Phynyx's comeback: Do the band still have the spirit to romp as did during their heyday ?
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2012: After an extended hibernation from the professional music scene, Phynyx is set to rock the stage again � this time with a message to protect oneself from HIV/AIDS.

The rock band will perform at YAC Ground, Yaiskul on October 21 .

Soulmate of Shillong and Keith Viegas of Mumbai will also make their maiden appearance in the State in the concert, which will mark the come back of Phynyx (formerly known as Phoenix) after 14 years.

Phynyx are Len Gangte on vocals, Vivek Sharma on guitars, Ringo on the bass, Gouhao on guitars, Khup on keyboards and Bobby Nameirakpam on drums.

"We 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 organising such entertainment shows, it is easier to reach the youngsters", said lead vocalist Len Gangte.

Ready to Rock Again Phynyx band members

The band was formed in the late 1980's and stepped out of Manipur for the first time for the North East Beat Contest in Shillong.

Then there was no looking back, they toured all over India performing at different colleges and institutes and various rock concerts.

In 1991, the band rocked the Mood Indigo Festival at IIT Mumbai and won the best band award and the best drummer award.

Phynyx made continuous appearance at various national competitions including participation at BITS, Pilani where they got best lead guitarist, best drummer, best vocalist, best band and best showmanship awards.

With the band's showmanship, dazzling stage presence and slick guitar covers soon became the talk of the college goers, Phynyx were invited to the festivals of most colleges in Delhi which included premier institutes like St Stephens, Venky's, Bhagat Singh, LSR and other places all over the country including IIT Powai and Mumbai etc.

Phynyx recorded their original numbers like, Woman, Pay Day, Need Your Lovin', Devil in the Dark, Quit this Genocide, Rest in Peace and Gonna Rock You etc.

However, the band enjoyed its best limelight when their original Woman was featured in the Rock Street Journal's (RSJ) Rock Indian Rock Vol II .

The number was also rated as the song of that GIR album.

Till the end of 1998, the band toured most of the major cities of India and the entire North East region.

Len Gante said, in 1999, Phynyx band members took a mandatory vacation from the professional music scene in pursuit of individual careers to fulfill other respective responsibilities as it was hard to make a decent living from music scenario in India, particularly Manipur.

However, the band reunited in May 2012 to rock the music lovers again, he added.

The vocalist said, "The Yaiskul concert will serve to create a safe social environment for children and youth providing them with support to give up harmful habits and develop a responsible attitude towards their decisions and actions, and to inculcate a spirit of healthy lifestyle" .

"We may recall that 'Singing for Life' shows how music, dance, drama and visual arts have been enlisted in the fight against HIV/AIDS in East Africa", Len Gangte said.

Phynyx, at this critical juncture, is breaking the silence of 12 years to hit back with new promises, hope and dreams in spreading awareness for a better social change, said the phenomenal singer.