Adelphi Hotel Ballroom Singapore: With The Velvetones

The Adelphi Hotel many years ago fronting Coleman Street and North Bridge Road.

There is no intention to show off or self-project here but just a personal memory I enjoyed and the group of boys I still remember. It happened more than half a century ago. Cheers.

The former Adelphi Hotel [image 1] stood at the junction of North Bridge Road, opposite the present Funan Mall on its left and the St Andrew's Cathedral on its front, along Coleman Street. Some memories about this hotel and my lovely parents when I was a child. But for this posting, about a night's outing with a band that initiated me to sing, non-professionally though, at this touristy area. They were my neighbourhood kampong band, as opposed to the garage band in the west [the common factor is - these bands started as a home-based hobby.]

The ballroom of the Adelphi Hotel on 9th May, 1964 when I sang with the Velvetones, Wilson Khoo is on lead guitar, during a charity dinner called, A Nite To Remember.  The song was Cliff Richard's, When The Girl In Your Arms and many of the patrons were locals and foreigners on the floor dancing and listening to our repertoire of songs and instrumentals [image 3].

The Velvetones. We didn't have many pictures then; this one is only one of a few that we have. 

The Velvetones [image 2], played some instrumental numbers too. Our group was fresh, youthful, wearing the cleanest garb and using the newest Hofner guitars. These were golden nights where we were able to express ourselves in songs and melodies.

Notice the big, fat microphone and the long fan hanging from the ceiling. You guessed it, the night was also sponsored by Matterhorn Cigarettes [image 3]. Today it would be a miracle if a charity night is sponsored by a cigarette company. Where would dancers and diners smoke?  Perhaps outside the Adelphi on the streets of North Bridge Road.

This particular gig was one of a few that I participated in, with this very friendly and harmonious group. We split company as we went our own way. I was invited to join the Silver Strings and the others formed their own bands. One well-known group was called the Firebyrds, who went on to cut a vinyl recording. Paul Ibrahm [image 2 - back row, right] later became a member of recording stars, Tanya.

No intention at all to be a musician or full time singer. I found the scene, although bright and promising, difficult and a challenge to a young person. Imagine when one gets older, as a nightlife was never for me. But to be fair, many of these young friends have done well but some have also left the music scene to pursue other careers.

The Adelphi building still stands but is today a shopping mall selling mostly audio-visual equipment and of course, IT based goods and services.

Memories.

Image: Andy Lim Collection (Copyrights Reserved).