Singapore bands mark milestones with gigs

In August and September, home-grown music acts Silver Strings, Mel & Joe and Lovehunters are taking the stage to celebrate their anniversaries

- Eddino Abdul Hadi

SILVER STRINGS AT 60: SAYING GOODBYE WITH ONE LAST SHOW

Six decades after they made their debut, Silver Strings are calling it a day. The rock band, which played their first public performance in 1965 – the same year Singapore gained independence – will stage their final concert at RELC International Hotel on Sept 6.

Band leader and bassist Audie Ng, the only member from the group's founding line-up who is still performing, tells The Straits Times: "I'm already 83 and I don't foresee being able to perform another five years from now. Silver Strings typically do concerts every five years, so at my age, I feel this will likely be my last major performance with the band."

Besides Ng, the current line-up comprises singer Percival De Silva, 80; lead guitarist Johnny Yeow, 76; keyboardist and vocalist Nicholas Stravens, 70; drummer Michael Cheng, 68; and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Andrew Fleury, 62.

The multi-act concert, featuring opening sets by fellow seasoned acts such as Jerry Fernandez and Neu Faces, will last 3½ hours.

MEL & JOE AT 55: NOSTALGIC TRIP TO DECADES PAST

When Mel & Joe first made their public debut on television in the 1971 Talentime singing competition, older sibling Mel Ferdinands was 12 while younger brother Joe was only nine.

More than half a century later, their musical bond is stronger than ever, the duo known for English cover versions tell ST in a Zoom interview.

Mel, 66, says: "What makes it interesting about Mel & Joe is this understanding we have when we're on stage. We don't even have to say anything. I give Joe one look and he knows what we're doing for the next line or who's doing the harmony, stuff like that."

On Aug 23, the brothers will celebrate Mel & Joe's 55th anniversary with a show at the Esplanade Concert Hall.