Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Spinning the disc
A different kind of battle is in the air as the ‘big match’ draws near
By Vidushi Seneviratne
With the infamous “Battle of the Blues” just around the corner, the momentum is definitely building up to celebrate the 125th Royal Thomian cricket match, in style. Promising to be a gala event, the “Big Match” this year will see scores of past pupils of every generation making it a point to catch the action, with many flying in from all corners of the world.

The “Battle of the Disc” will be one such event coinciding with the Royal Thomian this year, and will see Sri Lanka’s pioneer DJs perform on one stage. The event, put together in the 70s, will be revived and will bring together the likes of DJ Gabo, Harpo, Jerry and Priyanga, along with resident DJs, Tareeq and Roshan. “Battle of the Discs” will be held on March 12, at Frangipani Restaurant, from 9 p.m. onwards.

“This event was initially put together about twenty three years ago, and since the key figures comprised both Royalists and Thomians, it was a perfect opportunity to highlight the whole concept behind the Big Match,” says Mr. Harpo Gunaratne, explaining how the concept came about. “Way back then the Battle of the Disc was held on the last day of the match, but the event this year will be held on the second day, and will be a perfect opportunity for all music lovers to enjoy the atmosphere of the Big Match, at its best.”

Focusing mainly on music from the 70s and 80s, everlasting creations by music legends such as Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind and Fire, Commodores and the Bee Gees, are on the agenda. Among the special effects for the night are the misty fog machine, the head-spinning disco ball, the eye-twisting strobes and flashy red, green and blue lights.

“It was around 1978 that the Cellar Disco at Dons Beach Hotel Negombo, which was the first discotheque in Sri Lanka was opened. Working as a member of the cabin crew of the national carrier was an added benefit for me, with regard to exposure to the European disco cultures,” said Mr. Gabo Peiris, speaking on the country’s initial launch of the DJ industry. With Sri Lanka gathering momentum as a tourist destination, the industry began to thrive, mainly under the patronage of tourists. “The Battle of the Disc was first held at the Rainbow Room at the Taprobane Hotel. We gave a new dimension to the revellers of the Royal Thomian cricket encounter, irrespective of which team won,” added Mr. Peiris.

Commenting on what this entire event means to him, Mr. Harpo Gunaratne explained that performing on one stage means everything to him. “Though Gabo and I have performed several times together, Jerry and I have never had the opportunity to do so, and this would be one great experience for me. It’ll be a unique event, since the audience will be able to witness the pioneers of the DJ industry of Sri Lanka, in action.”

Promising to be one spectacular time travelling experience, the tickets for the “Battle of the Disc” will be available at Deli France (Odel and Crescat), Frangipani Restaurant, Barefoot Gallery, Pro-sound (Majestic City), Crescat (Box Office) and Exclusive Lines (Majestic City). The event is co-ordinated by “Launchit” an event solutions company, with manager Roshan Perera making this an opportunity to bring together this amazing line up of our premier Sri Lankan DJs.

Top