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| ▲This photo, shows, Songolmae. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This photo, shows, reunification of Songolmae. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 6 (Yonhap) -- “Since the beginning of my career as a radio DJ in 1990s I thought to myself that being a DJ who introduces music to its listeners might be a better fit for me than actually doing music.” adding “But since 10 years ago Koo Chang-mo and I have been talking about getting the band, Songolmae back together before it’s too late.” gently announced to the audiences during the press conference held for Songolmae.
Iconic South Korean rock band who ruled the music scene back in 1980s, Songolmae’s Bae Cheol-soo and Koo Chang-mo are kicking off their domestic tour in 40 years.
“I will engage in this upcoming concert as if I have time traveled back to when I was at my prime age.” adding “We are not going to arrange any of the songs.” announced leader of the band Songolmae, Bae Cheol-soo on Wednesday during their press conference held for their upcoming tour “Desire”.
“I want to perform at the concert with the passion and desire I had back when I was in my 20s” announced the vocalist Koo Chang-mo during the press conference.
Band Songolmae formed around Bae Cheol-soo in 1979 who originally performed with Runway. 3 years later in 1982 the band recruited vocalist Koo Chang-mo and Kim Jung-sun from rock band Black Tetra which eventually lead the band to its success.
Starting with “Met you by chance” “Rain drops” “Gather” “Love all” and more songs were loved by the public during 1980s.
The title track “Met you by chance” from their 2nd album topped the Korean Music chart for 5 consecutive weeks.
Starting in 1990 South Korean rock band Songolmae went on long break after releasing their 9th album, that same year Songolmae’s Bae Cheol-soo started his career as a radio DJ in a program “Bae Cheol-soo’s music camp” which was loved national wide.
This national tour is significant as it is the first concert in 32 years since Bae Cheol-soo and Koo Chang-mo established their position. Domestic tour of Songolmae will re-ignite their rebellious spirit represented by Songolmae’s long hair and jeans will return.
“Back in 1980s it was very rigid and difficult time for both socially and politically.” adding “Band Songolmae, was the first group to appear on to the stage with pair of jeans. Those who debuted earlier than us often wore tuxedos and bow ties on stage.” Bae Cheal-soo carefully recalled his memories during the press conference.
Moreover, “The act of us appearing on stage with Jeans and T-shirt might have be the reason why we were so successful among young people, they might have felt satisfaction from it.” adding “I think they felt bit of deviation by seeing us perform.” announced Bae Cheol-soo during the press conference.
Koo Chang-mo also agreed with Bae Cheol-soo by saying “Back then wearing miniskirts and having long hair were restricted.” adding “Jeans were an object which represented the youth, but to be frank, we didn’t have anything else to wear for our stage.”
“We were yelled at for showing up to the broadcasting station in jeans for disregarding the program.” adding “Despite of everything we were very proud of Bae Cheol-soo’s long hair which reached down to his shoulders and the jeans he wore.” recalled Koo Chang-mo while putting the emphasis on how proud he was of them during that era.
Up until now rock music never made it to be the mainstream genre in Korea, therefore a lot of people call South Korea to be the wasteland of rock music.
“Culture is like a stream of water so all you have to do is let it flow instead of building a dam that blocks its stream.” adding “Government regulations cannot be the solution for our culture.” Bae Cheol-soo carefully conveyed his opinion during the press conference.
To celebrate Songolmae’s reunification EXO’s Suho and band Jannabi will drop a remake version of Songolmae’s “Love all” and “Everything in the world”.
“My parents are a huge fan of Songolmae, it is an honor to be part of the project.” adding “I not only fell in love with the song because how it portray the philanthropic expression of love all, but also EXO’s team chant is ‘to love.” announced Suho during the press conference held for Songolmae.
Moreover “Those who are part of any kind of band, has yearning for Songolmae.” adding “I feel grateful and honored to be part of the project because Songolmae was the one who paved the way for us to do music in a wasteland of rock music.” announced, Jannabi during the press conference.
Starting in KSPO Dome in Olympic park in seoul, on September Songolmae will perform in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Incheon as well. Also in 2023, Songolmae is planning on performing in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta as well.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo.)
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