Spring-ing back

LOCAL pop-rock Malay band Spring was once a staple on local radio and TV, and acknowledged as one of the most successful and popular bands in Malaysia.
Founded in the east coast state of Terengganu in 1987, the five-member band became known for its rock ballads such as Sampai Hati, Bourgeinvilla, Persada Cintaku, Butakah Cinta, and Kita Ditakdirkan Jatuh Cinta.
After releasing eight studio albums and several compilations, the band – comprising Ameng (lead vocalist), Is (electric guitar), Zahar (acoustic guitar), Acong (drums), and M.P. (bass guitar) – held its last concert in 2002 before disbanding.
Now, Spring has returned.
Lead vocalist Ameng, with M.P. and Zahar, announced at a recent press conference that Spring will be holding its first concert in 15 years at D’Saji KL Titiwangsa on March 9.
“Since I was released [in 2016] after my eight-year incarceration, people often came up to me and ask: ‘Is Spring still around?’,” said Ameng, who was imprisoned on a drug-related offence.
“In the years I was gone, the members of the band have gone their separate ways. But Spring is still here.”
Since his release, Ameng has returned to his first love, singing. It looks like this 50-year-old’s talent remains untarnished after all these years.
“After 15 years, we (Spring) did not know where to begin,” added Ameng. “The days where up-and-coming artistes can showcase their talents at festivals and fun-fairs are long gone.
“Venues for concerts were tough to find. Then, came this opportunity.”
M.P. added: “It used to be that Malaysian musicians had various platforms to highlight their [gifts] on stage.
“Nowadays, busking is the best way for us to not only play our music, but also practise, get direct feedback from fans, and make some money at the same time.”
He said things were different in the past, where musicians performed at small gigs to cultivate their talent, and busking was just a thing they did on the side, “when you have nothing else to do”.
He lamented that today’s talents have very few real platforms to highlight their brand of music.
Asked the reason for naming the band Spring, M.P. explained that the name does not refer to one of the four seasons.
He said they came up with the name when musicians were encouraged to use Malay names for their band.
“Spring is a word that means the same thing in both English and Bahasa. No one says gelung besi (metal coil), they say spring.”
As for the band’s upcoming showcase, fans can expect Spring to showcase its biggest hits during the one-and-a-half-hour show. There will also be guest appearances and exclusive merchandise.
Asked about the possibility of the band performing some cover songs, M.P. admitted that doing covers is one of the best and most fun ways for a band to stand out.
“It is amazing to hear a song you know and love being played in the style of another band. But a good band cannot live on covers alone, it must have its brand of music, its [own] voice.”
Tickets for the concert range from RM100 to RM300, and include dinner at D’Saji. Doors will open at 7pm, with the show beginning at 9pm.
RM300 ticketholders will get to hang out with the band for an hour after the show.
For more, visit the D’Saji KL Titiwangsa Facebook page.