On April 5, one of the leading rock bands of the country, LRB celebrated its 20 years. Ayub Bachchu and his band LRB performed at Cafe Thirty3 on Bailey Road, Dhaka to celebrate the landmark occasion, according to a press release.
Guitarist and vocalist Ayub Bachchu formed the band on April 5, 1991 with his friend Saidul Hasan Swapan (bass), Shahidul Islam Tutul (keyboard and backup vocals) and Joy (drums and backup vocals). The line-up changed several times. The current line-up (since 2003) retains Bachchu (vocals and lead guitar) and includes Swapan (bass), Masud (guitar), and Romel (drums). Shamim Ahamed is currently the band manager.
LRB released its first double album in 1992 and has released 10 albums so far. Frontman Ayub Bachchu has recorded six solo albums. These albums include "Amader Bishwe", "Ferari Mon" (unplugged), "Ghumonto Shohore", "Hawkar", "Ochena Jibone", "Mon-e Achhe Naki Nai", "Shopno", "Shukh", "Tobuo" and the band's last album "Sporsho". LRB's top hits are "Cholo Bodle Jai","Ghumonto Shohore", "Rupali Guitar", "Ghum Bhanga Shohore", "Hawkar", "Mahdhobi", "Ekhon Onek Raat", "Hashte Dekho", "Ghor Chhara Ek Shukhi Chele", "Mon Chaile Mon" and "Baro Mash". The band addresses contemporary urban issues -- love, being lost and harsh reality. Recently, LRB composed two songs in English that will be released soon.
LRB has performed over 1,000 gigs at home and abroad. Their first show outside the country was in India (at Jadavpur University) in 1997. Over the years, the band has performed in United States, Qatar, Japan, Germany, Vienna, United Kingdom, Australia and Italy.
LRB also uses its music to support social causes in conjunction with other Bangladeshi rock groups. LRB has performed in support of campaigns -- Say No to Drugs, Save Motherhood Project (Organised by Northern Light), and Victims Against Nonviolence.
News Source: The Daily Star