Michael Meets Melodians, Moonglows: Part One

Michael Bangar: Silver Strings Rhythm Guitarist

Michael Bangar played with the Silver Strings in Sentosa and Pek Kio Community Club in 2015 before I met him for the first time during the band's practice sessions. We were preparing for Media Corp's popular prime time slot, Not The 5 Show in April 2016.

After a few chats I asked if he could provide me his music history as a guitarist and singer. Michael had been playing with many pop bands in Singapore. He obliged and sent me a portfolio of his connections with the guitar groups from the 70's onward. 

He explained, "I paid my music dues learning and watching 60's Singapore bands like Silver Strings, Quests, Thunder Birds, Mysterians, Moonglows and other bands. In the late 60's I played in a few unknown bands. I was very low key." 

He went about honing his skills on the portable six-string instrument learning much from playing at clubs and events. Then when he was ready, "I went full time as a musician in October, 1984."

He joined Robert Shotam's band, The Silver Saddles with Sam Hussein and Sam Kassim. Robert was on lead, the first Sam was on bass, second Sam on drums and Michael himself on rhythm.  

There was a change of bands and Michael made his mark by teaming up with The Strollers 3 0 or Trio. Ali Hamzah was on guitars and Abdul Hais playing the upright bass (double-bass).  Sophisticated and pleasantly a gentleman in his ways, I asked about his unique surname. 

"It's Bangar not Banger," and added, "I'm Indian and have an international family consisting of members from many countries."  

Raised in the East Coast area Michael grew up in Katong and went to Telok Kurau Primary School and St. Patrick's Secondary School. He told me how he was traumatised in primary school by a nasty teacher. 

                                          *Video by Fabian Foo 

     Michael Bangar with Silver Strings @ Kallang Wave Concert 2016. 
(We were entertaining sports participants rather than 60's music enthusiasts.)

As a young teen he learnt guitar intricacies from his father, coaxing the instrument in an unassuming way. Playing and singing with ease, enjoyment and in a relaxed manner, his body language tells that he is an experienced musician.  A six-footer, he looks the suave, pop figure anyone would look up to. 

As of late, Michael is the only Silver Strings member to don shades during a gig. With his Ray-Ban glasses, he seems shrouded in mystery as he strums the solid guitar. 

As he tells his story, he remembers the famous 60's recording artiste Maurice Patton and The Maui Chimes who invited him to play. Patton was on both electric and Hawaiian guitar with Marwan on bass. Hassan Panjang played the drums. 

Lead guitar Ivor Lesslar (Cells Unlimited), 2nd guitar Donald Thaver ( Moonglows), Bass Jeffrey Pinto, Drums Ramon Francis ( Neu Faces), Sax Jerry Murad (Dukes) n lastly Mike Bangar on lead vocals n Rhythm guitar.

Before joining 60's pop stars The Moonglows, a drummer Maurice Limoco got a six months' booking at the old Queen's Hotel and invited Michael, Maurice Patton and Marwan to perform together. 

Climbing the stairway to fame, both as singer and guitarist, it was only natural for Michael to join recording artistes, the late Sunny Bala and His Moonglows. Sunny and Michael both played the guitars, Randall Morales was on bass and Cedric Cock on drums. 

Michael rattles off band names without pausing. He remembers every detail, time, dates and places. Each name or venue he mentions has a personal history in his book. And he says in all seriousness, "My father taught me the tricks and trade of playing the guitar. It's easy if you know how."

Read Part Two of Michael's story. Click connection:

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2016/07/michael-bangar-with-his-multiple-bands.html

*Video was taken @ 9 am. when participants were preparing for the run. But the band had encores from the spectator crowd present. 

Images: A Personal Collection.

Article: As told by Michael Bangar to Andy Lim.
(Copyrights Reserved.)