Pop

1974 AD Band

Biography

About The Band:

The group was formed during the 90s by a group of teachers from Gyanodaya School in Lalitpur, Nepal. The founding members were guitarist Phiroj Shyangden, bassist Nirakar Yakthumba and drummer Bhanu A. During the early days the band played various genres for music like hard rock, heavy metal, rock and blues. Drummer Bhanu A, was influenced by blues music. When they played cover tunes he sang Gary Moore numbers like “Walking by Myself”. They played several gigs in and around Kathmandu where they covered numbers by Bryan Adams, Deep Purple and other rock groups. He is also a good guitarist and his bluesy rock style has inspired many guitarists in Nepal. His style has the flavor of guitarists like Gary Moore, Ritchie Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen. They mainly performed their own compositions. The hit tune is “Mayaluleh” from their debut album “Time Out”, established 1974 AD as a household name. During this time, future members Adrian Pradhan and Sanjay Shrestha were involved with their own bands. Adrian used to be in a hard rock band from Kalimpong called “The Flame”.

“The Flame” held their first concert in Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu during the winter of 1994. They were basically a cover band doing songs from Iron Maiden, Metallica, Extreme, and other rock acts. Adrian Pradhan played rhythm guitar and performed vocals. The influence of early heavy metal can be heard in Adrian’s singing style. Later during the late 90s Adrian joined 1974 AD as their drummer/vocalist after former drummer Bhanu A went on hiatus. Percussionist Sanjay Shrestha, who used to play the drums for the St Xavier’s school band, was involved with Nepali fusion rock act Shristi.

Flute maestro Manoj Singh would soon join 1974 AD and enjoy the popularity of the highly successful band and also contribute to the diversity of sound in the band. During the late 90s local guitar enthusiast Manoj K.C from Dhobighat, Lalitpur joined 1974 AD, completing the lineup. Together they would form a solid act and go on to conquer the hearts of millions of die-hard fans.

Awards

Hits FM Music Award 2000