Rockin’ steady with Wings

Flying high: Keep a date with Wings who are poised to celebrate their 30th anniversary in the music business.

KUALA LUMPUR: Frontman Awie recalled one of Wings’ early shows in Kuala Lumpur back in 1985.

It was at a fun fair and each band member was paid RM5 for every night the band performed.

The 47-year-old said back then they couldn’t care less about the payment.

“We never thought that being in a rock band would make us rich. We just wanted to play music. We also wanted to set ourselves apart from bands like Lefthanded and Search,” said Awie during a recent interview.

Formed in Ampang in 1985, the band went through several line-up changes before settling with current members Awie, drummer Black (Azmi Hashim), bassist Eddie (Shamsaidi Ulong Idris) and guitarist Joe (Abdul Zamin Kadir).

Joe remembered how mini buses made it possible for Wings to get around.

“We literally had nothing to start from. So to get from one venue to another to perform, we had to use mini buses. Back then, mini buses were really crowded. People these days have it easier because buses are air-conditioned,” said Joe, 45, with a laugh.

“I remember we’d spend hours in the bus just to get to one club that will only pay RM30 for our performance. The most we would earn was RM300,” he added.

That RM5 they started with back in 1985 has brought them to a music career that includes best-selling albums like Hukum Karma, Teori Domino and Bazooka Penaka.

On Oct 31, the band can include Wings 30th Anniversary Concert at Stadium Merdeka as its latest achievement. The special concert is expected to last for two-and-a-half hours.

It will feature a band “rock-umentary” concept. Joe said fans will be taken on a journey that will relive the band’s early days, struggles, successes and enduring legacy.

Wings’ classics such as Sejati, Misteri Mimpi Syakila, Taman Rashidah Utama, Opera Hidup and more will be part of the upcoming show.

The band will also be adding material from its latest album Menakluk Kosmos, which features the rocking lead single Ingatkan Dia.

“We always work hard on ensuring our fans get a quality show. Fans can expect great showmanship from us. The production value for this show will be out of this world,” said Joe who will be rocking his faithful Killer KG prime original guitar.

“I’ve had the same guitar for 25 years. The Wings sound is there. If I change it, I’d feel restless!” he added. Though he feels nostalgic, Awie said he will try not to cry at the show.

“It depends on the crowd. I’ll remain calm. We have prepared a monologue about our journey in the band and we’ll share it with the crowd,” said Awie.

Tickets for Wings 30th anniversary concert at Stadium Merdeka on Oct 31 are priced at RM48 (student), RM85 and RM285 (rock zone). Swiss Garden International Hotels Resorts and Inns is the official Hotel for Wings 30th Anniversary Concert. For details, check out www.tickethotline.com.my or the band’s official website www.sayap2wings.com.