The Longest Surviving Pop Band in Malaysia, Alleycats

The best band that I have ever seen in my life, Alleycats! The Alleycats is a Malaysian band which was formed in 1969 , and gained popularity in the late 1970s. They comprise of musicians from Penang, and gained popularity in their home state earlier on in their career. Band members Members include: David Arumugam on vocals, Loganathan Arumugum on vocals, Tan Chin Hock on drums, Shunmugam Arumugam on lead guitar, Chester Anthony Passerella on saxophone, Khoo Fook Sin and Grenville on keyboards, and Frank Ong on bass guitar.

Alleycats' music is said to be influenced by Air Supply, Phil Collins, Bee Gees, Billy Joel, David Gates & Bread, Santana and Paul McCartney. Most of Alleycats albums were produced by Eric Yeo. Most of their hit songs were penned by music supremo M.Nasir with the lyrics most done by S.Amin Shahab. M.Nasir/S.Amin combination were most noticed with hit songs such as Hingga Akhir Nanti, Andai Aku Pergi Dulu, Sekuntum Mawar Merah Sebuah Puisi, Setahun Sudah Berlalu, Seribu Bintang, Nota Terakhir.

There were earlier line-ups of this band but the line-up mentioned was the one that granted an opportunity for a higher level of achievement in music. The Alleycats were always on top of the musical stage in Malaysia even before they were signed up as recording artistes. This line-up secured a performance contract in the Mocambo club situated in Central, a business sector on Hong Kong island in 1976. It was supposed to be a three-month contract but their success in wooing the crowd earned them three yearly contracts bundled with TV and concert appearances as means of promoting the band. They became a hit with the locals in Hong Kong. It was not until they left Hong Kong to start a new performance contract in Singapore that they were spotted by major recording companies.

The Alleycats started out in 1978 by signing a contract with Polygram Records-Philips to produce an album. They went to Hong Kong to record their album in Dragon Studio. Later, Lion Studio in Singapore was responsible for mastering Alleycats' albums. The Alleycats' first released album was Terima Kasih ("Thank You"), with their first single Senandung Semalam ("Yesterday's Serenade"). The existence of this band was vital to the Malaysian music industry.

They had contributed to the development of the Malaysian music industry and till today are still regarded as one of the legendary Malaysian pop music bands of all time. Even with changes in the line-up, they are still active in performing and recording. The Alleycats have a strong fan base from all walks of life in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The band also won many awards, notably among them are the Muzik-Muzik winners award and the Malaysian Book of Records award for being the longest surviving Pop band in the country. The most upsetting incident happened when Loganathan Arumugam, vocalist of the Alleycats, passed away on June 4, 2007 following an 8 month battle with lung cancer. His death is deeply mourned by Alleycats fans as seen in the press and media.

FORMER ALLEYCATS VOCALIST- THE LATE LOGANATHAN ARUMUGAM (1953 - 2007)

Sincere thanks to Alleycats band for their marvelous songs and wonderful voices!

TERIMA KAAASSSSIIIIHHH................!!!!!!