PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): After three decades of making their mark on the regional music scene, popular Indonesian band Ungu is set to celebrate their artistic journey through the ‘Konsert Ungu 3 Dasawarsa: Special Night in Kuala Lumpur,’ scheduled to take place at Idea Live Arena on Sept 5.
The special concert is expected to rekindle fans’ nostalgia while serving as a tribute to those who have supported the group since its formation in 1996. It will also showcase the band’s musical evolution across various phases over the years.
Representing the band, guitarist Enda, 50, said their greatest strength lies in their principle of putting the group first, even as each member pursues different career paths, an approach that has helped them navigate differences over three decades together.
"When we are called, everyone will drop what they’re doing. This is the ‘main fire.’ Without it, nothing else can thrive.
"Problems are inevitable, but the five of us will always sit down together to resolve them. Our principle is simple, we can argue, but we must never disband,” he said at a press conference for the concert here yesterday.
Meanwhile, lead vocalist Pasha, whose real name is Sigit Purnomo Syamsuddin Said, 46, described the band as a ‘home’ that each member will always return to.
"Even though we’re busy with our individual commitments, when the call comes, everyone returns. That’s what keeps us strong to this day,” he said.
A member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives from the National Mandate Party faction, Pasha added that their sense of togetherness is further strengthened by discipline in creating music, including consistently producing new songs.
"At the very least, every year we strive to release new work, including religious songs, which have become part of our tradition,” he said.
On the selection of songs for the concert, Pasha noted that the setlist is not determined solely by digital popularity, but also by real audience response during live performances.
"There are songs with high views on YouTube, but when performed at concerts, the audience doesn’t sing along. On the other hand, there are less prominent songs that everyone sings when played,” he said.
Bassist Makki, whose real name is Makki Omar Parikesit, 54, said the concert will be curated as a reflection of their musical journey from their early days to their latest works.
"We want the repertoire to truly represent our journey from the beginning until now, while also offering a fresh approach in terms of musical arrangement and performance concept,” he said.
Meanwhile, concert organiser Zairul Addry Helmy of COMs Creative Studio expressed optimism that the concert would achieve strong ticket sales despite current challenges, including the global supply crisis.
He said Ungu has a loyal fan base in Malaysia, boosting confidence that tickets could sell out.
"God willing, I believe the impact will not be too significant. Despite the crisis, people will still come to enjoy music and entertainment,” he said, adding that ticket sales are expected to begin on April 27, starting with an early bird offer before general sales open. -- Bernama
