Rockers gather at Classic Rock

JAKARTA (JP): The Classic Rock pub in Blok M will host a gathering of Indonesian rockers on Sunday evening.

"There is no specific purpose. We are only providing a chance for them to meet, discuss, talk and perform again," Chandra Elias, the pub's manager told The Jakarta Post.

The pub is the only bar in town specializing in the oldies-but-goodies of hard rock. The house musicians are all local.

Chandra said the gathering is scheduled to start from 8 p.m. and end around midnight. The cover charge is Rp 10,000.

The 1970s was the heyday of rock in Indonesia, when the music dominated the world.

The invited guests include Indonesian rock musicians from the 1970s and their young proteges.

"We invite all rockers from Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya," said Chandra.

Donny Fatah and Achmad Albar, formerly members of God Bless, now called Gong 2000 have accepted the offer. Gideon Tengker, the vocalist of Kawanua Rock Section, lady rockers Renny Jayusman and Sylvia Sartje and Oding Nasution, former guitarist of the Cockpit band, will also make an appearance.

Rocking with their counterparts at the party will be Gito Rollies, the former vocalist of The Rollies, Arthur Kaunang of the SAS group, Ekky Lamoh, the former vocalist of the Edane band, Jelly Tobing and Abadi Soesman, both from the former Barata band, and Deddy Stanzah.

The pub is trying to contact lady rocker Nicky Astria and the former leader of AKA from Surabaya, Ucok AKA Harahap.

The sure-to-be leather ensconced gathering will be entertained first by the El Pamas group from Surabaya. The group specializes in Led Zeppelin and YES songs.

"After El Pamas' show, the rockers will be invited to play. They are free to choose partners," Chandra said.

The pub has replaced all its instruments and equipment with more sophisticated products by Fender, Marshall and Pearl for the gathering. The three companies are sponsoring the night in conjunction with Anker beer and M 97 FM.

"With the new equipment, the music will be no doubt like an earthquake," Chandra enthused. (jsk)