On 26 September 2026, Saturday, I was invited to hang out and shoot “Indie Pride : Keeping the Lion City Rockin'” held at The Blackbird bar.
“Indie Pride : Keeping the Lion City Rockin'” Poster (above image). Poster and T-Shirt designed by Little Ong of fFurious.
On 24 August at 8.46pm, I received a text from Patrick Chng (Oddfellows) whether I was free to photograph the local joint celebratory show – in celebration of my buddy Francis Frightful’s band Opposition Party’s 40th anniversary, as well as Substation’s 36th anniversary and Lion City Rocks podcast 5th anniversary. Heartiest Congratulations, Everyone!
The gig performers were Opposition Party, Forests, Ultra Mega Cat Attack, and The State Of Mind. All awesome!
I always make it a point to check out awesome emerging and established bands in the vibrant local rock scene. See (photograph) and hear what’s out there. Mostly on kind invitations from friends.
As usual, I caught up with my old rocker buddies (Patrick Chng, Vincent Lee, Francis Frightful, Ginette Chittick, Little Ong, Kevin Matthews, Chris Toh, Jonathan Chan, George Leslie Paul and Niki Koh etc.) and met new talented friends – members of new bands. Plus it’s great to be back at The Blackbird to hang loose. I thank those kind souls who bought me ice-cold beers.
My Cool Complementary Gig T-Shirt – Front (above image). For photo-services rendered. The organisers knew that I would have done it for free. Haha.
My Cool Complementary Gig T-Shirt – Back (above image).
Gig Organisers and Bands Assemble! – A (above image).
Gig Organisers and Bands Assemble! – B (above image). I’m finally featured in a gig pix. Someone shouted for me to join in the pix. Haha. Photo courtesy of Yee Chang Kang.
Francis Frightful, Opposition Party (above image). Birthday Boy, congratulations to your 40th Opposition Party band’s anniversary!.
It’s not easy to survive so long in the local (or international) music industry. Having a sense of humour helps greatly.
Francis Frightful, Opposition Party (above image). Francis has one eye on the prize!
The Veteran Punk OGs (above image). L-R: Vincent Lee (Oddfellows), Patrick Chng (Oddfellows) and Joe Ng (Padres).
Patrick Chng, Oddfellows and Joe Ng, Padres (above image). “Wah, these new bands quite the happenings sia!”.
Opposition Party and the Oddfellows (above image). Pat Chng, Francis Leong and Vincent Lee. One for the local punk history books.
The Cool Folks at The Substation (above image). L-R: Pok, Denise and Kim.
Ultra Mega Cat Attack (above image). After soundcheck. L-R: Codie Loh (singer), Daniel Chan (guitarist), Wong Qing (bassist), and Boey Yinghao (drummer).
The State Of Mind (above image). After soundcheck.
The Bands Interview – Front View (above image). Interviewer – Ginette Chittick (left of pix).
The Bands Interview Session – Back View (above image). The bands candidly sharing war-stories gigging on the road, on local and foreign soils.
Opposition Party (above image). “What’s the opening chord for It’s Chaos?”.
Ultra Mega Cat Attack (above image). With two of their die-hard fans.
The Packed Crowd at The Blackbird (above image).
The State Of Mind (above image).
Forests (above image). L-R: Niki Koh, Clarence Hassan and Darell Laser. Kudos to the gung-ho band who toured the US!
Niki Koh of Forests (above image). Thanks for the beer, champ!
The “Indie Pride” Gig Gang (above image). Photo courtesy of Charlene Ng.
Post-Concert Celebratory Supper Session- Table A (above image). Yes, yes, Singaporeans love to eat at all hours. Photo courtesy of Kim Dy-Liacco.
Post-Concert Celebratory Supper Session- Table B (above image). Looks like Patrick’s transferring some money to me. Photo courtesy of Kim Dy-Liacco.
My Opposition Party Souvenir Swag (above image). Thanks, Francis!
Francis Frightful, Opposition Party (above image). “Eddie, I want to invite you to my 50th Opposition Party band’s anniversary party in 2037!”. At Greybird? Haha.
And The Rocking Singapore Bands Played On … And On … And On!
Bonus Image:
After the “Indie Pride” gig on 26 September 2026, Saturday, Francis Frightful and I promised to meet up soon for a meal,
Well, guess what? On Oct 1, Thursday, we kept that promise! I like people who do what they say they will do. Rock On!
