Showing posts with label Mysterians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mysterians. Show all posts

Thursday, March 10, 2011

A Note From Leroy Lindsay: October 19, 2009

I have just read this note below by Leroy Lindsay today while going through my postings. Apologies to Leroy. I did not have an 'alert mail' notice previously. If you read this posting please leave your email address and I shall provide you with the emails of The Mysterians. Thanks, Andy.
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Note from Leroy:
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"It has been a long time since I have seen something written about my old friends and backing group, The Mysterians. I have returned to Singapore a few times since 2000, but have been unable to meet up with any of the boys.
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The Mysterians was a group ahead of its time, with a group of tremendous musicians. We would have sold more records if we had decided to record the kind of music that was in demand at the time in Singapore, but we decided to record the songs that we liked. Our 'T' dances were always well attended on Sundays though.
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It was a pleasure to work with the Mysterians, and I am happy that their contribution to 60's music in Singapore is being discussed."
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Nice work,
Leroy Lindsay.
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Image: From record cover: Cosdel CSP 1010. Andy Lim Collection.

Monday, August 09, 2010

The Silver Strings, Mysterians Play 60s Songs


Silver Strings accompanying Henry Suriya: Outdoor Theatre Esplanade: 7 Aug 2010
Image above: Mysterians entertaining the crowd on the same evening.
Image: Lim Kuan Min Collection.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Esplanade Outdoor Theatre: 7th August 2010 With 'The Silver Strings' & 'The Mysterians'


CELEBRATE SINGAPORE'S 45 BIRTHDAY
2 Days B4 National Day Parade 2010
Sat: A Journey Through Local Music
RE- LIVE THE SOUNDS OF THE 60s:

The Mysterians will perform their hits while 60s crooners Henry Suriya and Andy will reunite with The Silver Strings.

Top off the evening in a sing-along with The Mysterians when they play familiar favourites!

7.30pm – 8.15pm The Mysterians.
8.45pm – 9.45pm The Silver Strings with Andy Young n Henry Suriya.
10.15pm – 11.00pm The Mysterians.
Hosted by: Brian Richmond.

Information:
http://www.esplanade.com.sg/whats_on/programme_info/a_journey_through_local_music1/index.jsp
Image: http://www.ndp.org.sg/

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Indie-pendence Day - Singapore Birthday Bash

6 Aug 2010, Fri

It’s indie-pendence day as we open the celebrations for the birthday bash at the Outdoor Theatre. Get your fix of great music from some of the most celebrated Singapore bands today.
7.30 – 8.15pm A Vacant Affair
8.45 – 9.30pm B-Quartet
10 – 10.45pm
The Great Spy Experiment

7 Aug 2010, Sat

Relive the sounds of the 60s to 80s!
The Mysterians will perform their hits such as Please Don’t Tease, while 60s heart-throb crooners Henry Suriya and Andy will reunite with the Silver Strings. Top off the evening in a Sing-along with The Mysterians when they play familiar favourites!
Hosted by Brian Richmond.
7.30 – 8.15pm The Mysterians
8.45 – 9.45pm  Andy n Silver Strings with Henry Suriya
10.15 – 11pm The Mysterians

8 Aug 2010, Sun

Melissa Fitzgerald – daughter of Thunderbirds front-man Derek – gives new life to the band’s top hits. The talented Vadham family reunites with Moses, performing Gingerbread classic Roses, Regina delivering good ol’ country tunes and the siblings singing Sausalito in tribute to the late Chris Vadham of Western Union Band.
Terry Mortimer of Tony & Terry, and Peter Diaz of The Surfers, will bring you memorable rock and roll hits.

Hosted by Brian Richmond.

7.30 – 8.15pm Melissa Fitzgerald
8.45 – 9.45pm The Vadhams
10.15 – 11pm Terry Mortimer & Peter Diaz

Images/Information: artitude-u-art.blogspot.com/2010/01/esplanade...

http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/a_journey_through_local_music1/index.jsp

Friday, July 30, 2010

Menyusuri Perjalanan Muzik Tempatan Ogos 2010 Dengan 'Silver Strings' Dan 'Mysterians'

HARI KEBANGSAAN SINGAPURA 2010
"Sepanjang empat hari, cerita kita akan dsampaikan melalui muzik dan puisi seniman tanahair. Menampilkan lagu-lagu kegemaran Singapura hingga ke gabungan etnik kontemporari dan puisi, buat seis keluarga.

Berhiburlah dengan lagu-lagu hebat dendangan kugiran-kugiran indie Singapura masakini. Hidupkan kembali muzik 60an hingga 80an! The Mysterians bakal membawakan lagu-lagu hits mereka sementara penyayi pujaan Henry Suriya dan Andy Young akan bergabung dengan The Silver Strings.

Akhirnya malam anda dengan nyanyian bersama dalam rangkaian lagu-lagu kegemaran ramai oleh The Mysterians. Persembahan ini diacarakan oleh Brian Richmond dari Media-Corps Class 90.5FM, Singapura."

Informasi: Esplanade Presents Programme

Friday, June 04, 2010

Asian 60s Music Hits Appeal To Western Ears

CDs like the above (image) are re-issues of 60s music recorded previously by our local Singaporean, Malaysian singers and bands who have put in much time and effort to press them on types of vinyl. Now, these compilation CDs are for sale on the internet. Without copyright and free legal advice to help our musicians, nothing can really be done to channel the earnings to them. But the production of these yesteryear hit collections has been in practice for many years. So who cares anyway.

The writer below explained that the selection was his "favourite find" and he wasn't concerned which of them were hits but rather, which ones appealed to "this pair of western ears." Even the susu chap junjong jingle (Milkmaid Milk advertisement) attracted the writer's western ears. It is given away as a 'bonus' track. Interesting indeed. Perhaps the compilation is done and sold just to cover the cost?

(Original article above: Andy Lim.)
                                   Rocky Teoh: Malayan Elvis Presley: Record Selection

Read the story below about this enterprising person who came to Singapore 11 years ago to buy up the types of vinyl:

“Funny thing happened to me back in 2001, during my first trip to Singapore. I was in a clothing store in Causeway Point, and an old ‘60s tune was blasting out of the stereo speakers. It sounded like your typical ‘60s pop hit, but the lyrics were sung in Malay! I was entranced, and wouldn’t be satisfied to just hear it just once. I spent the rest of my trip combing the local antique stores and flea markets, grabbing all the vinyl I could find.

My first purchase was The Mysterians’ Forget the Time b/w My Girl Les, found at an antique store on Orchard Road. The cover, featuring the band wearing black masks and standing in the green background, is such a classic that I spent a few weeks admiring it before finally purchasing a turntable so I could hear it. But when I finally did, lo and behold, an obsession was born.
                                          Charlie and His Go-Go Boys: by llvlalaysiaboleh

Nine years and five overseas trips later, my collection now boasts more than 600 rare titles from the region, which also includes Malaysia and Indonesia. In this first volume, I present a handful of my favourite finds. Some of these bands experienced regional success at best, while others disappeared after one or two recordings. Very few left behind any written history.

I didn’t concern myself with which songs were hits, but rather which ones happened to appeal to this pair of western ears. I have included a variety of tunes, from rockers to ballads, covers and originals, all sung in a variety of native languages. A few instrumentals have been thrown in for good measure. Now on to the music, Let's A Go, Go, on Silver Tortoise. CD."
  
無可奉告 鐘玲玲 Betty Chung 1968 - from Francisca Raquiza.

Tracklist:
#1 Flamingo By The Bees, #2 One To Nine Walkin' By Patrina, #3 The Second Spring By Hai Fei, #4 Just Because By The Dee-Tees, #5 You've Got To Move On By Leroy Lindsay with The Mysterians.

#6 Mean Woman Blues By Rocky Teoh, #7 The Girl From Alishan By The Blue Beats, #8 Let's A' Go-Go By Charlie and His Go-Go Boys, #9 Oh! Salina By M.Ishak Dengan Five-55, #10 Things We Said Today By S.K. Pauline.

#11 Bang Bang By Betty Chung, #12 Wooly Bully By Charlie and His Go-Go Boys, #13 Then I Kiss Her By Lotus Liew, #14 Mun Li By Orkes Tropicano, #15 Let's Dance By Lotus Liew.

#16 These Boots Are Made For Walkin' By Charlie and His Go-Go Boys, #17 Swim Swim Swim (She and I) By The Spacemen, #18 Merindu Kasih By The Click IV Dan Jaffar-O, #19 My Girl Les By The Mysterians, #20 Dream Wonder By The Tones, #21 Beli-lah Susu Chap Junjong (Bonus track) By Malay-Tamil-Malay.

Just wondering. Collecting the types of vinyl can be an eye-opener because of the artwork on the sleeve covers but listening to some of the songs? That is a problem. Not too sure about Betty Chung's, Bang, Bang.

The article above flagged by Mark Wong.

1) Another similar article posted on Sunday, March 14, 2010:

Friday, September 11, 2009

(G) Sci-Fi Japanese Movie: Mysterians, Godzilla

According to a member of the Singapore 60s band, the group was actually inspired by a science-fiction Japanese movie produced in 1957 (image) by Toho Studios.
The group loved the name and unanimously agreed to call themselves, The Mysterians. The movie was a 60s sci-fi genre, and like Godzilla it had a great following. Great movie, great band, great name!
Image: Mysterians movie Websites.
Original article: Andy Lim

(F) Chan Poh Chu Cantonese Lady Black Cat

The image shows a Pathe/EMI vinyl featuring masked figures. Is she following the footpath of the Mysterians from Singapore or is she a lady singer who wishes to remain anonymous?
Perhaps the Mysterians were inspired by this singer or the movie and had decided to adopt the same outfit? Actually it's Connie Chan Poh Chu who was in a Cantonese movie called Lady Black Cat (1966). She was a pop Asian star in the 60s and 70s. Do people behind masks draw more attention or are they able to hide behind the glare of publicity?

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

(D) Jamaican Jive, Combo Band, Not Belafonte

The Mysterians only single on Cosdel with My Girl Les and *Forget The Time sold quite well even though there was not much airplay on Radio Singapore or Rediffusion. Even today people still remember Forget The Time. Singer Mike left the band after the record was released.

There were two more releases afterwards, a single, You've Got To Move On and Searching, and an EP, Forever, They Lied, Is Everything Alright and Down In The Valley. But this time around the band had Leroy Lindsay (image) from the U.K. fronting them. And Searching had shades of Jamaican jive and combo backing. I love the exceptional presence of the harmonica (mouth-organ) in Is Everything Alright?

There were also changes in the band line-up when Michael Gan and Charles Koh replaced Mike and Jeffrey Tan. From 1970 to 1979, James Choa (check previous postings) from The Flamingos Combo and Gaylads vocal group, joined the Mysterians. James Choa is one of the best keyboardist in Singapore.

With new members came a new policy and although they retained the group name, they identified themselves during their performances. They had nothing to hide. The third record (image) shows the very distinguished studious looking gentlemen with their glasses.

Image: from EBay. Original article: Andy Lim

(C) Rhythm & Blues, Jamaican Leroy Lindsay

It was only much later that the group had a regular tea dance slot at the Flamingo Nite-Club in Great World. In retrospect, because of the high musical standards they set themselves to play, there were some who felt that the Mysterians could have been more popular if they had more exposure and played in more stage and TV shows and not kept to themselves. Of course this is only an assumption. Guess their fans will never know.
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Due to work commitment, the Mysterians never went on tours to Malaysia like the other groups. The closest they went to was Johore Bahru, the Malaysian State across the Causeway and about half an hour from Singapore, where, according to one Mysterian, "we were mobbed and chased by Malaysian fans."
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There were also some enthusiasts who felt that the group was ahead of its time. They were not the typical 'Cliff Richard and the Shadows' band as Mike did not sing Cliff Richard songs but compositions by British and American rhythm and blues groups.
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By the time they backed Leroy Lindsay on Cosdel/CSP 1010 (image), they were fully R & B. Personally though, were they? This was before other Singapore 60's blues groups came into the picture.
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Part 3 of a series about The Mysterians.
Image/Original article: Andy Lim.

(B) Mysterians Singapore 60s - Truth Revealed

Many people have heard of the Mysterians but do not know much about them. Now the truth is revealed as masks are taken off and each bandmate reveals his identity to the public.

Early Days: 

Image shows from left, Tony Kwek who is on lead, Bernard Chin or 'Mike' sings, Victor Lam drums, Jeffrey Tan is on rhythm, Patrick Khong is on bass and William Toh (seated) is the keyboardist. 


Victor, the original drummer of the Thunderbirds, joined the Mysterians when his group wanted to pursue music full time. They had another guitarist, Richard Yeo who had since passed away in a road accident on June, 19th, 1965.
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Why is the group wearing masks? Four members of the group, including their manager, were in the civil service and since moonlighting was not allowed, they decided to play music incognito and for pleasure.
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The Mysterians were never interested to be pop stars and juggling shift duties was a problem. The band ended up playing occasionally, gigs were turned down and they did not appear in many of the pop shows. They were so mysterious that even other pop bands members did not know who they were! But they were 'exposed' in their recordings with Leroy Lindsay. Why?
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(This article is Part Two of an essay by a former band member who wishes to remain anonymous. The first posting (A) is on September, 2nd 2009.)
  Mike and the Mysterians Forget the Time Video by  sam1888ful3

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/03/note-from-leroy-lindsay-from-2009.html

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

(A) Mysterians 60s Masked Pop Group Reveals

Do you know that there was a Singapore pop group that wore masks? Who are they and why did they appear incognito on stage and record? Was it a gimmick on their part? Were they trying to attract everyone's attention? Were they the only group wearing masks? The mystery, hopefully, will be revealed soon.

(Because of much effort among some 60's music lovers in Singapore, who are neither interested in making a profit nor trying to gain popularity out of this venture, the era is slowly regaining its strength and making a comeback.

Will there be a resurgence? Will our youths today finally appreciate and learn to understand Singapore 60's pop music heritage?)

Original article: Andy Lim.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Shadows' Apache/Foot Tapper - The New Burns VICTOR & SIMON - Backstage With Andy

The New Burns, Victor Lam and Simon Tay. Victor was the percussionist for recording artistes, The Mysterians in the 60s. All four Mysterians had masks on and appeared incognito for all their appearances.

Victor (left), is a vinyl enthusiast and has a vast collection of records in his possession. Having seen him during practice sessions and on stage, Victor has not lost his touch. Pretty Woman needs pretty fancy drumming. And he is good!

Simon Tay is a man in the finance industry. Quiet and a serious musician, he also plays the hawaiian guitar extremely well and belongs to another band that plays 50s and 60s jazz pieces.

With their popularity soaring, The Burns will be more in the limelight. They might even be interviewed by prominent writers and experts of Singapore 60s music. All the best to Victor and Simon.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Shadows Repertoire - 60s Music Drummer

Who is this mystery man? He is a mean one on the drums and is comparable to the best percussionists on this island.
Can you remember the band he was with during the 60s? Blogger has been advised not to reveal his name. He plays Cliff Richard & The Shadows music with much versatility.