{
  "id": 15674830,
  "title": "Lure of old hometown too hard to resist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/lure-of-old-hometown-too-hard-to-resist",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T23:58:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/lure-of-old-hometown-too-hard-to-resist/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned performer Roger Menezes, known for his captivating \"hits and memories\" style of music blending jazz, pop, and classic rock, has returned to his homeland of Sri Lanka yet again. Menezes, who has been making frequent visits to his beloved country, will be in Colombo for a span of two weeks this month, fulfilling his commitments as a performer. His presence in the city marks his fourth trip this year, a testament to the enduring pull of his old hometown.\n\nOne of the highlights of Menezes' visit is a performance at Broadway Dehiwela, where he will celebrate the venue's second anniversary on the 24th of this month. It's a chance for the legendary musician to pay homage to his roots, as he was the first artiste to take the stage at Broadway's opening night. However, Menezes' time in Sri Lanka isn't limited to this single event. In December, he plans to return for another performance, accompanied by a pre-New Year's Eve celebration at the Broadway.\n\nBeyond his musical endeavors, Menezes also cherishes the chance to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka, particularly the tranquil landscapes away from the bustling city life of Colombo. Known as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's musical heritage, Menezes' career dates back to the vibrant '60s and '70s, when he was an integral part of the country's music scene, playing with iconic bands like The Savages, Thunderbirds, Fireflies, and The Jetliners. He also fronted his own group, Roger and the Webs, and later founded successful corporate and event bands Eastern Spice and Stay Tuned in Australia.\n\nIn Australia, Menezes led Stay Tuned for five consecutive New Year's Eve parties at Sydney's Centrepoint Tower, a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive in various musical environments. Today, he is widely celebrated for his versatility, performing as a one-man orchestra, adept at vocals, keyboards, guitar, saxophone, and drums. His return to Sri Lanka reaffirms his deep connection to his homeland, a place he continues to explore and appreciate on each visit.",
  "summary": "Lanka was his homeland, and now it’s Australia, based in Sydney. But for legendary performer Roger Menezes, the lure of his old hometown is just too hard to resist — and he keeps coming this way, ever so often! Roger is in town at the moment — his fourth trip for this year alone! In […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}