#SHOWBIZ: Rocking for a cause: Keeping live music alive
FOR musicians who have spent decades entertaining audiences, stepping away from the stage is often easier said than done.
Malaysia's veteran musicians continue to perform well into their golden years, despite long-standing recognition gaps. The Musicians for Malaysia (MfM) Benefit Showcase 2026, titled "Rocking For A Cause," aims to celebrate 20 musicians aged 75 and above who remain active in the industry. The event, scheduled for October 10 at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, will honor these elders and raise funds for those still struggling to make a living.
Each recipient will receive a plaque commemorating their contributions to Malaysia's musical landscape. Among the honorees is 83-year-old Richard Joseph, who continues to perform as a busker. The showcase will also pay tribute to Olie, a member of Heavy Machine who suffered a stroke, with his son joining the band for a special performance.
Another reunion is anticipated with Freedom, whose composer Royston Sta Maria will return from Australia to perform the hit song "Mulanya Di Sini." However, the event's purpose goes beyond nostalgia. MfM hopes to generate at least RM100,000 to support medical assistance, workshops for younger generations, small-scale music festivals, and performance platforms.
The organization's president, Francis Danker, suggests reopening hotel lounges as performance spaces, blending Western classics with traditional Malaysian instruments to create fusion performances. This dual purpose aims to honor the past while providing sustainable income for musicians, as traditional venues continue to disappear.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
