’ by Queen’; and everyone’s favorite hits- “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and “Brick In The Wall” by Pink Floyd- and few also a few other heavy metal numbers. Peter Mehta on vocals simply mesmerized the crowd while Ashraf BM on drums was a phenomenon. While Karan Joseph on Keyboard, Deepak on backup lead, and the “Man of the Day” Daryl Andrade on Bass guitar made a perfect combination to give the audience what they wanted in the Rock/Metal world. And not forgetting to mention, the two damsels added some charm as backup vocals.
It was a musical evening with a difference with the performers and the audience swinging to the beats of a number of rock bands for a good cause. Apart from live music, there were a few live dances by SAC students. And compere of the evening, Anand Lobo, an ex-Aloysian who had come down all the way from Bahrain for the event, simply lightened and enthralled the crowd with his witty punchlines. Music buffs came out to support a good cause while rocking out at the show. Even though the music lovers had to spend a few hundred, but they got the best for their money and also supporting towards a good cause as they all heard a wide range of styles and nothing but talent from older and newer bands alike! The crowd was simply clapping’ and rolling. The funds raised through this concert will be utilized towards education and other facilities for the poor students. Awesome performances by the bands that did perform!
When live music, whether indoors in a hot, tight sweaty space or in the great outdoors, for a good cause or for a good time, delivers, there’s nothing like it. And “Concert 4 Aloysius ’17’ did deliver for a good cause. Thanks to all Aloysians who made it happen, and especially the Jesuit priests/St Aloysius Institution- the backbone of all Aloysians- I feel proud to be an Aloysian of 1982 BSc batch- and as they say “Once an Aloysian always an Aloysian.” Long Live St Aloysius Institutions!
Excellent report Alfy, as always. It was nice to see you after so many years- how about organizing a few rock shows like you did years back. I still remember “Girlschool ” all girl band from England playing at Mangala stadium- and knocking off power every time? Thanks buddy!