WINGS TO ROCK FOR NOBLE CAUSE
Longstanding rock outfit Wings will hold its first-ever show in the holy month of Ramadan, writes BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI
WHO says rockers can’t be spiritual as well? Legendary rock group Wings will be organising a buka puasa event on June 17 for its fans in celebration of the holy month.
“Raikan Ramadan Al Mubarak Bersama Wings And Superfriends” will be held at 6pm at Premiera Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
“Some people may think that rock and religion don’t mix,” said Wings frontman Datuk Awie, 48, at at the hotel recently.
“They may prefer solo or
nasyid performers instead, but they forget that even rockers can pull off religious tunes. And I can safely say that Wings is a very versatile band.
“Thankfully, Premiera Hotel Kuala Lumpur, our co-organiser, has opened its doors for us to make the show possible,” he said.
Joining Wings on stage for the band’s first-ever Ramadan performance will be Superfriends, comprising Kudeen of 3 Juara,
Uchop of Bukan Sekadar Rupa,
Liza Hanim, Rody Kristal and Eddie Def-Gab-C.
Awie said that in Wings’ 32year history, Ramadan was when the band took a break from performing to focus on personal religious activities.
“This year, we’ll sacrifice our free time to perform for our supporters. We won’t take this opportunity for granted and like always, we will try to bring something new to the table,” said the vocalist, whose real name is Datuk Ahmad Azhar Othman.
To suit the month’s spiritual theme, the show will not only feature songs by Wings but also those that relate to Ramadan and the month of Syawal.
“Expect to hear the likes of
S. Jibeng’s evergreen hit Musafir
Di Aidilfitri, Asmaul Husna (99
Names Of Allah), or selawat
(praises to the holy Prophet),” said Awie, adding that certain Wings songs, such as Dari Tuhan and Misteri Mimpi Syakilla, revolve around spiritual themes.
“We haven’t decided on the final set list yet but it will emphasise themes of spirituality and humanity,” said Awie.
The dinner show offers three types of tables: Wings And Superfriends (RM10,000 per table); The Moroccans (RM5,000 per table) and Individual (RM150 per person).
The show will be divided into three segments, with the first featuring performances by Superfriends. The second will be an a capella showcase, while the third is when Wings performs acoustically with guitarist Edrie Hashim and Wings’ former member Syam.
“Whether it will be entirely acoustic or electric, that’s the surprise. Maybe we’ll even hear Awie performing the azan,” said Wings bassist Eddie.
“We will promise not to delay the event, so that the audience can perform their prayers.”
Premiera Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the show’s partner, will provide a prayer room. For fans outside of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel is offering a two-day-one-night stay complete with sahur (pre-dawn meal) for two, and two passes to “Raikan Ramadan Al Mubarak Bersama Wings And Super- friends”, all for RM550.
If this show is successful, Awie said he might do more Ramadan events in the future.
“Hopefully this will open more doors for other rock artistes to contribute as well,” he said.
The proceeds from the show will be donated to a tahfiz school.
For details and booking info, call 019-297 5260, 016-498 2254, or visit www.sayap2wings.com.