Singapore Haze: Amazed! Dazed Neighbours Still Fazed About Haze

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The big haze:

It all started in 2015 when this post was written 

and reposted in 2016 and 2019. 

We thought it would trouble us no more.

But it did come again in 2023.

Now it's here again, in 2026

11 years on!!!

From 2015, 2016 and 12 September 2019 [above image] 

the haze came home again. 

Hazardous and horrible!

Will it ever end?

Then when

it was 2023 August, we thought

that was the end.

As usual the young school-going children were also 

badly affected... 

when it came back one more time... in 2026.

THE HAZE IN SINGAPORE: CAUSE AND GLOBAL CONSEQUENCE

Is It Clear?

Fourteen million plus hits on Google when you type, "Haze in Singapore." 

Call it what you may, haze or smoke which has been polluting this region for weeks now is not created by Mother Nature but by Man himself.  One thing is clear; our air is so foul and "poisonin' my oxygen" that it is frustrating everyone in the area.  Worse, it is making every creature, great and small, sick.

Every day fires are destroying the beautiful forests of Indonesia's South Sumatra, Riau and Kalimantan and simultaneously endangering the health of its own people and surrounding neighbours and little red dot, Singapore [written in 2015].

I'm a hungry planet

I had the bluest seas

Oh the people kept 
Choppin' down

All my finest trees (1).

The lyrics above were written by The Byrds way back in 1970 and described a situation that is still persisting today. Hungry Planet is one of many songs that deals with an on-going ecological disaster and the problem will never be resolved unless a certain country follows its own laws which forbid the use of fire to clear land.

Or Still Unclear?

Another thing is clear; we can't do anything because Singapore is like a David standing in front of a cigarette smoking Goliath. We have to inhale what Goliath exhales, and the *problem has persisted from as far back as 1972, more than 40 years since. 

The country in question has promised it will enforce its laws but nothing's been done so far [written in 2015]. A pop group from 1970, The Moody Blues, reminds us of the foulness in the air in a composition called, How Is It:

How is it we are here on this path we walk
In this world of pointless fear filled with empty talk
Descend from the ape as scientist-priest all think
Will they save us in the end, we're trembling on the brink (2).

Responsible Lyricists:

Like The Byrds and The Moody Blues, many famous pop composers and lyricists get serious and write about how Man has savaged and ravaged Mother Earth. So while some readers  think that the West are only writing frivolous rock and roll music these same pop stars are doing the world a favour by warning how our selfish attitude towards the environment is destroying and killing it:

Now the sun has come to earth
Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death
Death comes in a blinding flash
Of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash
And the sun has come to earth (3).

Only last night (5th October 2015), I saw our local news headlines on television feature young children in hospitals with asthma and with some seniors suffering from a skin ailment agitated by the haze. The Byrds lamented in the same song that this condition is:

Diggin' into my skin

Taking more out of my good earth

Than they'll ever put back in

I"m a hungry planet... (4)

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the established folk rock super group from the 70's stated that Clear Blue Skies were not much to ask for. They were here before creatures roamed the earth. Question is, "Will they be here when we're gone?" (5)

Optimism:

According to an **article, two-thirds of the fires in Indonesia occur on peat wetlands. It is not widely known that Indonesia has the largest tropical peat wetlands in the world but these places are definitely rich in biological diversity. Imagine the devastation going on at the moment with the fires in full force and its outcome afterwards.

Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas
Fish full of mercury
Ah oh mercy, mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Radiation under ground and in the sky
Animals and birds who live nearby are dying
Oh mercy, mercy me. (6)

How long more do we have to take the haze and the continuing saga of earth's destruction? I remain optimistic so let's leave the last words to Tommy James and the Shondells:

Maybe tomorrow

When he looks down

On every green field, ooh ooh

And every town

All of his children

And every nation

They'll be peace and good brotherhood (7).

FOOTNOTES

Other Earth Songs:

Mother Nature's Son - The Beatles

After The Gold Rush - Neil Young 
Where Do The Children Play - Cat Stevens 

Big  Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell 
Don't Go Near the Water - The Beach Boys
Hole In The Sky - Black Sabbath

The Trees - Rush 

Calypso John Denver
Nobody's Fault - Aerosmith

Earth Anthem - The Turtles
Every Day Every Day Celebrate - John Denver
Sweet Baby James -James Taylor

Traffic Jam - James Taylor

Goodbye To A River - Don Henley

The Eagle and The Hawk - John Denver
Down By The River - Albert Hammond

Quoted Songs Are:

(1) Hungry Planet - The Byrds 

(2) How Is It? - Moody Blues

(3) The Sun Is Burning - Simon and Garfunkel

(4) Hungry Planet - The Byrds 

(5) Clear Blue Skies - Crosby Stills Nash and Young

(6) Oh Mercy, Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye

(7) Crystal Blue Persuasion- Tommy James and The Shondells

*Straits Times Press report and image: 13/10/1972.

**Straits Times Press: S. Jayakumar and Tommy Koh; The haze, international law and global cooperation - 6/10/2015 - Pg A20 Opinion.

**Straits Times Press: Bustar Maitar; Instead of pointing fingers, start restoring peatlands - 7/10/2015 - PgA21 Opinion.

You Tube Video: Crystal Blue Persuasion- Tommy James and The Shondells

Images, Chart and gif: Google.
http://weather.asiaone.com.sg/weather-airdetails.php?d=&m=pre&area=

SAVE THE EARTH CAMPAIGN

SLIP NOTE: 11th October, 2015.

Exhilarating news piece that Indonesia is finally getting help from some countries to help douse out the fire and according to The President Mr Jokowi, it must be effective two weeks from today.  Hopefully, we get fresh air again and also save "all creatures great and small", which include the orang utans too. 

TODAY 26TH AUGUST, 2016. HAZE STILL HERE.

Disclaimer: 

There is absolutely no intention to criticise or point a finger at any country regarding the haze situation. This article has been written in 2015 and in the daily newspapers these days, reports of another haze occurrence is possible [3.6.2023].

Back again Mr. Haze in September, 2026.

Mask Up Everyone !

It is debilitating. 

Hope she wins...

Andy 60s Music: Passing Away Of Aloysius Soh: Tribute By Michael.

 

Dear all,

It is with great sadness that I share the news that our dear friend, Aloysius Soh has passed away peacefully on 3rd Sep 2026.

This is a very difficult time for all of us who knew and cared for him. He was a wonderful friend and will be deeply missed. We will always remember him for the good times we shared, his kindness, and the memories he gave us.

Please keep Aloysius and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in the days ahead.

With deepest condolences,
Michael.

5/9/2026.

Thanks, Michael for the tribute.

Aloysius Soh is on the far left of picture.

Goodbye Aloy. May you Rest In Peace.

He was with this group LOCOMOTION and

other pop guitar groups too for many years.

Aloysius accompanied blogger during a 

show at the Esplanade in 2010.

Click Below To: 

.: Search results for Aloysius Soh

FROM WA:

CHARLIE YAP:

Aloysius' original band was Woodlanders,

initially managed by his dad and later by

his elder brother, Charlie Soh. Aloysius brought me

into Woodlanders, and I later invited him to join 

LOCOMOTION. He was the best lead guitarist we ever had.

IVOR LESSSLAR:

Deepest Condolences To All In The Family.

It's very sad to see one that we know going 

one by one...

RICKY WONG:

Good morning Andy.

RIP Aloy.

I attended his wake last night.

BORHANUDIN SALAM HANS SOLO:

GOD BLESS HIS SOUL.

JOHN CHER:

Aloysius was a wonderful 100% guy. He was a 

Master of his craft and unlike some of his friends,

he never had to prove anything. He was the lead

guitarist of arguably the best dance band in Singapore,

CHARLIE YAP LOCOMOTION. His special sound will be

sorely missed. May perpetual light shine upon Aloysius Soh.

JIMMY PRESLEE:

RIP.

PATRICK TENG:

Rest In Peace Aloysius Soh.

OLIVER BALASINGHAM:

RIP Aloy...

*ANDY:

Thank you all for sending your condolences through 

this blog. I knew Aloy when we were on stage together

at the Esplanade years go. Quiet and a truly dedicated

musician, he was serious with his craft. May Blessings 

keep you at Rest my friend and in Peace.

JIMMY CHNG:

I do not know Aloysius, but I've heard of the band

LOCOMOTION. Sad to learn of his passing. 

May he RIP.

CEDRIC COLLARS:

RIP Aloysius and may you have your heavenly peace. 

My condolences to your family and friends.

BERT CHEW:

Thanks for the music & the time we had together 

with Locomotion. Rest in peace brother Aloysius.

Andy's Singapore 60s Music: Number One [1st] Music Blog In Singapore.

From FeedSpot.com

The best Singapore Music blogs curated and ranked based on multiple factors, including content relevancy, subject expertise, posting frequency, and freshness of content. Blogs with highest credibility within the Singapore Music space are ranked higher. This list is updated regularly to ensure it reflects the most active, influential, and valuable Singapore Music blogs on the internet today.

Sort by:

Here are 25 Best Singapore Music Blogs you should read and follow in 2026. Subscribe in one place on FeedSpot Reader.

>>>>>

1 Singapore 60s Music Blog*

2 Bandwagon Articles

3 Life in Arperggio Blog

4 Electronic Music Labnotes Blog

5 Channel News Asia >> Music

6 Esquire Singapore >> Music

7 Tom Lane's Music Blog

8 Chamber Music and Arts Singapore Blog

9 Music Photo Life >> Music

10 Swee Lee Blog

and this list is up to #25...

CLICK, READ, ORIGINAL INTERNET POST FROM FeedSpot.com 

[*😀 Non advertorial nor sponsored. Thanks to all my readers, viewers, friends and contributing writers. We do the postings for FUN, not for FUNDS. We're mostly Seniors but some Juniors are helping too. Thanks.]

 

6 MILLION VIEWS SOON !

Gift To Andy 60s Music Blog For Nearly 6M Views: CAROL KAYE: First Lady On Bass: By Author Henri Gann [California].

Carol Kaye: First Lady On Bass. Read it out loud!

Old friend Henri writes again, after many, many years, as he sends me this gift below about his favourite instrument and about guitar lady, Carol Kaye. Thanks Henri. Our friendship never ends with this music connection...

My fascination with the Precision Bass began when I saw the late Nokie Edwards, one of my favorite members of The Ventures, playing bass in the group’s early years. I still remember that rich, crisp punch—the deep bass notes that could almost turn into a growl when pushed through a Fender Bassman amplifier.

Even today, that sound immediately transports me back to my teenage years and The Trekkers, when we tried to capture that same driving Ventures sound with our own bass guitar. Music has a remarkable ability to preserve a moment in time. A few deep notes from a Precision Bass, and suddenly I am young again.

Carol Kaye: Bassist, Guitarist

Carol Kaye 'Boogaloo' 

YouTube Video by: Sleazy Emotions.

My recent reading about Carol Kaye, now 91 and one of the most prolific bass players in the history of popular music, rekindled my interest in the Precision Bass. As a legendary Los Angeles studio musician, she played on thousands of recordings during the 1960s and 1970s, often providing the bass lines behind songs that became part of the soundtrack of our generation.

In 2025, Kaye declined her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category. Among her objections was the way the story of Los Angeles studio musicians—and particularly the label commonly used to describe them—had been portrayed and commercialized over the years.

So, the next time you hear one of these familiar recordings, listen beyond the singer and melody. Listen for the bass. You may be hearing Carol Kaye:

“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” — Nancy Sinatra (1966)

“Last Train to Clarksville” — The Monkees (1966)

“The Beat Goes On” — Sonny & Cher (1967)

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” — The Righteous Brothers (1964)

“Good Vibrations” — The Beach Boys (1966)

“California Girls” — The Beach Boys (1965)

“Homeward Bound” — Simon & Garfunkel (1966)

Les Paul with Carol Kaye: 

YouTube Video from: chris lentz

“Sloop John B” — The Beach Boys (1966)

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” — The Beach Boys (1966)

“Wichita Lineman” — Glen Campbell (1968)

"Mission Impossible" Theme - (1967)

"The Addams Family" Theme - (1964)

"Hawaii Five-O" Theme - (1968)

"Take Five" - (1961)

For me, this particular Bass guitar is more than an instrument. It is a sound tied to a time in my life—the Ventures, the Trekkers, and the excitement of being young and trying to make music of our own.

By Author: Henri Gann.

Comments are welcome.

Author Henri Gann lives in California, USA.

He is one of the original contributing writers for this blog.

Thanks Henri.

Passing 5.8 Million+ Views.

Reaching 6 million as predicted by Henri Gann.

As of 25th August, 2026.

Images: Google.

Andy 60s Music Goes Downtown Meeting Tourists, Musicians And An Artist.

One of the most international cities in the world Singapore had 16.9 million visitor arrivals last year in 2025. 

We are not sure about this year's statistics but wandering around Downtown in Singapore during the long holiday, we met 2 tourists, 3 musicians and an artist. And what gems they were amidst the crowded streets, shops and a music school. 6 folks to chat with...

"So maybe I'll see you there/we can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares/so go downtown/Things will be great when you're downtown/don't wait a minute more downtown/Everything is waiting for you... [Petula Clark]"

@ Lucky Plaza:

We sat with a Ghanaian couple [if the memory remembers correctly] enjoying a food court meal at Lucky Plaza. They love the visit. “Do write in sir and madam on the comment page; during the excitement we forgot both your names!”

@ Orchard MRT

At Orchard MRT, we finally met up with this well-known vision-impaired singer, 

Wan Wai Yee, who can belt out Taylor Swift and Celine Dion songs

 as easily as hits from the 60s and Musicals. She has a busking band [below].

 

Accompanying Wan Wai Yee is Ivni Yaakub [call me Iv] who plays 

a fantastic repertoire on his electronic guitar. Modest and unassuming

he makes up the busking duo called, StrawberryStory.

StrawberryStory busking @ the corridors of Orchard MRT Station.

Petula Clark - 'Downtown' 

[The Dean Martin Show Episode 50: Jan 26: 1967]

YouTube Video by: OLD TAPES

@ Victoria Street Corner

John Fitzpatrick comes from Maine, USA but has been living in Singapore for some time. He's an artist and paints the world. Met him at the junction of Victoria Street near a well-known hotel as he colors his drawing paper with the area's landscape facing Chijmes. And it was a grandiose scene. 

The road-side interview carried on despite his popularity with camera-folks and passers-by who were watching him. Thanks John. Hope to meet you again with 

that Chijmes water-colour creation.

@ Plaza Singapura

And at Plaza Singapura, I made a purposeful visit to meet this handsome gentleman. Wandered into this famous music shop and asked for Dr. Danny Koh. "Oh," says the lady, "he's in Room __ and finishes at 3.15pm, which is now!" And there was the maestro himself immaculately dressed as usual when I peeked in. This special blog post is dedicated to him; to congratulate him on acquiring a PhD. in Music.

Dr. Danny Koh: The Way You Look Tonight

YouTube Video By: Dr. Danny Koh.

@ Cairns, in Australia... Wot?

I have to put this picture in...

That's Herb Van Dort with sister Barbara. Remember him? The Beatles of Malaysia? Mike and Herb. He's been Santa Claus for years now, during Christmases helping in a Charity. 

Our family was wandering in downtown Cairns, Australia too and so were they, but did we meet? It's a long story and I'll tell it one day...

HERB WROTE A NOTE:

Hi Andy, “HAPPY SINGAPORE DAY” 🇸🇬                                 9th August 2026

Would you kindly wish for all the groups from the 60’s (sixties) during our time there. The Boys, Checkmates, The Quest, The Silver Strings, Jerry and his band (New Faces), Ronnie and the Burns, our compere K. V. John, Silver Stars, Naomi and Henry Suriya, The Cyclones and Veronica Young.

I don’t see myself coming to Singapore in the near future, so it’s goodbye from Mike and Herb. Thanks very much Andy the photos you sent Barb of Mike, me, Danny and also with yourself all look fantastic. I am going to get the photo enlarged. 

By the way Andy you are the guru in the music industry and if it wasn’t for you Singapore’s music scene would not be as vibrant. Singapore owes you a mighty big award for what you did for all Singapore and Malaysia local bands.

I hope you will be able to put this letter into your blog so that everyone can read this, especially the local authorities, so that you will receive your reward for all your achievements.

Well to a great performer like yourself, let me wish you and I know my brother Mike felt the same all the very best to you my good friend.

Best wishes,

Herb. [of Mike & Herb, Beatles of Malaysia.]

Thanks, Herb for the accolades. That's all I can say.

Andy.

Andy 60s Music Celebrates National Day on 9th August, 2026 With Sparkle, You'll Be OK, Giants.

Our Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 has a three-track thematic album that includes, 'Go Beyond' rather than one main anthem. So officially the track includes 'Sparkle' by Gareth Fernandez and Dru Chen, 'You'll Be Okay' by Jasmine Sokko, and 'Giants' by Iman Fandi and weish.

NDP 2026: 'Sparkle' - 

Gareth Fernandez, Dru Chen 

[Official Music Video]. YouTube Video by: NDPeeps.

NDP 2026: 'You'll Be Okay' - 

Jasmine Sokko.

[Official Music Video] YouTube Video by: NDPeeps.

NDP 2026: 'Giants' - 

Iman Fandi, weish 

[Official Music Video] YouTube Video by: NDPeeps.

Image from:

我们都是新加坡人 #NDP #音乐 #NDP2026

SINGAPORE PM LAWRENCE WONG 

SINGS 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT'

| 黄循财 | 新加坡总理 #singapore 

#lawrencewong #song 

YouTube Video: SINGMA TV

NDP Videos from: NDP Songs (2026 Updated!) - The Complete List for all Singaporeans

The NDP 2026 Colours Party and Guard of Honour Contingent.

A HAPPY NATIONAL DAY EVERYONE!

Comments have been surfaced:

RONALD HO

Wishing all a joyous National Day. Another year passed, 

a nation to become we have been struggling. When will 

we become one, a truly successful nation? It will not be in numbers, 

in GDP, in wealth. It will be in respect for each other, 

in social cohesion, and to help sincerely when we see some of us 

in need of help. Then we are a nation of Singaporeans.

9.8.26

STEVE HO

Good morning sir. Happy 61st birthday to Singapore! 👍👍

9.8.26

MERLIN LIM

This Tiny Red Dot Surrounded By Bigger Neighbors 

Waiting To Pounce n Gobble SG, Log Stock n Barrel, Is

My Home Sweet Home. Very Much Grateful Bro Andy.

MAJULAH 👌😘 SINGAPURA !!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️

9.8.26

TAN SWEE LENG

Happy National Day to my fellow Singaporeans!

May we always remain united and harmonious as 

we strive for progress and prosperity.

9.8.26

JERRY SARAM

Good afternoon. Happy National Day to you too. 

Majullah Singapura

9.8.26

MARK QUEK

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE.

9.8.26

EDDY ENG

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

9.8.26

RONNIE SEE

DEAR ANDY, HAPPY NATIONAL DAY SINCE 1965, 61 YEARS. 

When we were younger!

9.8.26

RICHARD RAJOO

AND A VERY HAPPY NATIONAL DAY TO YOU, TOO🌹 

ANDY, 2026 👍🙏.

9.8.26

PAUL IBRAHM

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

9.8.26

VINCENT TAN

HAPPY NATIONAL DY SINGAPORE 61st BIRTHDAY

9.8.26

MICHAEL BANGAR

Hi Andy! Yourself, wifey and Family. Enjoy the long weekend.

9.8.26

BARBARA VAN DORT

Andy Happy Singapore Day to you and family. 

Enjoy the Celebration. xx

9.8.26

ANDY: 

Pop Music Not Pills. ©

Thanks to all those who wrote in above. Nothing like having 

a peaceful and radiant Singapore to live in. We're very fortunate 

to celebrate 61 years of joy and prosperity.

9.8.26

SAMMIN & ESTHER ANG

Happy 61st Birthday Singapore

9.8.26

GEORGE CHEW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SG

9.8.26

XUAN YAN

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

9.8.26

CHEW HEE HONG

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE 1965-2026

9.8.26

DAVID WONG

MAJULAH SINGAPURA

9.8.26

FREDA HANUM

61-SG NATIONAL DAY, GO BEYOND. 

MAJULAH SINGAPURA. GO BEYOND.

9.8.26

CEDRIC CORK

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY SINGAPORE

9.8.26

FABIAN FOO

祝福新加坡

国泰民姿好运连连

August 八月

Happy National Day, Singapore

9.8.26

ANTHONY TAN

GOOD MORNING BROTHER

SAME TO YOU!

9.8.26

ANDY: 

Pop Music Not Pills. ©

Still some more messages coming in. 

Thanks, guys for the greetings and best wishes

9.8.26

JAMES HO

Thanks Andy...your passion for music is remarkable! 

Always enjoyed the Golden National Songs oldies...

but NOT this year...none of the 3 songs makes the mark...

was the committee trying too hard? just my personal opinion.

9.8.26

LIM KUAN MIN

Good morning and Happy National Day!

9.8.26

CHRISTOPHER TOH

Happy National Day to you too!

9.8.26

OLIVER B.

Happy National Day

9.8.26

MD. JALANI

HAPPY 61st BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

9.8.26

ANNA LAW

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

9.8.26

NICHOLAS STRAVENS

And to you too...

9.8.26

TRACY NG

Hello from Guangzhou!

9.8.26

IVOR LESSLAR

N2U2

9.8.26

PATRICK TENG

CHEERS!

9.8.26

RICHARD THAM

Let's Celebrate HAPPY NATIONAL DAY.

9.8.26

CATS ENTERTAINMENT

Happy 61st National day Andy....

have a fabulous celebration 

9.8.26

ANDY: 

Pop Music Not Pills. ©

Thanks to all the above folks who have written in.

Appreciate the fun we've had celebrating Singapore's birthday. 

You can still write in anytime. It's your mailbox.

Images: Google.