Phiroj Syangden, who left the band and now lives in the US, is back home and has rejoined the band after a hiatus of four years. [break]
“We met Phiroj dai during our US tour last April,” shares drummer Sanjay Shrestha and out of this meeting, the talks of reuniting were triggered.
“The previous Music by the Museum concerts have mostly been about different artists collaborating with each other. But this time, it is going to be purely 1974 AD. Plus, we have Phiroj dai with us, this time,” Shrestha shares why this event is a must attend for all, especially the 1974 AD fans who have long missed the lead singer.
“The last concert for Phiroj dai with the band was at Patan Museum in 2008 and coincidentally, the reunion will also take place at the Patan Museum,” guitarist Manoj Kumar KC adds in.
“There is obviously a difference when we play with the whole band. This reunion is especially important because it has already been very long that we haven’t played some of 1974 AD’s signature songs with Phiroj dai’s vocals,” says Shrestha. “With him, the band had a folk and neo-classical touch to it. After he left, there were more rock and western influences in our music,” he adds.
The musical evening will see the band play its previous hits, unplugged. Plus, two fresh songs will also be performed, Shrestha informs. “The venue is great and we are really looking forward to the concert. It is going to be a historical moment for us,” he says.
KC, who also shares his excitement, says that the reunion is a most-waited moment for 1974 AD lovers. Talking about the concert, he says, “Since we are going acoustic, it is going to be a bit more challenging and different. This has been a good opportunity to do my homework,” says KC.
Music by the Museum is slated to take place on November 9 at the Patan Museum, 5:30 pm onwards. The tickets for the event are priced at Rs 1,200 (with a free hamper from Close Up).
Catching up with Phiroj Syangden
How was your musical life in the US?
For the past two and a half years, I have been performing at a restaurant, Himalayan Yak, in Queens, New York. I also perform during concerts and with other Nepali bands there.
Did you miss 1974 AD?
Of course! I missed the band and the music a lot. It is not the same when performing my songs with other bands.
Are you back for good?
At the moment, I will be in Nepal for four months. I have to go back to the US but I will be frequenting Nepal and playing and touring with the band.
What else from 1974 AD?
I am very excited about playing at Music by the Museum. After this concert, we also plan to organize other outdoor concerts and tours. It is also time to take out another album and we are working on it.
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