Malaysian band Wings lost two members, but the show must go on, says singer Awie
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Malaysian rock band Wings, fronted by singer Awie, are playing one of their biggest concerts in Singapore.
PHOTO: BIZ TRENDS MEDIA
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SINGAPORE – As Malaysian rock veterans Wings prepare to stage one of their biggest concerts here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Dec 24, frontman Awie frames the band’s latest chapter as one of resilience rather than loss.
The quintet recently made the news when long-time members bassist Eddie and drummer Black left the band in early October. They did not give any reasons for their departure, which came less than two months before the group’s 40th anniversary concert in Malaysia.
The upcoming gig in Singapore is also part of their milestone celebrations.
Awie, 57, describes line-up changes as a natural part of any long-running band and insists that life must go on.
He tells The Straits Times in a Zoom interview conducted in Malay: “Even legendary bands overseas have gone through it. Deep Purple, for example, (guitarist) Ritchie Blackmore once left right before a show in Japan, but the band continued. Today, that issue is no longer questioned because the music went on, and the band found their own direction.”
These things are part of the ups and downs of being in a band, he adds. He views the changes as destiny and believes the band must move forward positively rather than stop midway.
“If two members leave and I let heartbreak stop everything, what happens next? Singing is my livelihood. This is my career, my rice bowl. I can’t just walk away because something happened along the journey,” says Awie, who holds the title of Dato in Malaysia.
“We have to continue, because stopping halfway means everything we built over the years dies there. This is not just about emotions or disappointment, it’s about responsibility and continuity in life and career.”
Wings’ current line-up comprises (from left) drummer Pae, guitarist Sham, singer Awie, guitarist Edrie Hashim and bassist lham Ishak.
PHOTO: BIZ TRENDS MEDIA
Formed in 1985, Wings are one of the most influential bands in Malay rock. Rising to prominence in the late 1980s, they scored evergreen hits such as Taman Rashidah Utama (Rashidah Garden, 1988), Misteri Mimpi Syakilla (Syakilla Dream Mystery, 1988) and Sejati (True, 1990).
The band earned multiple gold and platinum album certifications, including in Singapore, Awie notes.
“As early as 1987, our albums were already receiving gold and platinum recognition here, so the support from Singapore audiences has always been very strong. Even my solo album achieved gold status in Singapore.
“That kind of acceptance is something I am truly grateful for and it shows how long Wings have been part of the music landscape in Singapore.”
The band’s previous shows here include a gig at The Star Theatre in 2023. In 2012, they were part of a double-bill show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium with fellow Malaysian rock veterans Search.
In 2022, Wings were the first act from South-east Asia to perform at the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix’s biggest stage at the Padang.
For Awie, Wings’ four-decade longevity comes down to resilience and acceptance of change, an approach that has allowed them to endure industry shifts, internal challenges and evolving audiences.
“The reason Wings has lasted is sincerity. We are honest with what we do and we don’t try to become someone else or follow trends. We make the music we believe in, take care of our discipline and stamina, and leave the rest to God. That sincerity is what allows us to survive.”
Besides Awie, the band’s current line-up features fellow founding member, guitarist Sham. Guitarist Edrie Hashim joined as a full member in 2018 and the band’s rhythm section has been replaced by drummer Pae and bassist Ilham Ishak.
Asked if Pae and Ilham will be in the permanent line-up, Awie replies: “We haven’t made a formal offer yet, but looking at their spirit, their hard work, their playing and their discipline, I feel, why not?
“I can see their commitment and ability onstage. They are young, talented musicians, and I’m open to bringing them into Wings to fill the gaps that exist now.”
Awie says that the Singapore Indoor Stadium concert will feature hit songs that audiences can sing along to and the lyrics will be displayed karaoke-style to encourage crowd participation.
“This is a celebration of 40 years of Wings, and Singapore is part of that journey. We want the atmosphere to feel like a big celebration, we want fans to sing together with us and go home smiling.”
Book it
Wings 40th Year Anniversary
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk str.sg/wgCJ7
When: Dec 24, 8pm
Admission: From $88 to $248 via Sistic (go to
