About 400 fans filled the Hard Rock Hotel’s “Hall of Fame” to support the legendary Thai rock band Carabao. Famous for their distinctive style of music and meaningful lyrics, Carabao took the opportunity to debut three new “songs of life.”
Throughout the show, the Hard Rock’s staff provided maximum security, making sure people could enjoy themselves in safety. The doors opened at 8.30pm with free flow of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
(From left) Yuenyong ‘Aed’ Opakul, lead singer & guitarist; Preecha ‘Lek’ Chanapai and Thierry ‘Ry’ Mekwattana, vocals & guitarists.
Yuenyong “Aed Carabao” Opakul opened the June 28 show with band mantra Mon Pleang Carabao, originally released in 1981, followed by Jao Tak about King Taksin the Great, from their 7th album Prachatipatai (Democracy) released in December 1986, one of the many patriotic songs written by Aed and his country rock group.
Anupong ‘Aod’ Prathompatama, bass guitarist and Luechai ‘Duk’ Ngamsom, keyboard.
The band has continued to delight old fans and find new ones even as its lineup has changed. The latest iteration brings Preecha “Lek Carabao” Chanapai and Thierry “Ry” Mekwattana on vocals and lead guitars, Anupong “Aod” Prathompatama on bass, and new members Luechai “Duk” Ngamsom on keyboards, Khajornsak “Mee” Hutawatana on rhythm guitar; with Thanasit “Uan” Phanphongthai and Chuchat “Ko” Nuduang doing double duty on drums.
The 140-minute non-stop show featured about 20 songs from different albums, including Thierry’s ode to somtam, which talks about how, whoever you are, no doubt you would love the famous somtam, and Lek’s Luang Ta (senior revered monk). Other songs in the half hour non-stop beginning medley were, Sam Cha Carabao, Wanipok (Blind Vagabond), Racha Nguen Pon (King of Installment Payments), Khon Jon Phu Ying Yai, Rak Thorahod, Sa-Udon, and all-time favorites Welcome to Thailand and Luang Pho Koon.
Aed and Lek Carabao autograph a guitar which is now part of the memorabilia on display at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya’s Galleria.
These were followed by Krathang Dokmai Hai Khun, Kam Nam Phoo Yai Baan, Surachai Sam Cha, Pho Lhee, Khon Nang Niew and my favorite song, Lhong Wat about getting lost in the modern culture, from the album Hak Huajai Yang Rak Khwai (“If You Still Love Buffalos”), celebrating the band’s 15th anniversary.
The mood chilled a bit as Lek started The Quiet Cold Mountain, which offered him five minutes of guitar solo, relaying thoughts of how calm and chilled one’s life is when living a simple life with family. Slow songs continued with the ever-popular Ganja, Kon Kep Fuen, and Talay Jai.
“Since we’re all here at the ocean resort of Pattaya, we would like to play Rua Talay (coral reef) to bring awareness of the importance of coral reefs that we should all help protect,” Aed said.
Towards the end of the concert, Carabao played Khon Laa Fun or ‘the dream chaser’, an inspiring song released in 2002. The legendary band closed the show as they always do, with a rendition of the 1984 hit Bua Loy.
Fans left the hall with smiles and thumbs-ups.
Extended thanks must go to the organizers of this concert, especially the team from Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Watch out for more interesting activities coming along in the next few months from the Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya, as they have already promised great surprises in their pipeline.
Carabao fans enjoyed a great time at the concert!
