UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:With the British military presence aplenty at the naval and air bases in Singapore until the early 70s, the import of the latest R&B, pop, rock n roll music from Britain and some from the US was common. These men in uniform had a strong cultural influence on the youths here, especially when they armed themselves with solid twanging guitars, thumping skins and clanging cymbals.
The presence of these soldiers also provided the infrastructure for a successful music industry as many local band boys and girls eagerly went on stage at tea dances and nightly gigs to strut their stuff. The dashing men in uniform also brought their imported music vinyls - singles, EPs and LPs - to lend to our local band members during their visits to the gigs and tea-dances in Singapore 60s. And so the influence and exchange began.
Despite the music being tagged as part of 'yellow culture' in later years, the government was not able to halt the increase of western pop culture while the the uniform personnel from abroad were were still around during the 60s. But when fisticuffs led to brawls and big bar fights, and when the idea that consuming illegal drugs became a day to day affair, the authorities were on the alert.
So when news of drug consumption and especially casualties amongst this popular industry in the west abound, the authorities here in Singapore acted. The denouement was in the early 70s, when they eventually withdrew their forces from Singapore.
In the above photo can you recognise Barry Walker or any other officer who was in a band?
Image: British Military Base Copyrights Reserved from P.C. Collection.
Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
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