Malaysian Rock Band: Search
Just yesterday as I was having lunch in the Malay restaurant we frequent for lunch, there was this song playing on the radio. Sounds rather familiar. One of the waiters increased the volume a little bit more. Wow. It was a song by the Malaysian rock group, Search. This was one of the songs I really dig during my early teenage years. I remember I bought the Fenomena album from a local open market back in Kudat, Sabah. Eventually I found out it was a pirated tape. (I never realize until years later) I did not know there was such thing as piracy then. So that was my first experience. The last song would just stop abruptly, probably due to the tape length.
I tried to do some search on Search today. Nothing came out of Google. What happened? I tried Malaysia+rock band+search, Amy search (who is the lead singer). Only when I typed ‘kumpulan search’ did a promising result displayed. Even that was a wikipedia in Bahasa Malaysia. Don’t they have an official website maintained? Aren’t there any super fans out there? That’s just sad. There was a site called duniasearch.com but seems like it’s a dead link now.
This was part of a scene taken from the Fenomena movie
However my search did open up some new and interesting info like this guy called Terry Thaddeus. Apparently he was one of the big names in the guitar world during the 60’s and 70’s. He even produced one of Search’ album called ‘Rampage’. Marshall Guitar Magazine (can’t find anything about that magazine) also dubbed him as “the Jimi Hendrix of the East”. I also tried to research about Terry online but there were not much info. But there were some interesting bits of information about him here or there.
However, there is a blog (a Sabahan) who wrote quite a good post about the Search rock group and it’s glory days. Not sure what his reference were, quite detail I might say. Well so much for my Saturday afternoon. Haven’t taken lunch yet. Anyway, keep on rockin’ people!
Here are the links:
Search Rock group on Wikipedia (Bahasa Malaysia)
Search Rock group post in Ahmad Mauluddin’s blog
Terry Thaddeus in MusicMoz
Terry Thaddeus mentioned in Jacques Nazaire’s website
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“Dia.. Isabella…….. Lambang cinta… Yang lara….” Fuhhh… Still can remember it. Actually, early this year, I did buy the movie (Fenomena and Isabella) on dvd from online store. Pay them using online banking lol.
You did? Caya lah lu. I call myself a fan but never did get any merchandise on Search except that pirated tape. Will make a point to buy their concert DVD!
If I’m not mistaken, both movie features this Isabella songs. Isabella story is about a lady from Indonesia. Fenomena is about the western (or Eurasian) girl want to seek help for her unknown sickness from the local man who works with her father before WW2. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
Ben I think so. Never watched it yet.
fuh menyentuh kalbu sungguh post pasal search ni hahaha
anyway i’m a search fan too, although i think malaysian bands these days can’t really do the same like those in the 80s, 70s heheheh
amy search’s voice really “berhantu”
gua caya lu hahaha
Search was the best Malaysian rock group in the 80s - especially the LP Mentari Merah di Ufuk Timur and the one before that (with the song Langit dan Bumi). After that I think they went a little off. The acoustic set was good though.
In August 2004 Amy did an intimate concert at a nitespot at Waterfront KK in front of a few hundred. We went backstage to shake hands and take pics with him, I even twiddled his hair hahaha. It was an amazing experience to be in the presence of a legend in Malaysian rock - and we were a mere few feet away at the front of the stage when he belted out Search’s all time classics - including of course Mentari Merah di Ufuk Timur - the highest notes reached with ease.
IMHO, Amy is still the best rock vocalist in Malaysia - better than his great rivals Mus May, Awie, Nash or Yantzen. And he’s one of the best in Asia - the best rock vocalist in Asia is still the vocalist for X-Japan.
ben- Yeah, the earlier albums really represents rock at it’s core. Of course they had to evolve as time goes by by trying out new sounds and rock styles. Wow, you are fortunate huh! So, show us the photos la… My only encounter with Amy was in a club called DV8 in Petaling Jaya. That was like a few years ago when I was still in hotel school. He looked at me and nodded, I nodded back. Cool.
Yeah, in terms of vocals, he’s one is still my personal fav. That slight musky tone when he reached the high notes is wicked! Mus is ok but too smooth and girly like for me. Awie is also OK but still prefer Amy. Of course different people has different inputs.
Ben, you’re into guitars too right? What’s your setup like?
i think i’d like them better if they didnt change - just like AC/DC, never changed their style for 30 yrs already, and still going strong.
believe it or not, our photographer during amy’s concert was a supposedly pro photographer with a local chinese daily - but he managed to lose ALL the photos ;-(
and surprise surprise, my only guitar is a classical one. i only ever had a drum set years ago. so all my support i gave to my younger brother - he’s doing music fulltime - we got him a bass (he got 2 now), a DD5 and several other things now.
truth be told, you’d find me most excited when rockers do acoustic sets, like Tesla’s 5 man acoustical jam or when Def Leppard did their acoustic versions of Animal, Armaggedon it, Pour Some Sugar on Me in Singapore.
Ben That photo incident is just sad. Well, the memory that counts man. Your bro is doing full time? Which band and any reference? Must check out the Bengodomon punya family music! DD5…is that the delay pedal from Boss? Cool stuff.
My music preference is quite all over actually. But when it comes to old school rock, GnR, Bon Jovi, Steve Vai and a spice of The Shadows add up with The Beatles for me.
The band is Papier Mache. Website: http://eggs.pinolobu.com
Their debut album coming out before Christmas. Recorded at studio in UMS, Mastering in KL. All songs self-composed. Mostly Kadazandusun, but got 2 English and 1 Malay song too. I think I told you this before, one of English songs (raw, nonmastered version) is entitled Stream at:
http://amp.channelv.com/amp/viewArtist.html?id=11597
Oh ya you did! Quite good! Which one is your bro?
Hi, salam everyone, yes Search is one incredible Band and their music will last forever.
As for Terry Thaddeus, I was there in the 60s when his Band The Teenage Hunters were the rave!
He was a phenomenal guitarist - a lot of guitarists past & present were inspired by his guitar playing.
He coached the Band Junior Hunters made up of younger Brothers Bonnie ( Keyboard), Baba ( drums ) , Azmi ( Bass )
and Peter Kee (guitar ) who would open the act at Jackies Disco in Jalan Ampang where a lot of Americans , British and Expats on sunday Tea Dance.
Malaysia has lost a great & gifted Musician.
Ben Lee- Wow! You actually experienced Terry man! I can’t seem to find any more info about Terry apart from the links that I found and placed in this blog post. Did he and his band mates produced any albums or demo that you know of? I would love to discover their music. Thanks for dropping by by the way.
Hi Kay,
Yes the Hunters had several records,Terry composed a top hit tune called ‘Going Places’ an instrumental which was played by his younger Brothers Band, The Junior Hunters -Bonnie & Freddie Thaddeus, Azmi Shafie & Peter Kee Yeow as an opening song in concerts & events.
I used to follow them round in their KL functions and some of the most memorable moments where, when both Bands played at dances at Universiti Malaya, Jackies Disco and many parties!
Mention the name Terry to any Malaysian Musicians esp. guitarist and they have only high regard & respect for his guitar playing.He is survived by his son, another fantastic guitarist I heard.
Hi all, those were the good old days in the 60s- so many fabulous bands like Teenage Hunters, Strollers , Strangers,
Grim Preachers (awesome!), Trackers, Celler Hi-Five, Falcons , The Poor Boys, Heavy Machine, The Quests, The Junior Hunters etc etc.
The Sixties Music scene in UK and Malaysia & Singapore was a magical era! Anyone with photos of any of these bands pl post them here or on youtube.
Vicky- I agree with you man. Those days, I personally think people are more free to express their music. Not like now, too much censorship etc. Remember the time Wings and Search band had to ‘officially’ trim their hair? What a joke!
Hi Kay,
Yeah, Bands have more freedom today.
The Grim Preachers (all Malaysian Malays) were the ‘Cream ‘ of the local groups. Lucky to have seen them play in K.L.
Sorry Kay,yeah Bands have more freedom then!!
Vicky- So, you’re into guitar and stuff too?
Hi Kay..yes I love the guitar & piano….acoustic guitar sound is very soothing! Used to sing in a band in Penang (not famous one…lah)
SERACH…you guys is still the best for whatever reason it is…especially to Abg Din n Kid…salute brother…you have taught me a lot with your music and guitar works…everything about SEARCH…will always be remembered till eternity…LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL…
Amy, Yazit, Nasir, Din, Kid, Hillary…;) PEACE N BLESSINGS…
Sham- You are absolutely right brother!
…….of course SEARCH r the best rock band ever in M’sia & they will always be. There’s no one can replace Amy. He’s the best rock vocalist ever in M’sia. I never miss his show or concert whenever he performed in S’pore. Juz could’nt miss it! I’ve been in love with SEARCH & will always be
…SEARCH, u’re no 1. Congatulations, guys. All the best & keep on rockin’…cause ROCK NEVER DIES! 
Hani- I agree with you too. No group to my opinion has ever reached the charisma and originality of this group. However those were our times, I’m sure people who are at their 18’s or 20’s now will have the same rock idols from today that they will speak about just like what we are doing now.. but one thing’s for sure.. ROCK LIVES! *doing air guitar*
Hi,
Very Good article.. I have been battling for weeks to find some info about this band I have downloaded the entire discography - I guess it is the modern way of piracy -. the Marshall magazine is a free mounthly periodic only available in Marshall dealer store.
zazafromjohor- Thanks man. You really did huh? Some sort of ebook or something? That’s one awesome blog you have there. I will add it to my other blog soon.
Salamat pagi!!! I got it from the bittorrent p2p network!!!! was browsing for some overseas rock band and found Search!! Even got the unplugged!!!
catch you later
They are very boring and I fucking hate them. They sing sloppy pathetic love songs that are so sad. If you want real heavy metal listen to the real bands like AC/DC, Judas Priest, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Gun and Roses and so on. No offense to all you Search fans out there, but Search shouldn’t call themselves a heavy metal band because they are not. They sound like every MTV band in the late Eighties eg Ratt, Warrant, Poison, Cinderella.
Hi Aishah- Personally I don’t think they are a Heavy Metal band, that’s why the title was put as “rock band” instead of “heavy metal band”. Hey you list out all my fav bands there too.
Aishah/Kay: since it’s art, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion of course. I think strictly speaking, “heavy metal” is for bands like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath; and “hard rock” is for bands like AC/DC and Guns N Roses. The main difference is that “heavy metal” is almost totally devoid of the blues (instead heavy use of the tritones), while “hard rock” is heavily influenced by the blues.
IMHO, Search did both heavy metal and other kinds of songs too. “Pelesit Kota” and “Pawana” are definitely excellent heavy metal songs, and Hillary Ang is one of the best axeman ever produced by Malaysia.
In fact, I think they have more memorable songs than even Judas Priest, who sounded very poppy/hair metalish in their 1982 album. Of course they “corrected” that in 1991 with that ear-splitting “Painkilleeeerrrr!!!”: I heard Rob Halford scream that a few metres from me.
Ben- Well couldn’t agree with you more. You were in Judas Priest concert? You lucky devil you..
You may not know this but Search are a bunch of plagiarists. They ripped off Bon Jovi musicallly. They are obssessed with Bon Jovi
You may not know this but Search are a bunch of plagiarists. They ripped off Bon Jovi musically and image wise. They are obssessed with Bon Jovi
Aishah: I think you’re are a little off. Bon Jovi was formed in 1983, while Search was formed 2 years earlier. So Search’s early influence could not have been Bon Jovi.
Bon Jovi only became well known in Malaysia when Slippery When Wet came out in 1986. Basically Bon Jovi’s first 2 albums are relatively obscure. Search in contrast already had 2 albums, including that classic Langit Dan Bumi by the time Slippery came out.
I think every band has their influences, so the word “plagiarists” is a little harsh. Bon Jovi’s music is hardly original, they in turn were influenced by others.
Some pics of Search’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2006:
http://prettypeektures.fotopages.com/?entry=816021
Do you think I am such a bitch for slagging off Search ?
What is Amy Search’s favourite Bon Jovi record ?. Also what is your favourite Bon Jovi record ?.
Amy Search is a two-faced, stuck-up son-of-bitch. Fucking coward ! Fucking Bon Jovi copycat. Amy is a guy who doesn’t know how to be original and steal other people’s material.
Search are such pathetic little cardboard cut-out ballad boys
AMY SEARCH IS A FUCKING STUCK UP CUNT AND HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER IARE FAT UGLY COWS
Amy from Search must have done something in the past that made a lot of folks angry huh?
i think aishah must be ex-wife of amy search or someone who had been crazy with him in the past but never been entertained.
I apologise for writing horrible things, but it was the neverending ballads that made me angry. I hate that glam metal stuff. That poodle haired spandex stuff. I preferclassic rock, and thrash metal
Why do Search like to copy Bon Jovi. It seems to me that they are obsessed by Bon Jovi and are heavily imfluenced by the NNew Jersey band
Why do Search like to copy Bon Jovi. It seems to me that they are obsessed by Bon Jovi and are heavily imfluenced by the New Jersey band
Geez, lay it off already Aishah. You sound more and more like a jilted lover of Amy Search.
i AM NOT I just hate glam metal. All those horrible ballads and sicklyh crap i hate Search. I prefer thrash and classic metal. I fucking hate AMy
I said I’m not interested in Search or Amy didn’t I ?. I said those things because I don’t like their music. It’s too light and commercial. All those horrible ballads and sickly crap. I rather be listening to Iron Maiden.
Aishah- Okay. We believe you.
Bagus- I’ve tried, but can’t seem to find it. guess they never worked on having an official site.
how to get new info or upcomig event
Amy search is the best singer in malaysia. Very powerful voice that not even one can sing his song properly
Assalamualaikum. Cakap tentang Amy Search, saya memang meminati suara & cara beliau menyanyi. Perasan atau tidak, kalau anda dengar balik cara & suara beliau(Amy) menyanyi pada album pertama iaitu Cinta Buatan Malaysia terutama sekali pada lagu Jiwa Luka ciptaan M.Nasir (Sifu)…, memang jauh sangat bezanya dengan sekarang. Peningkatan beliau bertambah pada album seterusnya seperti Langit dan Bumi, Mentari Merah di Ufuk Timur, Karisma, Rampage, Fenomena, Rock N Roll Pie & yang terbaru Gothik Malam Edan… (2 album bersama Awie & Mok tu saya kecualikan. Saya akui & percaya yang beliau cukup berusaha memperbaiki tahap vokal dan persembahan beliau (Amy) dan secara peribadi, saya trademark beliau (Amy) sebagai Axl Rose(G N’R) Malaysia! Salah seorang vokalis lelaki terbaik di Malaysia setakat ini.
Amy search. Kalau dapat berpeluang bertemu dan berjabat tangan dengan beliau, memang best!
Morning KAY, teringat waktu Battle Of The Band 2006 kat Penutupan Konvo UMS Sabah, saya dgn group KANAK-KANAK RIANG bawa lagu SWEET CHILD O’ MINE, SMOKE ON THE WATER & PAWANA, hihihi… saya terkejut selepas buat persembahan tu rupanya Amy ada kat sana untuk promosi album solo ‘AKU’ disusuli dgn kumpulan THE KIDS (Band muda Sabah)! Semua band (peserta) termasuk kami kat backstage bersorak WATTCHAYYALU!… Insya-Allah kalau dipanjangkan umur, saya ingin nyanyi duet bersama beliau (Amy). Saya dgn band memang happy sangat! Tapi pihak UMS Sabah tidak pula menyiarkan battle tu kat website mereka? Hmm… apa boleh buat…
Azmi- Cool man! Apa nama band korang and masih aktif kah kamu semua?
Afternoon Kay, line-up band ‘Kanak-kanak Riang’ tu hanya untuk Battle Of The Band UMS ja. But, each of the members in the band has their own group band. We join the Battle only for fun. But I’m proud because in Sabah, we do have plenty of good musician as well as singers (don’t get me wrong if you think we’re selfish). Me? now I’m playin’ with my band (BROWNSUGAR) at hotels and local pubs around Kota Kinabalu. Our latest place now is at Hyatt Hotel Kota Kinabalu (Shenanigans Pub) on every Sunday - 9.00pm to 12.30am. We just did our function with Amir Yussof at The Beach Hotel, Tanjung Aru - K.K. on the 1st June for The Harley Davidson Group. Amir is a very nice guy. If you have time to go to Sabah, please do drop by to our function place k. And maybe you can bring SEARCH band along to jam with us. Who knows…? Yeah! Keep On Rockin’!!! Err… what’s that bad comments about SEARCH anyway? Do they really listen to SEARCH songs & albums or not?… Too Light & commercial?… IRON MAIDEN, BON JOVI & bla-bla-bla… is different la, come on man…
*You guys wanna know SEARCH official site?…
surf to - DuniaSearch.com
Azmi- Bring search to KK ah.. as if they know me! hA ha.. but I would definitely look for look up your band when I swing by KK one day. Wah you jam with Amir Yussof ka? Cool man..
HOW MANY FUCKING TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU LOT THAT I AM NOT INTERESTED IN SEARCH OOR AMY EH ?. THEY ARE TOO FUCKING LIGHT AND TOO FUCKING COMMERCIAL. I PREFER IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, JUDAS PRIEST, AC/DC, MEGADEATH AND OTHER SIMILAR BANDS. I FUCKING HATE SEARCH
Afternoon Kay, thaught I saw somebody like you with two ladies at Shenanigans Pub last Sunday night! - Wou……, but naah…, mungkin pelanduk dua serupa… Maybe I’m afraid salah orang da… If it’s really you, “ala… sorry la brader”. But I’d be glad to introduce you to my band members (BROWNSUGAR)! Maybe you can surf to this website whenever you got times then - http://www.youtube.com/maharaja9ster. - “LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL!”
Aishah- Hey! Nice to have you back!
Azmi- Really? With two ladies some more? I wish that was me!! ha..ha Hey you rock dude! Can never play like that. Anyway I added you as ‘friend’ in Youtube. Awesome!
Thanks. Hope you and friends enjoy watching & listening to those music we performed. - KEEP ON ROCKIN’ DUDE!
Am I a liar ?. I said I don’t like Search or Amy didn’t I ?. I told you that a thousand times before. Don’t you believe me
Am I a liar ?. I said I don’t like Search or Amy didn’t I ?. I told you that a thousand times before. Don’t you believe me ?. I feel like a liar. I’m not interested in Search
Search stinks but Iron Maiden are great
Forget Search, Listen to the real metal bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns and Roses, Motorhead, Judas Priest, AC/DC and so on. If you like Search so much then listen to Foreigner.
Go to this website
http://www.foreigneronline.com/
Aishah: aiyaaa…GNR and ACDC are not even metal bands lah… Search plays both types: metal and hard rock.
Metallica a real metal band?
Sell out more like it, i rather listening to search and not feeling ashmed to admit it. Metallica? Lets say i stopped listening to them when “and justice for all….” was still HOT! when was that eh?
& dudette, how can you compare metal to hard rock?
please la. this scenes already littered with wanna be’s and know’s all.
search is search.
metallica as a metal band still a joke to me.
And lil miss, stop comparing local and outsiders.
For someone who keep yelling thrash. Thrash. mosh, mosh, mosh, only metallice is mentioned!
haih……
no wonder we were persecuted by sociaty, poser!
old school.
sabbat, skyclad, rigor mortis, necrodeath, death angel, kreator to name a few.
new school.
slipknot, C.O.B, C.O.F,tiamat, luca turilli,
and Metallica is your reference?
blaja jd true metalhead k dik. jgn bg malu kt otai2.
VIcky Gomes on October 22nd, 2007
Hi all, those were the good old days in the 60s- so many fabulous bands like Teenage Hunters, Strollers , Strangers,
Grim Preachers (awesome!), Trackers, Celler Hi-Five, Falcons , The Poor Boys, Heavy Machine, The Quests, The Junior Hunters etc etc.
The Sixties Music scene in UK and Malaysia & Singapore was a magical era! Anyone with photos of any of these bands pl post them here or on youtube.
( this the REAL reason why i’m here, The Legends of local’s hard/psych/prog/acid, flower power rock.)
flower power rock? hehe… ok2, i made it up.
What i know, The Strollers, Charles Tyler and October Cherries can be found in youtube n few other sites. 1 blogspot site focusing on acid/psych/prog rock even post the strollers “Is Waiting” album there.
Grim Preachers (awesome!) <( this what i’m searching now. any pointer?
Paizul- That’s out of my league. If anyone has, can also e-mail me. Can add some new info in this blog post or perhaps make a new one.
Guyrls…,I think we all should support our own local musicians lah - Lagi better… Know what? They’re ideas is not bad too… Don’t mention ’bout outsiders lah bah. Their technology is… No coment! But how about us? The best thing is just make ‘em (outsiders) as a guide for us to create more aroma in music creatively - but not their lifestyle lah bah kan?… Don’t you guys ever realize that without noticing we do have our own musicians that climbing up and probably one day could be among the best musicians in the World?! - Who knows… maybe ONE OF YOU? SHINE Guys!… Stop sabotaging each other la ‘Bongoksss’! Why NOT supporting?!… Ooops - “singgarung kupi no’ boh!” - ARAMAITIII……!
I think our techology is already good enough - the most important is the song itself. For example, I heard Sofaz’s “bukan di sini” for the first time when sung by Nubhan Af6 during the final, and was immediately captivated. That is genius songwriting, big hook, verse, prechorus, chorus etc etc.
It’s not the best execution in the world, heck, even Van Halen I’s production 30 years ago sounds better, but I didnt care.
Metallica are better than Search, That is my fucking opinion. End of discussions. At least James Hetfield can write songs while Amy Search couldn’t carry a song in a suitcase. James Hetfield can play guitar while Amy Search only sings