Entertainment Desk:

Legendary musician and rock music legend Ayub Bachchu left behind his beloved ‘Rupali Guitar’ and ventured into the cosmos on Saturday seven years ago.

Had he been alive, he would have turned 63. The ever-cheerful artist might have celebrated by cutting a cake with loved ones.

But in 2018, he departed to the land of no return. And so, when the calendar lands on August 16, a familiar melody of sorrow begins to play.

Titled ‘Ayub Bachchu: Celebrating Life, Legacy and Cholo Bodle Jai’, the event will feature tributes from lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi, composer Foad Naser Babu and renowned musicians such as Naquib Khan, Partha Barua and Bappa Mazumder, among others, as they remember the man and his music.

The event will not only be a session of reflections and remembrances. Contemporary artists will perform Ayub Bachchu’s timeless songs live on stage. Additionally, there are plans to release some of his previously unreleased tracks.

Ayub Bachchu was born on August 16, 1962, in Patiya, Chattogram. Though his family was initially hesitant, his passion for music, especially bands, was evident from an early age.

On his 11th birthday, his father gave him a guitar, unknowingly placing in his hands the instrument that would one day define a generation.

He formed a band with friends soon after entering college, initially called ‘Golden Boys’, later renamed ‘Ugly Boys’.

Kumar Bishwajit was the lead singer and Ayub Bachchu played guitar. The band performed at local events, gradually building their reputation.

In 1977, Bachchu joined the band Feelings as a guitarist, performing alongside James. However, it was his tenure with Souls, beginning in 1980, that truly launched his rise to fame. He played with Souls for a decade before deciding to carve his own path.

In 1990, he formed a new band, ‘Little River Band’, which soon became widely known and loved as ‘Love Runs Blind’ (LRB). Under LRB, he released a string of iconic albums including: LRB (1992), Sukh (1993), Tobuo (1994), Ghumonto Shohor (1995), Ferari Manush (1996), Swapno (1996), Amader Bismoy (1998), Mon Chaile Mon Pabe (2000), Achena Jibon (2003), Mon-e Ache Naki Nai (2005), Sporsho (2008), Juddho (2012)

His solo discography is equally rich, including Rokto Golap (1986), Moyna (1988), Kosto (1995), Shomoy (1998), Eka (1999), Prem Tumi Ki! (2002), Two Minds (2002), Caravan (2002), Love Like Love (2003), Pother Gaan (2004), Bhatir Taan-e Matir Gaan (2006), Jibon (2006), Sound of Silence (Instrumental, 2007), Rimjhim Brishti (2008), Bolini Kokhono (2009), Jibon Golpo (2015).

He also contributed to numerous mixed albums and collaborations throughout his career.

Among Ayub Bachchu’s countless evergreen tracks are Sei Tumi, Kosto Pete Bhalobashi, Ekhon Onno Raat, Meye, Keu Shukhi Noy, Hashate Dekho Gaite Dekho, Ek Akasher Tara, Ghumonto Shohor, Rupali Guitar, Ural Debo Akashe, Ekchala Tiner Ghor, Tara Bhora Raate, Bangladesh, Bela Fera, Ami To Prem-e Porini, Ammajan, and Ferari Manush, to name but a few.

In tribute to this unparalleled artist, a sculpture of a guitar, named Rupali Guitar, has been installed at Prabartak Mor in his hometown of Chattogram.

The sculpture stands proudly as a symbol of the legend’s enduring contribution to music and culture across generations.