Bands may come and go, but the memories of the musicians, who created history, will continue to stay until the end of the time. ‘Purple Rain’ was one of the biggest names in the Sri Lankan music scene during the era of late 80’s and 90’s under the leadership of veteran Geoffrey Fernando.
The legend of Purple Rain was born in the heydays of Sri Lankan pop, led by the charismatic Geoff and comprising a line up of some of the hottest names in the field of western music.
This rare journey down a musical memory lane is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all those who remember the heady nights of the Peacock and the music that lives on to this day.
The reunion concert and the 25th anniversary of legendry ‘Purple Rain’ will come alive on 18th March at the Ballroom of the Colombo Hilton from 7.00pm for a solid three hours of live music.
Geoff, the stylish leader/vocalist of the Purple Rain, who serenaded local and international audiences for over 25 years, now recreates the musical magic of this time and shares the stage with Sri Lanka’s biggest names in showbiz in a star studded night.
With unique vocal style and graceful stage presence makes, Geoff one of the best live entertainers to be experienced.
Along with Purple Rain, the Concert will feature Russell Fernando of ‘Pro Arrangements’ fame, Gehan Fernando, Rajitha Fernando, Corrine de Almeida and Noeline Honter.
The music will be provided by Mirage.
The lineup of the band Purple Rain for the night consists of some of the original members – Geoff, Derek Wickremanayake, Michael(Lal) de Silva, Kevin de Almeida, Sudu Goonesekera and Diren Sabaratnam.
Geoff and his boys, who rocked the music scene during late 80’s and early 90’s, went their own way and that was the end of the road for ‘Purple Rain’. They were a massive success both in Sri Lanka and in European music circuits.
After many years of silence, Geoff has decided to revamp his old outfit for a one off show in Colombo.
Members like Joe Thambimuththu and Damien Wickremathileka are unfortunately not available for the concert.
The Reunion Concert ‘Geoff and Friends with Purple Rain’ is organized by Rhythm & Blues.
R&B, one of the hottest night spots in Colombo owned and managed by Russell Fernando
The production of the Concert will be handled by Funtime (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s premier name in Entertainment, with over 25 years of experience in the world of Event Production.
Funtime is the only Sri Lankan event production company to have produced its own events globally reaching out to audiences all over the world with its own unique brand of entertainment.
Geoff, the oldest and the main man now as he was then, has played music for well over 20 years. He did what came to him naturally. He loved to hear live music, practicing it and then playing it. Geoff‘s first performance was in 1980. He became a success with the formation of Purple Rain in 1987.
Geoff with his long standing friends and music partners, Joe and Derrick left for Switzerland within less than three months of having formed Purple Rain. The real lift-off and major break for Purple Rain came in Switzerland. Keeping to their single-minded dedication to live music, Purple Rain played in many prestigious night clubs and made their mark and money.
Purple Rain released their first and so far only CD in 1993. Commenting on one of the very popular songs, ‚Colour of Love‘ Geoff said they felt they had to do something for racial harmony and showed by their single that the colour of love of all races is the same.
Joe Thambimuttu is the other pillar of Purple Rain. Joe plays guitars, bass and keyboards as well. |
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