22 July,2010 06:53 AM IST | | Shree Lahiri
The Guide chatted up with Mumbai-based rock band Zedde's singer 2Blue on their upcoming tribute to iconic band Guns n' Roses
If you are a lover of Rock classics, book a date with Zedde at HRC tonight. The band was formed in mid-2008 when singer 2Blue and guitar player Claver, best known for their work with Vayu and Rust Angels respectively, got together to form the new band. Their aim was to perform original music as well as carry forward the legacy of their heroes.
Zedde band members 2Blue, Claver, Trevor and Deepu
Talking to band member 2Blue, one gets the impression that this band loves their original music. But tonight, they will make an exception and pay a tribute to Guns N' Roses. We quizzed them on the secret behind their interesting name. "We believe we are the first crescendo and the last alphabet in Indian Hard Rock," says 2Blue. Commenting on how the band influenced him personally, he says, "I remember when I was in boarding school, we were not allowed to go for events and I tore my shirt to make a bandana on which I wrote Guns N' Roses and attended the event. As a band, we still listen to their numbers as we drive around and sing along," he explains.
Zedde's song Mumbai bagged the prestigious Asian Anthem Of The Year title at AVIMA 2010.The band members are an eclectic mix. There's lead singer 2Blue whose music bears influences of Ian Gillan, David Coverdale, and Ronnie James Dio among others. A self-confessed maverick, 2Blue believes that a good gig is one where he finds God on stage and that is his biggest reward. Then, there is Claver on the guitar whose musical influences range from Joe Satriani to Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and Prince. His obsession with the guitar began in his early teens. Bassist Akashdeep is inspired by Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, John Myung and Jaco Pastorius and he multi-tasks as a guitar player, backing vocalist and bass player. Trevor is the drummer who looks up to musicians like Alex Van Halen and Dave Lombardo and listening to his music you are stumped when he admits that he became a drummer only by accident.
For the coming event, Schubert Dsouza will be the guest member. "He is my buddy from my previous band Vayu and will be joining us on the guitar and keyboard for the special," says 2Blue. He is all praises for the Pune audience, as he says, "The Pune audience is the most educated. There's the student community here who are well-informed. No one can fool a Pune rocker," he grins.
Zedde's line-up for the special night will include Guns N' Roses staples as well as some of their originals. You can expect tracks like November Rain for sure but the band is keeping mum about the rest of the tracks.
From: 9 pm
At: Hard Rock Cafe, Pyramid Lawns, Koregaon Park
