Metallica: I got my ticket.

I got my ticket a couple of days back and so must have all of my friends. The front section ticket colour is 'black-red' & the back section ticket colour is 'black-blue'..... hardly a thing to tell...rite?? I knw..But, I'm so excited that I have completely gone bonkers and without any inhibitions or second thoughts, I have captured my ticket as a token of rememberance & uploaded above, cause, i believe, this beautiful ticket is going to be partially torn while entering in the show. I want to bask & capture every moment of this phase associated with the Gods of Metal.... heheehehe... \m/

A Zillion thanks to the organizers for hosting this gig.... cause it means a lot to me.... to watch a LIVE concert of a band whom you had been adoring and listening to since 6th grade in School, is one fanciful dream come true....In one of my previous posts in my blog, I had prayed if Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Scorpions, Sepultura etc, could come to India, Can METALLICA be far behind? And lo! My prayers have been answered. Being a huge-huge METALLICA fan, I am getting banners & logos geared up...Also, I have bought my Mettalica tee (and so must have all)

For more story in detail on group history, albums, discography, grammy, awards etc, you can find it in Wikipedia. And if you want to get it in short refer to my previous post.

There also has been a rumour running around that the first 100 ticket purchasers would be allowed a back stage entry to meet the Gods of Metal, I dont know if this is true. I dont have any chances cause I bought it very late :-(

METALLICA is straight away going to hit Gurgaon on Friday, Oct. 28th AFTER their concert from Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25th .... Let us all as 'One' 'Welcome home' the 'Master of Puppets' and 'Enter Sandman.... Let us all headbang to 'Am I evil' and 'Fade to Black' cause 'Nothing Else Matters' beyond your love for Metallica..... Cheers!! see you in F1, Leisure Valley \m/.

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE LOST GIRLS OF NORTHEAST - II (The Show)

Thank you for visiting my blog and before I go any further I would like to earnestly apologize for not being able to post this page asap.

The event: Musical Tribute To The Lost North East Girls "Stop Harassment and Crime Against Women"

For those who had missed the event (in brief); Quest of Honor from Nagaland, Mr. Chishi (Minister) inaugurated the event with a very fine speech against the theme behind the event & himself sung some beautiful country songs to the audience & elevated the aura of the event. Thereafter, several artists (mostly girls) and bands from North East performed individually, as well as in mixed groups. I distinctly remember the song “We are the world” sung by all the artists & groups together which was one hell of a performance. Pardon me for missing out some of the names of the artists/bands which I cannot recall (now) except for only two bands – Mr.Big Tribute Band (Vishnu) and Rampazze.

Mr.Big Tribute Band (Vishnu) played songs like “Promise her the moon”, “Your daddy, your brother…”, “Just take my heart” , “To be with you” etc. Strong vocals, tight band but what screwed up the performance was the sound system, we could see the guitarist of the band, Sanjiv Khati agitated cause of the sound failure dropping of and on with his guitar & randomly with the other members using e-instruments; nevertheless of the poor sound system, Vishnu really performed well.

The last band to rock the stage was “Rampazze”, a strong & stylish band from Assam. They sang most of their own compositions like “Cheap liquor, wicked hangover”, “Lady Killer” etc. This band too had to be a victim of the poor sound system. It seemed, there was nothing that the technicians could do about it. The organizers too were helpless to resolve the issue, despite all the errors, Rampazze still pulled the performance heatedly in conjunction with the crowd. The show ended somewhere around 10.00 pm in the night.... was worth attending it!!!

Thank you to each and everyone who participated in the event, directly or indirectly, in respect to the cause highlighted in “Musical tribute to the lost North East girls – I”. We look forward to more of such shows to get promoted & bring awareness in the society & safeguard our women from the evil eyes. We look more from 7 sister’s entertainment. Keep it up!

These are some of the photographs self-clicked in the show. Hope u’d like it!!

Mr.Chishi, Quest of honour, playing a beautiful country song on Nagaland...composed by himself.

A mixed group singing 'We are the world'.... was sung really beautifully by 5 pretty girls & 2 Guys.

Rock dude, Sanjiv Khati of Vishnu (my friend & ex-colleague)

Mr.Big tribute band (Vishnu) performing on 'Just take my heart'.

Dude's got style, ain't it, huh!! Abhishek Boro of Rampazze... testing/checking his guitars.

The group "Rampazze" from Assam. Keep it up guys!!

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE LOST NORTH EAST GIRLS (Intro)

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE LOST NORTH EAST GIRLS “"Stop Harassment and Crime Against Women" was an event organized & held by HAOLA RECORDS (now known as 7 Sisters entertainment) on April, Sunday 17TH 2011 @ Sai International Centre For Human Values (Auditorium), Pragati Vihar, Lodhi Road (Opp NBBC), New Delhi India.

The objective of this event was to create awareness on safety of women and spread awareness “Stop Harassment and Crime Against women” as well as to pay a tribute to women who had ended their life or suffered due to rapes, murders and crime in metro cities….. Please find below a whole record of Harassment and Crime Against women in recent years.

1.On 24th Nov 2010, a 30 year old Mizo women was abducted from Motibagh when she was returning from work and raped by 5 men in a moving vehicle
2.On 24th October, 2009, Late. Ramchanphi Hongray, a 19 year-old Naga girl of Ukhrul district of Manipur was attempted rape and brutally murdered at her home in Munirka village, under Vasant Vihar Police Station
3.On 23rd October , 2009, another 21 year-old girl from Arunachal who is a Jamia Millia Islamia was molested again by a group of Government-run school boys in Bharat Nagar under New Friends Colony Police Station
4.On 15th October, 2009, a Mao girl from Manipur was molested in Naraina when she was returning home from work
5.On 11th October, 2009 a couple from Manipur, and girls and boys from North East were beaten up and harassed in Humayunpur, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, by group of local goons and allegedly by the police
6.On 21st September, 2009, a Moyon Naga girl from Manipur was molested after being beaten up blue and black by the neighbour in Munirka village, under the Vasant Vihar Police Station, New Delhi
7.On 20th September, 2009, a Chiru Naga boy from Manipur was badly beaten up with iron rod by some local goons just because of verbal tussle at Out Lines, Delhi
8.On 17th April, 2009, Gaipuiliu Gangmei 6 year-old Zeliangrong Naga of Jalukie, Nagaland, was raped and murdered by local goons at Mahipalpur, New Delhi
9.On 30th December,2008, an Assamese girl was raped in IT hub city in Gurgoan, Haryana
10.Two tenant girls from Churachandpur, Manipur were beaten up blue and black by the Landlord in Gurgaon, Haryana in 2008.
11.Murdered of late Miss. Lucy in a Car in North Delhi has not been solved
12.In 2007, many women were molested at night during Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Delhi freshers’ meet by those people who have come for police recruitment in and around Civil Lines Police Station. However, the case is still pending
13.On 25th Dec, 2005, an Internet Café Owner from Manipur was physically assaulted by locals in Gandhi Vihar just because he is from the North-east who runs well with his business
14.On 9th May 2005, a girl from Mizoram a student of Delhi University was abducted from Dhuala Kuan and raped on the moving car, subsequently, the students’ organization and various civil bodies in Delhi requested the Delhi Police, but the response was to no avail.

I personally would like to extend my heartfelt of gratitude to the event organisers for coming up with such a wondwerful and respectful concept for our women in Delhi & beyond. More such events would really help spread awareness & eliminate Harassment and Crime Against Women. God bless all!!

Divine Connection

A GROUP DESTINED TO GLORIFY NAGALAND.

It’s no longer hidden anymore that North East India (NE) is a reservoir of talents, especially in the field of music and singing, the year 2010 had been really promising for endowed artist/s from the NE zone to triumph over National reality shows, such as ‘India’s got talent’ and ‘MTV Rock on’, and these winners or rather prides of NE India are - Teji Toko (Arunachal Pradesh), Shillong chamber choir (Meghalaya) & last but not the least, Divine Connection (Nagaland).

Their winning over National Platforms in mainland India has not only brought them recognition to its zone & statehood but has strongly given an awe impact to other parts of India. Their success story would always be remembered & etched in GOLDEN WORDS in the pages of history in North-East India; one such small effort is here…

Of the three prides, I take the opportunity to try & unfold some aspects of DC’s success mantra, from its journey to struggle to success in congruence with the group itself. I sought Mhathung Odyou’s (the bassist of the band & a friend of mine) consent in assisting me to cover their story in brief to which he positively agreed…. And lo!! Here I’m!!

I was always pondering to post a write up on them but the push and grind city life of Delhi had always detained me, nevertheless, I squeezed out some time for the love of music & have managed to write a small effort as a tribute to the group (DC) whose niche would always be remembered for being the first ever band to triumph over NATIONAL REALITY SHOW CONTEST in mainland India, from Nagaland.

Let me take the privilege to give you all a brief insight about the band and then straight away take you to listen to their interesting story, in their own thoughts & words. DC is a Christian band, formed in Sept. 2004, from Kohima (Nagaland) and is a winner of the prestigious & popular MTV Kurkure Desi Beat Rock On contest who outperformed 9 other bands from all over the country and won several accolades to their fame on 27th Dec 2010; a Gibson Les Paul Guitar, a thunder bass guitar, a year’s contract with T- Series for Bollywood productions and a music video album with MTV. They have a debut album named ‘El-Roi’ which was released in 2008. They have been the 1st Runners Up at the first Hornbill National Rock Contest 2006 and clinched the Best Vocals (Obed Kath) subtitle at the same. The band has also performed on stage at all the districts of Nagaland and at various ‘rock capitals’ of the country including Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and featured in ‘Pattayapraise’ 2009 at Pattaya, Thailand. They had beaten ‘Kaivalya’ of Kolkata to hold the winning title of MTV Rock On Desi Beat 2010 in the Finale.

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERACTION WITH DIVINE CONNECTION & MHATHUNG ODYOU (The bassist and the head of the group)

DIVINE CONNECTION (members): Obed Kath (vocals)/ Lichen Kichu (guitars)/ Bendang (drums)/ Mhathung Odyuo (Bass)

DIVINE CONNECTION’S PHILOSOPHY (on music & life): DC is a Christian band which believes that young people can enjoy life and music without the influence of Drugs, sex, alcohol and Violence.

DIVINE CONNECTION’S INSPIRATION: We DC always thought that it was always our duty to give back to the Lord for his blessings on us, which was music. So our inspiration was always Jesus. Apart from the various international bands that inspired us it would not be fair for us if we did not mention our family because they were the backbone to our success. If it weren’t for our family we would not have reached thus far. Special thanks to my Mom and Dad for giving us a room for the past 12 years to practice and compose all the songs that we have been performing J thanks to our neighbours for being patient with us all these years. And how can we forget all our friends and fans who believed in us despite of all the odds… Thanks to you guys J

MTV DESI ‘ROCK ON’ EXPERIENCE/ 3 MONTHS: let me start by saying “WoW” to that… lol…. Mtv Desi Rockon was one hell of an experience. A lot of people will think that it was easy, but for us it was the most trying experience we have had in our life. Lemme start by reminding that this was the first time we ever sang hindi songs. All adimiration for Obed for adapting, adjusting,improvising and conquering J we all had our share of stress but Obed was the one who had to do the extra work of memorizing and getting used to all the new hindi songs. Our schedule was like getup, eat , practice, eat, practice , eat sleep etc… well now you might think “how easy” or “piece of cake” but the reality was “it was really taxing”, lemme briefly take you to how we lived and survived during the 2 and half month stay in Mumbai. Everyday breakfast was from 8a.m to 10a.m, after that we had jamming session for two hours then at 1p.m lunch, then jamming session for another two hours, then snack break at 6p.m, then if you are allotted the time, we practice or else, rest a little, then hit dinner at 10p.m. But in between all these, there were like reality shoots, pre and post bites, meetings and what not…

On the shoot day which was on Mondays we had to get up around 5a.m and go to the studio and after the most tiring day of the week shooting the whole day for two episodes back to back, we would reach our hotels the next day (i.e.) Tuesday, around 3 to 3:30 a.m. and then the whole cycle of listening to our new song, composing, rearranging, practice etc. for the next shoot starts again… One of our members still has nightmares about being in Mumbai and going through the whole process again ..lol….

CHALLENGES IN MAINLAND INDIA: Well, we all know that in Nagaland Nap- hindi rules lol….. but when we went to Mumbai it was really hard for us to converse & let alone sing in hindi. But by and by, we adjusted and we were able to come through. And the fries …………… don’t remind me of them lol…. Morning 8a.m fries, lunch fries, tea break again fries and dinner again fries lol… Fries overdose lol…… the first two weeks was not that bad, but after our raja pickle got exhausted then started the problems hahahahahahah…….. and further more the food wasn’t that hygienic, one time I even got a chicken leg piece with FEATHERS still ATTACHED to it… Yuck!!.. lol……… it was that bad… I wonder why people are so crazy about Mumbai Vada Pav??? For me it was like enough………. Lol.. But we were fortunate enough that we were invited for dinner, a couple of times. We were craving for axoni chutni, gahuri mangso and laipata boil and after a month all of a sudden some Naga friends invited us for dinner and to our delight, it was axoni chutni, gahuri mangso and laipata boil lol…… we went out for Chinese food a couple of times and to a sea food restaurant on the 24^th of dec J, and once Obed’s sister who lives in Bangalore even sent us Pork curry J but at the end of the day we all went back to the same old fries again…hahahahaha .

DIVINE CONNECTION (pre success): well a lot of people especially outside Nagaland think that we are a new band, but actually we are a very old band. For that matter, Obed and I, we have been around in the same band for about 11 years now. Prior to DC we were in a band called ‘Oleanders’ and we had our share of success even during that time. Presently, our former bands mates like - Lopeno Ovung and Neisakuo Noudi are music teachers in Delhi teaching in reputed schools like Aria and Asha school of music among others. Also before MTV, we came out second in the first ever National Hornbill Rock Festival ’06, and we have come out with our debut album called El-Roi.

CURRENT SCOOP: Right now we are concentrating with our debut Hindi single for the MTV music video. Let’s see where the Good Lord takes us from here J

Regards to all our friends and fans around the country J

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I feel, what is profoundly remarkable and commendable is getting out of their genre (gospel rock) of music to ‘desi rock’ and giving other bands a cut throat competition over ‘hindi singing’, a language which is barely spoken in a Naga Community, what further adds to their praise is taking the challenge to participate in a contest held in mainland India (which no other group ever participated), And for 3 months they had to compromise with fried foods & hindi speaking enviromnet. They not only sang hindi songs but Punjabi, folk, bollywood masala’s etc. what tops the commendation list is; they not taking a prank or a sarcasm into offense against hind pronunciation & verbal errors,and yet respond to those pranks with SIMPLICITY & EFFERVESCENCE. Such broadness, simplicity & versatility of singing with pre-requisite good music is destined to be the glory of Nagaland….

Last but not the least, my special commendation to Obed Kath (Vocals) for his extra endeavor, devotion, dedication & commitment towards singing in Hindi& other languages.

DC, We’re your fan for life. God Bless!

An evening with SOULMATE

This is my second write up on “SOULMATE”, the first being posted on 12^th Sept 2009 (GS to Soulmate). “SOULMATE” is a band which needs no introduction and has Re-Ignited the Blues genre in India. Recently, on Feb 19^th 2011, I got an opportunity to witness SOULMATE’s live performance at an event called ‘CULTURE FOR PEACE’, organized by “ZUBAN” at Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

I had been waiting to see them ‘live’ for about 2 years now, but was not able to catch them due to time constraints until Feb 19^th (2011) when I caught them in flesh and blood; to see them perform was a real pleasure.

We were in a group of four & had reached the place on time, the evening was pleasant & the audience was all set to listen to the band; though the band took a little time with the sound check & all, but they made it up to the crowd at the end.

@ sound check........

For someone like me, who swears by Hard Rock & Heavy Metal genre and has listened to less of blues, this band served as a great source to get introduced to the ‘blues’ genre. The proceedings of the evening were started by ‘Tips’ with a beautiful song, ‘My baby’. This set the tone for a great evening to follow. To begin with, they played some slow soulful numbers and then picked up the tempo as the show went on. Singing responsibilities were alternated between Tips and Rudy.

Some say Rudy is the ans. to India's Santana.... I, too, bet on that.

what a performance to remember!

Notice the beautiful magnetic butterflies stuck to her microphone stand.

Their performance moved everyone in its literal sense. The magic of blues began to take full effect. Songs like “Blues is my Soulmate”, an original cover, made the crowd go wild. Another song, “Shillong” (Sier Lapalang) was a beautiful instrumental piece. They played a great set list, combination of covers and songs from their old & new album. They performed “Set me free”, “Ain’t no sunshine” etc, ‘Tips’ was at her best when she was screaming on the microphone and roaring the verses. And then, there was a little dance she did in between, in accompaniment to one of Rudy's solos. Once the band performed their last song of their set list; they left the small yet loud crowd asking for more. Rudy concluded with ‘Go, Johnny, Go.’ The song was a great zenith to the amazing evening.

Never seen such a strong & a beautiful vocalist/guitarist...

I found something very interesting, Tips had beautiful magnetic butterflies stuck to her microphone stand (which I believe is her hallmark) & She said her uncle, an artist, makes them for her. She obviously enjoys her music, and shows it with a vivacious display of energy, and emotion. Rudy with his solos is like listening to heavenly music. This is a man still at the top of his game and is easily one of the best blues guitarists in India. Sam is my favorite drummer; the more I talk about him is less. The only person who I really didn’t recognize was their bassist who chose a corner on the stage and played good stuff in accompaniment with the other musicians.

I recommend 'Soulmate' to everyone who loves those easy going songs with free spirited lyrics that you can enjoy. Kudos to Soulmate, I'm a fan for life.

THANK YOU SOULMATE, FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL EVENING!!

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