Off the cuff: After winning the Singapore Blue Diamonds contest, James Choa and the rest of The Gaylads (popular 60s group with The Flamingos - Posting: April, 9th, 2009) were given a singing contract and arrived in style at the Merlin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, to be resident vocal group at the Harlequin Room with a full band to accompany them.
They were driven all the way, by car from Singapore to KL, by Tan Swee Leong at the helm of his Ford Anglia. Mr Tan, a celebrity himself, was also the MC for their shows and James remembered they had a fascinating 3 weeks at the hotel.
Since it was the 60s they had time to see the sights in KL during the day and had comfortable accommodation at the hotel itself. Besides a full allowance, The Gaylads were also provided with whatever creature comfort they needed during their stint at the Merlin.
(Image: The real Blue Diamonds with Anneke Gronloh. From National Heritage Board, Singapore.)
3 comments:
hi Andy, nice site. my former colleague Richard Yoong played with the Star Gazers band in Singapore in the 60s. Ring a bell? t
Hi Terence,
Thanks for the positive comment. I have heard of the Star Gazers but cannot place them really. Remembered a group playing at the National Theatre.
I would like to post them on the blog and if you have a write-up and photographs please write again.
Thank you,
Andy
Hi Andy, this is Richard Yoong, the Stargazers lead guitarist. My playmates were Peter Aloysius Chan (rhythm guitarist), Jimmy Ahmad (drummer) and Michael Lai (Bass guitarist). The lead singer was Wilfred. We produced 4 instrumental numbers (one album titled Ah-Go-Go) in 1966. I would like to get in touch you. I am trying to look for my band members whom I believe are still residing in Singapore. Can you email me at shiyonet@yahoo.com so I can share more details with you?
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