Back with new bite: Spider's acoustic set promises rock with heart this October

Malay Mail

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — For nearly three decades, Malaysian rock band Spider, whose music incorporates elements of ska (a music genre that originated in Jamaica), continues to attract new fans despite a period when its popularity briefly waned.
Appreciating their fans who have supported them for almost 30 years, this legendary band is set to rock the stage through their 'Spider Unplugged' concert at Mega Star Arena here on Oct 25.
Spider vocalist Rustam Mustafah, better known as Tam, said the unplugged concert, in acoustic format, is a long-held dream and will feature a more intimate, dynamic and energetic musical arrangement.
'It will be quite challenging for us because unplugged performances are usually done as showcases but this time we're doing it as a full-scale concert... some songs may be rearranged in joget or inang style or performed slowly with drum accompaniment.
'We'll also incorporate strings, brass and percussion by guest musicians to diversify the performance... we're elevating it to a proper full concert experience for the audience,' he said at a press conference after the concert's launch recently.
Popular for hits such as 'Phobia', 'Aladin', 'Relaku Pujuk', 'Kasih Latifah', 'Cinta Dewa Dewi' and 'Nazraku', Spider comprises Tam and Aie (drums), and two new members Iss (bass) and Pown (guitar), replacing Tony and Napie, who passed away in 2021 and 2024 respectively.
Acknowledging that the loss of the two original members had a deep impact on the band's dynamic, Tam expressed confidence in the new members' ability to carry on the legacy.
'I believe in our two new players, Iss and Pown... they bring their own unique touch. This concert will also be a way to attract the younger generation who may have discovered Spider through radio or social media.
'We want to draw in young fans. They might know our songs but have never seen Spider perform live. This is a chance for them to experience our music in its most honest form,' he said, adding the concert is organised by Naga Legend Entertainment.
As for their future plans, Tam dreams of performing in a concert with an orchestra and organising a series of tours to rural areas and higher learning institutions as part of Spider's 30th anniversary next year.
'We want to expand the band's reach to wider audiences. We believe music is more than just entertainment; it holds cultural and educational value as well,' he said.
Meanwhile, Naga Legend Entertainment representative Fandy Alias said even though many concerts have been held recently, 'Spider Unplugged' will definitely offer a different experience.
'It's been a long time since we've had a large-scale unplugged concert like this. Those who miss it will truly lose out,' he said.
Tickets are priced between RM198 and RM388 and are available at www.ilassotickets.com/spiderunplugged. — Bernama