Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
It has been almost seven years since the passing of Bangladeshi rock legend Ayub Bachchu. With his departure, the journey of iconic band Love Runs Blind, popularly known as LRB, also came to a halt. But fans of LRB and Bachchu continue to cherish their music, streaming their songs on YouTube and other platforms with the same admiration.
Now, after a long hiatus, there's an exciting update for LRB fans. The band's former drummer Golamur Rahman Romel is making a comeback with a new band, aiming to keep Bachchu’s music alive.
The band, “Romel and Friends”, plans to perform Bachchu's songs while also creating new music inspired by his legacy.
Their first release, “Paapi”, is set to drop this Eid.
Romel revealed that the band will follow LRB's signature three-guitar setup, a style popularised by Bachchu.
“Our lineup was finalised a long time ago, and we have announced it recently. There is nothing happening with LRB anymore. This band was formed to keep Boss’s [Ayub Bachchu’s] songs alive. At the same time, we'll also create our own new music,” Romel explained.
As a former member of LRB, Romel felt a sense of duty to remind fans and listeners of Bachchu’s musical legacy, which led him to form his new band.
“Boss was our mentor, and we all had a great relationship with him. Personally, my bond with him was very deep. He loved me like a son. I consider myself lucky to have spent over a decade with him, playing alongside him. I don't know how much of his essence I have been able to absorb.”
“But as someone who stood beside Boss, I believe it’s our responsibility to spread his music to an even larger audience. He always believed that anyone should be able to perform his songs. Whether others do it or not, I see it as my duty to remind people of his music,” Romel added.
When asked why it took seven years to form the band, Romel said: “Without Boss, neither LRB nor AB [Ayub Bachchu] is possible. The two are interconnected. It’s not like it took us seven years to take his music forward. Romel and Friends is just a name. We’ve been playing this music for years, keeping his spirit alive.”
“LRB will always remain at the height it reached. No one can compose or create melodies like Boss did. But if we can create something even close, that would be enough. We will do our best in our own way. People all over the world have listened to his music and watched him perform. When they hear his songs again, they will remember him. This sense of responsibility is what drives us forward.”
Rommel said he always thinks of Bachchu while performing on stage or singing.
“It was a privilege to be with Boss. We shared the same dreams. If he were still here, our journey would have continued even longer. He is always in my thoughts.”
“Our band doesn’t have a keyboardist. Boss used to perform with three guitarists. We are keeping the same setup. We are trying to maintain his style while performing his songs.”
When asked whether the other LRB members have welcomed his new band, Romel said: “There’s no reason not to – we were always together, and we still are. Everyone is busy with their own work now. A few days ago, we released ‘Inbox’, one of Boss’s new songs.”
“Romel and Friends” features Romel on vocals, Julius Russell on lead guitar, Avro Roni on second lead guitar, Rashfi on bass, and Farabi on drums and management.
Romel himself has composed and sung their upcoming song, “Paapi”.
Speaking about the song, he said: “We are releasing Paapi for Eid. The lyrics were created collectively, and the song will premiere on our Facebook page.”
Looking ahead, Romel band plans to create more music.
“This is our work, and we live on through our songs. We want to be everyone’s favourite band. Currently, there aren’t many shows happening as we aren't getting permission. There used to be more concerts in the past, but maybe, after Eid, things will pick up again and we'll get busier.”
Over a career spanning more than two and a half decades, Ayub Bachchu gifted fans with countless unforgettable songs, including “Ami Koshto Pete Bhalobashi”, “Ekdin Ghum Bhanga Shohore”, “Cholo Bodle Jai”, “Ekhon Onek Raat”, “Baro Maash”, and “Hashte Dekho Gaaite Dekho”.
Since his passing on Oct 18, 2018, his internationally acclaimed band LRB has remained inactive.