Frankly, we are not sure what when wrong. We attended the first night. At this scale, it should be a night to remember but there was something missing with SEARCH.
Except for AMY (vocal) who was lively on stage, the others showed no joy and chemistry appeared lacking. We were seated close facing centre stage, so visibility was not a problem. NASIR (bass) looked grim, DIN (guitar) isolated himself and KID (guitar) just can't find his guitar sounds. Are they really ready for the first night ?!
Once the lighting sets in, DIN and KID were seen on stage preparing their gadgets, then came NASIR and the crowds threw a mad cheer once AMY stepped in. SEARCH opened the night with 'Panggung Khalayan' and with no break continued with their classic 'Balada Pemuzik Jalanan'. The sound was heavy indeed ! KID then went limbo with the guitar sound, but still continued playing. But he got the riff of 'Pelesit Kota' done well.
When AMY introduced YAZIT (drum) for the special segment, he was in tears. Despite his worsen health condition, YAZIT insisted to be there since the band played a big part of his life and he was also the founding member. He braved thru the night with 6 tracks (mainly slow numbers) and the crowd gave him a standing oviation.
When "Gadisku" drawing end, marking the exit of one of Malaysia best drummers, KID turned to YAZIT and calmly wrapped up his fretworks, his face expressed great respect, probably deep inside nobody knew the emotion his was holding onto.
While AMY gave his best, trying to connect as closest to the crowds, applause to that. He even jumped down to the isle while singing to "Isabella" and shaking hands.
The sets got more heavier after the special session, with 'Diari Habil & Qabil', "Gothik Malam Edan" and "No Way !!!".
The track "Gothik Malam Edan" was well delivered, tight and heavy, just brilliant.
To us, KID was at his best during the last 3 songs. We initially thought it was a brief guitar showcase when he stood alone in the spotlight and did some solos, and then came the deep riff of "Fenomena" intro before the band exploded at high voltage. The crowds were singing to the chorus and that one caucasian from PALADIN striked a cello solo, giving the song a bigger dimension. That was simply the moment !
Next was "Kereta Merah" and the show ended with "Pawana". All the PALADINs came down to the front stage, bringing the house down with SEARCH. That was just it.
There was no encore, there were no songs from the album 'KARISMA' and 'RAMPAGE'. There were also no meet & greet session for the first night.
SEARCH as a band we all knew all these long can deliver far better than this. Hopefully the following nights will be a blast.
Setlist
1) Panggung Khayalan (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
2) Balada Pemuzik Jalanan (Cinta Buatan Malaysia)
3) Kejoraku Bersatu (Selepas Banjir)
4) Laila Namamu Teratas (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
5) Gelora Cintaku (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
6) Langit Dan Bumi (Langit Dan Bumi)
7) Menuju Puncak (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
8) Honky Tong Kosong (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
9) Pelesit Kota (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
Special segment with Yazit
10) Kejora (Cinta Buatan Malaysia)
11) Rozana (Langit Dan Bumi)
12) Fantasia Bulan Madu (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
13) Isi Atau Kulit (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
14) Isabella (Fenomena)
15) Gadisku (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
16) Gothik Malam Edan (Gothik Malam Edan)
17) No Way !!! (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
18) Diari Habil & Qabil (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
19) Fenomena (Fenomena)
20) Kereta Merah (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
21) Pawana (Fenomena)
