Music is the closest thing we have to a time machine. This quote rang true as Ungu transported concertgoers back in time when they spontaneously performed their rendition of Malaysian rock band Search’s 1989 song, "Isabella” during their concert here in Malaysia on Monday.
This happened when the band’s lead singer Sigit Purnomo Said known as Pasha, spotted Datuk Amy Search in the audience. The band, who was delighted to discover that Amy was sitting in the audience, honoured his presence with the monster hit.
The crowd went wild when they saw Amy on the big screen, and sang their hearts out along with Pasha without the need to check their phones for lyrics as they know it all by heart.
The rest of the band then complemented the audience’s singing with their musical instruments right until the end of the chorus, which ended with a loud cheer and Amy’s signature "phweet” call from the crowd.
Like a true gentleman, Amy, who looked suave in a grey jacket and jeans, stood up and thanked everyone there by bowing and flashing his famous peace sign.
Members of the band said they were thrilled and honoured to be performing in front of Amy, who they looked up to since young.
"I’ve done so many shows throughout my music career but today I still feel nervous to be performing in front of my childhood idol,” said Enda, Ungu’s guitarist cum lyricist.
The highly anticipated concert was graced by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah who came with her three children, Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Jihan 'Athiyatullah.
Ungu opened the concert with a spirited performance of their 2010 song "I need you” from the album 1000 Kisah Satu Hati.
They then continued to serenade the crowd with their top hits like Kekasih Gelapku, Tercipta Untukku, Cinta Dalam Hati, Hampa Hatiku, and many more.
At one point when the band was playing "Aku Tahu”, Pasha went off stage briefly and shook hands with the audience seated in the front row.
Ungu arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for their 26th Anniversary two-day concert and was scheduled to perform on November 18 and 19 but their shows were postponed to Dec 27 and 28 as the original date clashed with Malaysia’s 15th General Election.
"How long has it been? 4 years? 5 years? It’s good to be back in Malaysia. We are so happy to finally be able to perform here and meet our Malaysian fans again,” said Pasha.
The over two-hours-long-show started on time with 20 songs rendered and by the time the band belted their last song "Demi Waktu”, fans were already on their feet singing in, but mostly out, of tune with the band.
The closing song was the highlight of the show as the entire band consist of Pasha (vocals), Enda (guitar), Oncy (guitar), Makki (bass) and Rowman (drums) all took turns to sing.
Ungu’s "26th Anniversary Concert Live in Malaysia 2022” was presented by Star Planet.