WILD GINGER: Singapore 60's Band That's Only 10.

On the concert stage with Wild Ginger, the group that gets spicier with age, is full of energy and living an active life during their senior years.

When Joseph Woon told me that his group Wild Ginger was performing in Penang, Malaysia, I was surprised, knowing that he was with the group, The Easybeats.

"I am with two bands," he replied. 

He took up my suggestion to feature it. Member Francis Yuen sent me the details.

Thanks very much, Joe and Francis.

Hi Andy, 

I got your email address from Joseph whom I believe spoke to you about our band Wild Ginger. You may recall that we have briefly met at Pek Kio during a concert event. 

Thanks for your kind consent to host our posting to showcase Wild Ginger which, though existing for over 10 years, is only in the local music scene lately. The following is a write up on the band. 

Best regards

Francis 

Wild Ginger with its current members.  From left drummer KH Leong, bassist Joseph Woon, lead guitar Yvo Goosen ( founder member), rhythm n vocal Francis Yuen ( founder member) and keyboardist KT Keong.

“Wild Ginger is a Rock band consisting of five executives reliving their youth years playing music from the 50‘s through the 80’s. They play music not for a living but for the passion they have for music.

All of the band members used to play in bands during their teenage years and therefore share a common musical heritage.

The band originally started in Shanghai more than 10 years ago when they were on expatriate assignments. They played mainly rock and roll music and have performed for many charity and social events alongside with professional stars and artistes. On their return to Singapore, the band has recruited new members who are senior executives with a similar passion for music and love for songs from the rolling good times.

The name Wild Ginger has been chosen to aptly reflect that one can still live an active life in their senior years. In fact, one gets better and spicier with age! This is a bunch of executives who are still very young at heart and full of energy to rock.

Monthly Jam Nite at TMCC. Guests are invited to sing with the band for the last 2 sets of the performance.

The band comprises:

Francis Yuen - Vocals & Guitar: Francis is retired. He was a senior executive with a global company. 

Yvo Goossens - Lead guitar & vocals: Yvo is a European living in Singapore and is a retired General Manager.

Joseph Woon - Bass Guitar: Joseph is retired. He has played for bands such as Easy Beat in the 60s.

KT Leong – Keyboardist: KT is semi-retired and is now the advisor to an IT organization.

K H Leong - Drummer: K H is the newest member of the band. He is a Rheumatologist with his own clinic in Singapore.

    Wild Ginger performing at charity dinner at H Urban Hotel, Penang in Malaysia.

Wild Ginger has a wide repertoire of music. This includes music of The Shadows, Cliff Richard, The Beatles, The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Chuck Berry, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, Everly Brothers, Bee Gees, Queens, Santana and other classic Rock legends. 

They play music ranging from rock n roll to country to Latin to pop. They are also into Cantopop music such as those by Alan Tam and Jacky Cheung. 

Wild Ginger first appearance at a charity event in Shanghai (2008) organised by Coca-Cola. A pic with Gary Player, the patron of the event. Co-patron was Jacky Chan. 

The band has in a recent couple of years performed regularly at the Tanah Merah Country Club as well as events like Oktoberfest at the club. They have also been active at community events performing for residents such as that at Teban Garden last year. Last Christmas they performed for Centrepoint shoppers. 

Many of their appearances were in aid of Charity. In April this year, Wild Ginger had their 10th Anniversary Charity event and donated all proceeds to the Lupus Association of Singapore. And just this week Wild Ginger was in Penang for a Charity Concert with Gurmit Singh and other Malaysian artistes raising fund for the Penang Hospice.

What kept the band together has been their passion for music especially music from the rolling good times. They do not play music for a living but hope that they can inspire and give joy to others through their music. For them, it’s never too old to rock!"

At Penang Charity concert in November 2018 with  MC Gurmit Singh.

Images and Article have been copyrighted by Wild Ginger Group.

Below:
Joe Woon, bassist with 'Wild Ginger' and Andy Young, blogger. Picture courtesy of John Cher, the social butterfly who flutters around to connect everyone in town.

The Easybeats Connection:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/01/singapores-easybeats-joe-woon-founding.html