My brothers, sisters, friends in Rock.
Yesterday was a sad day as we mourn the passing of Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona; July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010) who has rocked our world for more than 40 years, and has influenced many rockers. He has inspired many a young man to sing rock music. Personally, I know more songs sung by Dio than by any other person alive. I'm a full grown adult, yet I still feel like crying when I heard the news. Dio has been a big part of my life since I was little, and I've been listening (and still do) to his songs for a very, very long time.
I am looking for like-minded people to organize a tribute, a celebration in honour of a legend, right here in Singapore. Other countries are doing it too, and I think that many other people here wont want our country to be left out. If possible, a free-for all concert, no tickets, as Dio's achievements and songs should be able to be celebrated by all, but if that is not feasible, then maybe a nominal entry fee should be imposed to cover administrative costs.
If anyone knows of anybody or any organisation/establishment who is kind enough can sponsor the venue and equipment, please let me know. I'll be glad to organize and handle the red tape.
We can tie in with commercial companies for sponsorship also. Anyone else with organizing experience and is interested in going ahead with this endeavour can kindly contact me too.
The aim of this concert will be to celebrate the life and songs of Ronnie James Dio, so I think that a prerequisite for all bands to play only songs sung by Dio should be in order, right?
I am not doing this for financial gain (though that would be nice, if possible). I just want to make a tribute to a great musician who helped shape my direction in music, and touched my life in ways I could have never foreseen.
So I am appealing to all of you, my brothers, sisters and friends in Rock, for any help, no matter how small, that you can provide me in this undertaking. Currently, I am still collating data. What I need most of all right now, is information. Where to hold it, how much, where to get interested backing/sponsors, equipments and such. Licensing issues, I can handle.
There are a lot of bands who are willing to take to the stage for this, and I am looking at a few venues for it. If this happens, it's going to be really, really huge I guess. Dio was very well loved, and he has quite a few hardcore fans.
I remember in '92, when I was 10 years old, my late aunt dragged me along to the Expo. No, not the one at Changi. The ROCK Expo. It was crowded, and they were playing rock songs throughout. I distinctly remember the song "Rainbow In The Dark" played by some band there. That is what I want to re-enact, in some ways.
I think think that all the bands performing need to submit their songs too, not only to submit to Compass, but also to ensure that not everyone plays the same song over and over again, so lets say 3 songs per band. Jatt Ali, Singapore's very own Dio, alongside Ministry Of Rock, has confirmed with me their interest to be part of this. Other acts such as RNR, Still Here 17, Naga, Romey Helven and many more have also expressed interest.
I also need more heads to brainstorm with.
I'm currently looking at either Dhoby Ghaut Green as a viable place to hold it, but am also contacting other private organisations/establishments to enquire if they are interested in holding this event.
Whatever people may say, whatever song is in the current charts, whatever it is, ROCK is here to stay.
Let's make our presence known. Again.
We have the people. All we need is the place, the equipment and the time.
Will we Rock?
Stand up and shout!
contact me at
feyha@rock.com
