A whole lotta rock

SURASEE ITHIKUL, Pathompong “Pong” Sombatpiboon of Hin Lek Fai and Carabao’s Yuenyong “Ad” Ophakul are just some the big names taking to the stage of the Centra Government Convention Centre in Chaeng Wattana later this month to cover such eponymous golden oldies as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Goodbye to Romance” and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving”.

The concert, which is titled “Love & Hurt: Super Rock Ballads” is being organised by rock enthusiast Tanin Ko-arnantakul, the man behind last year’s hugely successful “The Sun & Friends”.

“This time I wanted to do something different,” he explains. “I often think about those famous rock ballads from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s and I am sure there are thousands of music fans my age who do too.”

Ong, Pong and Ad will be joined on stage by fellow rockers Chatchai “Rang” Sukhawadee of Rockestra, Thitima “Waen” Sutsunthorn, Pranee “Ie” Weeranukul, Sunaree Ratchasima, Metal Sukhawadee, as well as “The Voice” artists Pichet “King” Buakhum, Thanida “Nok” Hiranyaphruek and Pichaiyut “Neng” Chanklub. Pub cover band Lady and the Tramp is providing the back-up.

“Each of them has a different character and voice,” Tanin continues. “I have always been very fond of English songs and I prefer to ignore Thai songs because of the high copyright fees. I have a very limited budget and in any case, I want this concert to attract loyal fans of these English hits.”

Tanin’s inclusion of songs-for-lifer Ad Carabao and luk thung singer Sunaree are surprise additions to an otherwise solid rock line-up.

“I knew that Sunaree could sing English songs, but I had never heard her until she sang the Scorpions’ ‘Still Loving You’ over the phone. Her powerful vocals are a knock out and she’ll be great singing LeAnn Rimes’ ‘How Do I Live’. As for Ad Carabao, I suspect he’ll be covering Guns N’ Roses not Santana,” says Tanin.

Pong Pathompong and Rang Rockestra will of course sing songs by their idols, Black Sabbath and Queen.

“I used to do a lot of Black Sabbath covers, walking up on stage from behind the audience and holding up a lantern for ‘Wicked World’. Other bands played UFO numbers and made them danceable. One of my favourite songs is Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’,” says Pong.

“People used to stop whatever they were doing whenever I sang Nazareth’s ‘Love Hurts’,” adds Rang, who will be performing alongside his daughter Metal at the show.

“Queen’s Freddie Mercury had a voice that conveyed both strength and softness. It isn’t hard for me to sing Queen’s songs because I’ve always been able to do the high tones. I love ‘Love of My Life’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are the Champions’. ‘Love of My Life’ though is my favourite.”

Surasee Ithikul loves UFO’s “High Flyer” with Phil Mogg’s powerful voice and Michael Schenker’s beautiful guitar, as well as its remarkable guitar solo.

“I’ve always admired the powerful vocals of Nazareth’s Carl Sentance while one of my favourite guitar solos is on Gary Moore’s |‘Still Got The Blues’,” says Surasee, who now plays with Kaleidoscope |at Wine Bibber Sangria in Ekamai Soi 2 on Wednesday and The Parking Toy on Kaset-Nawamin Road |on Thursday.

Young generation singer Neng The Voice says he used to listen |to Uriah Heep’s “Free Me” when he was a kid but now prefers Led Zeppelin.

“I’ll be covering a Led Zeppelin song at this concert, in addition to helping out on ‘Love Hurts’, which I personally find very difficult to sing,” says Neng, who is currently working on his debut album with his band, Bad DNA.

 

HITTIN’ THE HIGH NOTES

“Love & Hurt: Super Rock Ballads” takes place at the Vayupak Convention Centre, Centra Government Convention Centre Hotel on Chaeng Wattana Road on April 30 at 7pm.

Tickets are Bt1,500 and Bt1,000 at Facebook.com/loveandhurtconcert or by calling (095) 982 1757.