Page 63 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL9

The success and influence of that band meant the term Shadows came to be used as a general term for a type of band consisting of three guitars – solo, chord and bass – together with drumsOne day the Youngsters broke up when the lead guitarist had to drift away. “I left the band when I was sent to continue my studies in Germany,” Mr Kwanchai said. “Mr Jirapan, who had started playing guitar, took over looking after the Youngsters with a few junior students from Assumption School. The members of the second generation of the band have rotated from time to time for personal reasons, and I never returned to the band until my 60th birthday. I said something half-jokingly like why don’t we reunite and play music at my birthday party as the Youngsters.”That night eight years ago the legend of the Youngsters was reborn. The songs they play are mostly from the ’ 60s, especially from the Shadows. The success and influence of that band meant the term Shadows came to be used as a general term for a type of band consisting ofthree guitars – solo, chord and bass – together with drums. Hence the Youngsters can be categorised as a Shadows band.“Originally the Shadows were the backing band of Cliff Richard. However, Cliff’s talents were not limited to singing but extended to acting and the movie industry. Some of Cliff’s songs were not always backed up by the Shadows. But the songs the Youngsters played covered both of them. Elvis Presley was also highly influential for pop music at the time. Assistant Professor Chaiyaporn Piboonsiri, known among Thais as Dr Elvis, joined us as a vocalist when we played Elvis pieces.”Mr Kwanchai describes his admiration for the Shadows. “There were two influential bands in the ’ 60s, namely the Shadows and the Ventures. While the Shadows were British, the Ventures were American.Jirapan Angsawanond on rhythm guitar.Kridkamon Kiratibutr on drums.Elite+ 61