A lot of mixed response has come out of the new line up of Nepal’s most popular rock band 1974AD. I have heard some buzz back in November 2014 that Adrian Pradhan had moved-on on his own solo career. One close source to him even told me that he is trying his hands in Bollywood but it could just be rumors.

The first try out performance was at City Museum, Durbarmarg in Kathmandu in December ( I think) that the rock band performed with Rusty Nails and Suman Thapa for a charity event . The lineup experimented with the” Bistarai Bistarai” famed Rohit John Chettri and What the Funk vocalist Prajwal Mukhiya “Gujju”. Addition to them there were other two boys , pretty talented I must say are Pratik and Subhash aka Jackko . They actually sounded really good with the new flavor of voices and added trumpets is what the people attended the event shared on their facebook and twitter.

The second try out experiment happened at the Himalayan Times TGIF Food Festival at Gokarna Forest Resort that was in January and the response was pretty much mixed. In February issue of Wave Magazine, Rohit John Chettri shared his respect and fondness for the band since it all started and it was actually more of a privilege for him to be a part of the band.  The funny part was the fraction that has come in the fan base of the band. One half is saying that there is no fun anymore with Adrian missing in the band whereas others have loved the new flavor and the added crispiness which the new guys brought it.

On Friday the 13^th March, the band officially launched the new boys in the band. The gig was at Moksh Restaurant which is owned by bassist of the band Nirakar Yakthumba. When I reached there, I realized that even after so many years, they do have a pretty good fan following. The place was indeed packed with 3 Fs that is family, friends and fans. This was my first gig with the new line up and I personally say they have come back with a bang. I have seen Phiroj Syanden leaving 1974AD and a lot of people said that, the band days are now over. But Adrian came in and they moved on. Now when Adrian left, a lot of people are talking the same thing.

 Their new song “Syal gharey Saal ma Syal jhyau jhyau”  is an old Nepali folk song  which was revamped  with a taste of funk, and I can bet on it that it will be pretty popular. The lyrics are catchy and the beat is nice. I would never forget to mention Manoj Kumar KC who is definietely a rockstar while he is performing. A very talented guitarist and I think he has his own style when he comes to the stage ( I am not comparing him to any international artist ).

Nirakar has his What the funk band, Sanjay Shrestha (drummer) has his Joint Family Internationale and Manoj KC does a lot of his own projects but they have their sincerity with the band. I am not saying that you should not pursue your own ventures. Better opportunities might come very rare so you have to grab it. And I guess Adrian is ready to take that chance. 1974AD has a newer look, newer flavor and new style which might work for them. For me, I always loved Parelima, Samjhibaschu and I love Syal Gharey Saal. Jai Nepali Rock Band!!!