PHYNYX Rising - Re-Union gig of Phynyx (formerly Phoenix)
- (A preview of 21st Oct 2012 concert) -

Marc with inputs from Vivek Sharma of Phynyx

Current lineup of Phynyx at the rehearsal pad.
Picture Courtesy: Vivek Sharma

The birth of Phynyx and the late 80s:
Phynyx (formerly Phoenix) was formed in the late 80’s. The band toured all over India playing the college circuit and various rock contests held in India. The band first stepped out for the North East beat Contest held at Shillong, Meghalaya. Then, proceeded to IIT Bombay (currently Mumbai) where they rocked the Mood Indigo festival and won the best band award including the best drummer award. Len Gangte took over the reins of the band’s front-man after Sando (former vocalist) quit in 1991. Since then, the band made continuous appearances at various national level competitions including participation at BITS Pilani contest winning accoalades likes best lead guitarist, best drummer, best vocalist, best band and best showmanship.

Phynyx - performing Iron Maiden covers
Picture Courtesy: Vivek Sharma

Phynyx - rocking Mood Indigo
Picture Courtesy: Vivek Sharma

The band's showmanship, dazzling stage presence and slick guitar covers were the talk of the college goers and rock lovers all over the nation. They were invited to festivals of many colleges in Delhi including St. Stephens, Venky's, Bhagat Singh, LSR.

Phynyx - blast from the past
Picture Courtesy: Vivek Sharma

The name change phase and 'Woman':
Subsequently, bassist Nutan, split with the band and Ringo Golmei replaced him as the new bassist and a new band member Gouhao joined in to man the keyboard and guitar. The following year in 1994, another band with the same name Phoenix was reformed headed by Nutan (former band-mate) along with other musicians, which necessitated rechristening/renaming the original band line-up of Phoenix to Phynyx, so as to avoid any further confusion. With the rechristened name Phynyx, the band recorded few originals namely; Woman, Pay Day, Need your lovin’, Devil in the Dark, Quit this genocide, Rest in peace, Gonna Rock you, etc. However, these were not been compiled into an album.

Phynyx - when Women was recorded
Picture Courtesy: Vivek Sharma

One of the best moments of the band “Phynyx”, was when they were selected to play at the "Great Indian Rock Festival" Calcutta (currently Kolkatta) and when their original composition (rock ballad) "Woman" was featured in the RSJ's Great Indian Rock Vol II. It also happened to be the best rated song of that GIR album. Vivek Sharma added "We are grateful to our friends and fans alike for making it so!" rememberig those heady days. Subsequently, Phynyx toured the entire North-east India and most of the major cities of India till the end of 1998.

Voluntary vacation:
In the year 1999, Phynyx’s members took a voluntary vacation from the professional music scene, in pursuit of individual careers away from music. This decision was taken collectively in irder to fulfil the band members' respective responsibilities towards themselves and their loved ones. It was definitely hard to make a decent living from music scenario in India, particularly Manipur, in those days. The members have been contributing to the music scene in their own unique ways, supporting each other's work. But they have not discussed about a reunion.

The Reunion:
This was about to change in 2012. In the recent past, there has been renewed energy among the members and the fans have always been calling out for a reunion. The band has reunited in the month of May 2012, after a hibernation for more than a decade. Everyone in the recharged band had kept the spirit of music alive in their heart and soul. Vivek Sharma, the guitarist adds, "The truth is, every member in our own way never stopped from practicing or playing music during this supposed comprehensive vacation. Each of us have successfully achieved our individual works and projects in the field of music as well as in personal careers. As a result, we still have that extra energy and additional intense power to rock another phase, on a full time basis."
The band has an interesting mix of members coming from different ethnic communities of Manipur. One would say this band represents the integrity of Manipur. "Looking back, I feel quite surprised on how we have banded. It is a communal integration of shorts bound by the medium of Music”, Len explained about this mix.

Watch out guys! The maiden re-union gig is scheduled on 21st October, 2012 at YAC Ground, Yaiskul, Imphal.
Come taste the new project of “PHYNYX” with the original line-up!
Len Gangte on Vocals
Vivek Sharma on Guitars
Ringo Golmei on the Bass
Gouhao on Guitars
Khup on keyboards
Bobby Nameirakpam on Drums.

Also featured on the concert are the India's Number 1 Blues Band from Shillong "Soulmate" and the Guitar sensation from Mumbai "Keith Veigas".

The re-union gig with a mission :
The vision of the event is to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS among the youth through the medium of music and to promote the message of prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Message from the band: We (Phynyx) believe that music is the best medium for creating awareness to help in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS as the state has massive population of music lovers, especially among the youth. We articulate Music as the language of the young people and by organizing such entertainment shows, it is easier to reach out to the youngsters.

The event also serves to create a safe social environment for children and youth providing them with support to break harmful habits and to develop a responsible attitude towards their decision and actions, to inculcate a spirit of a healthy lifestyle .

Musical traditions have the power to spread not only the needed information but also influence social behavior and it also presents an inspiring analysis of hope and healing. We can give you an idea about how music can be both a mode of promoting health and a force for personal healing. We may recall that "Singing for Life" shows how music, dance, drama, and the visual arts have been enlisted in the fight against AIDS in East Africa.

Manipur, by virtue of its geographical and political position at the tri-junction of Drugs, HIV/AIDS and Conflict, is in a vulnerable situation. It calls for a great awakening especially the youth.

Phynyx, equipped only with musical skills and fighting as a warrior for social issues indeed requires help and supports from each one of you. We look forward to set up an example to the youths of Manipur that we don’t need drugs or guns to live in comfort. Phynyx , at this time, is breaking the silence of 12 years to hit back with new promises, hope and dreams in spreading awareness for a better social change. Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!

Event Name: PHYNYX ReUnion Concert
Venue: YAC Range Ground, Imphal
Date: 21 October 2012, Sunday
Bands: Phynyx, Soulmate and the Guitar sensation from Mumbai Keith Veigas

Gate opens @ 1700 hrs. (IST) sharp

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* This article/info was compiled by Marc with inputs from Vivek Sharma of Phynyx and sent by Ringo Pebam who can be contacted at ringo.p[AT]gmail[DOT]com
This was posted on October 17, 2012

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