Hard Rock and Heavy Metal are not exactly what you hear the most of these days, which is a pity. With all of its diversions, grunge, thrash, progressive and so on, sometimes it's hard not to yearn for the days when things were simpler. That doesn't mean good old-fashioned rock and metal isn't still around, and if you have any doubts look no further than Rock Pub on Phyathai Road. This stalwart of the Bangkok rock scene is located directly opposite the Asia Hotel and immediately below the BTS station at Ratchatevi, making it amazingly simple to get there. Walking down the stairs from the BTS station you can literally stumble right through the door. Which is exactly what I did a week ago in order to attend rock's biggest party of the year in this city, the 16th anniversary of Rock Pub.
Anybody and everybody who fancies themselves as part of the scene was there. And I do mean everybody. Fortunately, I was there in a working capacity and as such was invited to avail myself of the generous buffet and free beers. Not that such a thing would in any way affect the straightforward reviews we are known for. The event was taped for TV, cameras were all over the place, reporters ran around interviewing the big names in the Thai rock and metal scene, gals and guys were showing up in their leathers and the party looked like it was moving into full swing. Something was definitely happening. And all this was only outside! Several Harleys showed up and parked on the sidewalk for maximum visibility, engines were revved generously to make sure that all were aware of their arrival.
Suitably fortified I made my way through the entrance to the packed interior. The Wizard band was onstage pumping out contemporary rock favourites in Thai and English. Very listenable, this band is one of the house bands playing regularly at Rock Pub. Unfortunately, Lam Morrison had already played his bit and done a runner when I got there. When it comes to age and persistence, Lam can give the afore-mentioned Stones a run for their money. Still, I haven't seen him for some time and it would have been fun. Equally unfortunate, The Bastards had already played as well, but the boys were still there, having a few beers. Those Bastards are always good for a bit of the old AC/DC.
Now, it has to be said that the interior of Rock Pub is not all that big. On this night it was packed from wall to wall, not a seat was vacant and it was standing room only, in fact, more like squeezing room only. The equipment on stage was fearsome in appearance and in the true spirit of rock and metal, deafening in volume. The Marshall stacks towered over all the musicians, and of course the way to the gents was blocked, making the soi outside a fairly wet affair by the end of the evening. Long live Rock & Roll.
Up next was the team from Prat music, with the head acharn himself on guitar and two fellow teachers on bass and drums. Playing lead guitar was Pop, of Hin, Lek, Fai fame and now currently with local outfit The Sun. Arguably the single best guitar player in Thailand he let rip with such an intense sound that the entire place was silenced in admiration. And good sound it was too. They did an excellent version of Robert Johnson's “Crossroad Blues”, although with a definite hard rock slant. After about half an hour I needed to go outside, not just to make sure that I could still hear, but more importantly a quick visit to the darker regions of the soi, and then of course a refill.
The following band I missed completely due to serious conversations taking place on the stairs and surrounding tables. One thing I did hear was a fairly decent heavy metal version of "Play that funky music". Among those sitting outside was Kitti "Guitar Gun" another pioneer of rock music in Thailand whose distinction is of course playing a guitar shaped like a six-shooter. He was up later in the night.
Thai metal band Hi Rock took to the stage next. They delivered a very polished performance, which was to be expected of a band celebrating its 15th anniversary. The lead vocalist probably has the truest heavy metal voice of all, very high pitched in the true traditional style and, with all of their original songs in Thai, these boys still remain popular after all that time. .
For me, the highlight of the evening came next. When I heard the MC announce that Pong, Pop and their drummer from Hin, Lek, Fai were going to do a few numbers, I grabbed the camera and made my way inside through the throbbing mob that now surrounded the entrance. It has been many years since I last saw these boys live, and having been friends with them since before the release of their first album, they are easily my favourite Thai group by far. Actually, by light years. They did not disappoint. Once again, Pop ripped into the Marshall stacks with a vengeance. This time playing an Ibanez, he got a better sound than on his first time up. They immediately launched into "Nang Maew", then began driving the crowd with "Su", and for old times sake, "Highway Star" and "Paranoid". Certainly, a real treat! The final act was Kitti "Guitar Gun" who ended the evening with such crowd pleasers as "Smoke on the Water" and "Rock Bottom".
After nearly five hours non-stop of some of the heaviest music available in Bangkok I left Rock Pub feeling no pain. The venue features several bands nightly in the genre, and next time you feel the need for something a little more serious than the usual fare, Rock Pub should be your first stop of the evening.