A Feedback for the ages

If you were in ICCB on April 30, 2019, consider yourself lucky, as you witnessed history as Feedback, one of Bangladesh’s legendary bands, celebrated the completion of 40 years of their illustrious career. Rajdarshan Hall was brimming with musicians, music enthusiasts and Feedback fans of all ages, waiting to relive their nostalgia or to hear the legends perform in what could only be described as a definitive concert, with almost all of Feedback’s classics being played for the audience.

As the excited crowd started rolling in the event hosted by Elita Karim, they were greeted by the ‘vintage’ line-up of Feedback, composed of members who played with them while they were performing regularly at Hotel Intercontinental from 1976 onwards. The beautiful assortment of classic covers, including a stellar rendition of Looking for Love. Watching the great guitarists, Selim Haider and Labu Rahman exchange riffs and solos was a treat to watch not only for the nostalgia-tinted followers of Feedback, but to the relative newbies to their music. “It is truly amazing that we have come so far,” said Maqsoodul Haque, the frontman of Feedback during their golden era, “We were youngsters from middle-class families, struggling to make a living with music. We are grateful that we are here in front of you today.”

In the ‘tribute’ section of the concert, as Warfaze took the stage to cover Feedback’s O Moushumi, a slew of youngsters stormed in the auditorium. Even though they were evidently fans of Warfaze, the hardcore rendition with Palash’s high-pitched vocals made them feel a newfound appreciation for the song itself. Miles covered the ever-jubilant Telephone e Phishphish in their own groovy style, extending their nod to Feedback as another contemporary legendary act of the time. Artcell got the crowd riled up with the sheer energy they brought to the venue with their presence alone. Jonmechi ei Jugey was a cover to remember, with Faisal and Lincoln’s heavy riffs fuelling the audience with ecstacy.

Photo: Avipsu Das Gupta

In the midst of the tributes, members of Feedback themselves took the front row to cheer on and support the bands in a display of respect and brotherhood amongst the musicians, which was truly a sight to behold. 

“We feel lucky and honoured to be able to stand here and pay tribute to one of our inspirations in music,” said Bappa Mazumder, as he took the stage with Dalchhut. His majestic voice, as he sang ‘Chithi’, echoed through the hallways of Rajdarshan Hall, as the much anticipated original line-up of Feedback got ready to take center-stage.

The assortment of deliciously melodious, groovy and heart-touching music that followed after that was truly memorable. Mone Pore Tomay and Moushumi Kare Bhalobasho Tumi riled up the already emotional crowd in sheer nostalgia, but it was slowly building towards the crescendo that was Mela. The entire venue erupted and sang the classic in unison, with all the performers of the day on stage together. The night could not have been long enough for both the old and new fans of Feedback, who, the fans will pray will stick around for a grand golden jubilee celebration.