Leaders of the pack

THE STAGE at Asiatique The Riverfront was packed with fans on Tuesday evening, all of them eagerly waiting for their favourite musicians to show up for The Guitar Mag Awards 2016, which the guitar magazine promotes as “real awards for real artists”.

Red carpet poses and fan greetings over with, the stars and their followers trooped into the hall to be entertained by Jirasak “Maew” Panphum and his band, Type One Error before the presentation of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Prapas Cholsaranon.

“After watching a video presentation of the 14th anniversary of ‘The Guitar Mag’, I couldn’t help but think that those who say the world is too big to change but too small to ignore are completely wrong. They don’t have a good understanding of music. Every time music reaches people, this world starts changing. I know people to whom the joy of life has returned because of just one song. No matter what happens in your life, don’t give up singing and playing music. Thanks for this award,” said the 56-year-old musician and author, who left the stage to a standing ovation.

Musketeers were next on stage with their hits as well as a surprising cover of Raptor’s “Ya Phood Loei” to which everyone sang along before the announcement of the first three awards. 

The Guitar Man of the Year prize went to Crescendo’s guitarist Chinapat Hongamporn for the song “Ton Mai Nai Mueang Yai”. Best Producer of the Year was awarded to Montonn Jira for 25 Hours’ song “Mai Khoei”, and Best Songwriter of the Year was given to Patiwate “Fongbeer” Uthaichalerm for Jetset’er’s “Ther Keng.”

 “I’m very thankful to receive this award and also very surprised. I practised playing guitar with this magazine. It’s very useful for musicians,” said Chinapat.

Fongbeer, who has been behind the success of many artists from GMM Grammy, was also delighted to be honoured, telling the audience the recognition would point the way towards the path he should follow in future. 

After a brief show by Polycat, Chanakan “Atom” Rattanaudom was named as the winner of New Wave of the Year. Jetset’er, who had to skip the ceremony because of a previous engagement, was selected as Best Choice of the Year while Best Style of the Year went to Polycat.

“It’s my very first award,” enthused Atom. “Thank you to everyone – to Guitar Mag, my parents and everyone. Never give up on your dream.

“This award encourages us to continue,” said Ratana Chanprasit, Polycat’s singer.

Apiwat “Stamp” Ueathawornsuk and Chinapat performed a couple of numbers, then applauded loudly as Numchok “Singto” Tanadram was named Best Male Artist of the Year, and former “The Star” winner, Wichayanee “Gam” Pearklin, Best Female Artist. The Best Band honours went to 25 Hours.

The last two awards were announced after a show by Chiang Mai band, Mild, who won the Popular Vote.

Labanoon too were in the limelight picking up Single Hit of the Year for “Chueak Wiset”.

Guitarist and vocalist Methee Arun, bassist Anan Saman and drummer Nathanon Thongoon made the trek to the stage to receive the award.

“It is the first award we’ve received since we returned to the music scene after an eight-year hiatus. We’d stopped playing music completely then one day we met Kob Big Ass (drummer Kachorndej Promraksa) who said he missed our sound and wished we would come back. And here we are! So we’d like to dedicate this award to him,” Methee said to loud applause, before swinging into a set that wrapped the night.