26/06/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | JUNE 26, 2026

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Backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, Slam’s catalogue takes on a new dimension as sweeping orchestral arrangements transform familiar hits into grand, cinematic performances.

Slamming back to 90s T HE Grand Slam Unplugged 2 was always going to be more than a nostalgia concert. Held at Mega Star Arena Kuala o Legendary local rock band returns with nostalgic, orchestral concert Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD Slam and guest musicians celebrate the night with fans after the final encore, capping off an evening that bridged generations through songs. reception from the crowd, with fans responding enthusiastically to the rare opportunity to see these respected musicians sharing one stage.

The atmosphere inside Mega Star Arena is electric as thousands of fans sing along to every word.

The segments also highlighted the collaborative spirit that has long existed within the local music industry, where artistes from different bands and generations continue to influence and support one another. Orchestral backing adds new dimension A defining feature of The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 was its orchestral presentation. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra alongside guest musicians Shafiq on guitar and Paang Zaman on percussion, the concert embraced a richer and more expansive sound than a traditional rock performance. Supporting vocalists Matt and Farah further enhanced the arrangements, adding depth and texture to many of the evening’s biggest songs. The orchestral format allowed familiar tracks to evolve while retaining the emotional qualities that made them popular in the first place. Songs such as Buat Seorang Kekasih, Nurkasih and Tak Mungkin Berpaling felt especially powerful with the additional instrumentation, giving long-time fans a fresh perspective on well-loved material. Rather than overwhelming the songs, the orchestra complemented them, creating a balance between nostalgia and reinvention. Journey through Slam tracks The second half of the concert maintained the momentum with a string of fan favourites that showcased the breadth of Slam’s catalogue. Kembali Merindu, Jika Kau Rasa Getarnya, Manisnya Rindu, Kita Terpaksa Bermusuhan, Buat Seorang Kekasih, Tak Mungkin Berpaling, Nurkasih, Kembali Terjalin and Gerimis Mengundang ensured the audience remained engaged until the final moments.

Slam remains a living part of Malaysia’s music culture rather than simply a band remembered for its past achievements. The enthusiastic response from the audience showed that the group’s music continues to connect with listeners, even as the industry and listening habits have changed dramatically over the past two decades. What began as a tribute to a historic concert became something more meaningful, which is a reminder of the staying power of great songs and the emotional connections they create. Nearly 30 years after the original unplugged performance became part of Malaysian music folklore, Slam once again proved why its songs have remained relevant through changing trends, technologies and generations. For one night at Mega Star Arena, the past and present came together in celebration of a band whose music continues to soundtrack the lives of countless Malaysians.

The setlist reflected the band’s remarkable ability to produce songs that have endured across multiple generations of listeners. While many attendees were fans who had followed Slam since the 1990s, younger audience members could also be seen singing along, underscoring the band’s continued relevance in today’s music landscape. This cross-generational appeal is something Shah believes reflects the enduring strength of the band’s songwriting. The songs may have originated from a different era but their themes of love, heartbreak, longing and perseverance remain universally relatable. Back to golden days While nostalgia undoubtedly played a major role in the evening’s appeal, The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 ultimately succeeded because it offered more than memories. The concert demonstrated that

Lumpur last Saturday, the show revisited one of the most memorable chapters in Malaysian music history while proving that Slam’s songs continue to resonate with audiences across generations. More than 4,000 fans filled the venue for what became a celebration of legacy, endurance and the timeless appeal of one of the country’s most beloved rock bands. The concert served as a sequel to the original Grand Slam Unplugged , which took place at Stadium Merdeka in 1996 and became legendary after a power disruption transformed the performance into an unforgettable moment in local music history. Rather than simply recreating that night, The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 sought to honour its spirit while creating new memories for fans who have followed the band from the cassette era to the age of streaming. “This is not a replay of the past and it is not a concert created to capitalise on what happened during the original unplugged show. It is an appreciation of the songs, the journey and the fans who have continued to support Slam throughout the years,” said guitarist Shah. Test of time For two-and-a-half hours, Slam delivered a setlist packed with classics that have become staples of Malaysian popular music. Backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, the band opened with Sinar Menunggu before moving through fan favourites such as Biarkannya, Kurnia, Satu Jalan Satu Pegangan, Mentari Muncul Lagi, Rindiani, Syair Pari Pari and Entah Mengapa . The orchestral arrangements added a new dimension to songs that many in the audience had spent decades listening to, transforming familiar melodies into grand, cinematic performances without

Despite ongoing health challenges, Zamani commands the stage with effortless charisma. losing their emotional core. Led by vocalist Zamani, whose distinctive voice remains synonymous with the band’s success, the performance demonstrated why Slam’s catalogue continues to endure long after many of its contemporaries have faded from public memory. The audience sang along to nearly every track, creating moments where the distinction between performer and crowd seemed to disappear. For many fans, the concert felt less like a performance and more like a collective revisiting of personal memories attached to the band’s music. Guitar legends share stage One of the night’s biggest highlights came through the appearance of three influential figures in Malaysian music. Kid Search, JoBranko and Aznan Alias joined Slam on stage, bringing their own musical identity to songs closely associated with their careers. Aznan performed Sentuhan Listrikmu , JoBranko took centre stage during Intanku Kesepian , while Kid Search appeared for Gadisku . The guest appearances elevated the concert beyond a typical reunion-style performance, turning it into a gathering of musicians whose contributions helped shape the sound of Malaysian rock and pop music across multiple decades. Each guitarist received a warm

(From left) JoBranko, Shah, Kid Search and Aznan share the spotlight and six string duties, bringing together decades of musical influence that helped shape some of Malaysia’s most enduring rock ballads. – ALL HANDOUT PICS