Kathmandu, April 7 – On Saturday at the Hyatt Ground in Bauddha, the band 1974 AD celebrated their 30th anniversary with an event billed as their last performance in the nation. The introduction video started precisely at 6:00 PM, establishing the right ambiance for the night ahead. With “Jungi Nishan” and “Timilai Piratile,” they kicked off their setlist, which showcased a meticulously planned retrospective of their musical career. Under the leadership of Manose Newa, Nepal’s pioneering Grammy-nominated flutist, the ensemble took listeners on an auditory voyage filled with various musical inspirations, cultural references, and poignant sentiments.
The evening progressed as though it were a meticulously composed record. It began with melodies inspired by African traditions, funk rhythms, and an instrumental song titled ‘Crossings’; then, the ensemble gradually moved towards beloved tracks such as ‘Mutu Bhari.’ The crowd, brimming with passionate supporters, burst into calls for ‘Parelima,’ a demand that persisted until it was eventually met after two hours of performance. Prior to this, however, the group had deepened the emotive journey with the nationalistic composition ‘Swargadapi Gariyasi.’
To everyone’s astonishment, the band relocated to a secondary stage designed specifically for the fan pit crowd. On this new stage, they played tracks such as ‘Sambodhan’—originally a sincere homage to the music instructor of lead vocalist Adrian Pradhan—which was subsequently retitled as a memorial to the late King Birendra Shah and his royal lineage.
The ensemble likewise paused to recognize significant musical figures from Nepal’s history, highlighting icons such as Gopal Yonjan, Aruna Lama, and Narayan Gopal.
Throughout the evening, fresh tracks such as “Maya Bisaune” from their most recent release and “Mayalu Le” off their first album, “Time Out,” had the listeners dancing along. The band then played “Hidda Hiddai,” where Nirakar Yakthumbs’s evocative bass solo established an atmosphere and playfully advised everyone to have handkerchiefs at hand, hinting at the sentimental nature of what was coming next. This was succeeded by performances of “Pahilo Junima” and “Chaubandi Choli,” both deeply connecting with the audience’s shared recollections.
Before wrapping up, Phiroj Shyangden, along with all band members, gave a brief thanks to the event team. The meticulous preparation of this crew was evident in the synchronized drone displays, efficient lighting and audio setup, seamless scene changes, and reduced pauses during the performance.
The concert concluded with an uplifting patriotic touch through ‘Rato Ra Chandra Surya.’ This final number was so compelling that even those who had left their seats came back, captivated by the national anthem’s resonance. Featuring all 25 performances delivered seamlessly without interruption, the event distinguished itself with impeccable timing, precise coordination, and a broad spectrum of emotions—marking it as one of the best-coordinated shows Kathmandu has seen lately.
