By V. Sivaji
This article aims to take readers on the nocturnal trip of the entertainment scene that rocked Ipoh in the Eighties, Nineties till mid 2000s.
It is hoped that the narrative will bring fond memories for those seen partying in the dynamic era.
Starting with the Apple Jam which was located along Ali Pitchay, it used to be the “in place” for those wanting a great night out. There was also the popular tea dance for regulars.
They featured live bands alternating with talented deejays. One of them was DJ KT Pillay who took up deejaying on weekends at the outlet.
“These were the old school days where the music was played on cassette and turn tables. I remember that I could not work there for too long as my father wanted me to focus on studies. On my leaving, I recall DJ Louis took over my place there,” said Pillay.
(Philip (centre) at one of his gigs)
Another nightspot during the era was the El-Amigo where DJ Albert Ng featured. Similar to Apple Jam it was a popular spot for party goers.
Other nighspots during these times were at the Titiwangsa – the likes of Basement and later Billabong located in the lower floor, upstairs was the Lain Quarters and later became the Shuttle Eight Disco.
“The Shuttle Eight Discomade a reputation for installing Apogee speakers which were worth RM80,000 each and also the SGM moving heads. The installation was all done by Designer Music. The outlet was also listed among the top nightspots in Asia,” said veteran musician Philip Justin who was also the soundman and manager with Designer Music.
Philip also ventured into deejaying at Tambun Disco but mostly he performed with numerous bands in the city.
There was also the Garden Club in Canning Garden where DJ Ralph and DJ Harry worked on turntables.
The Tambun Inn Discotheque and the Surf Disco Kampar Road were also popular then.
Among the popular night spots located in hotels were the Palm Groove Disco at the Casuarina Hotel. The outlet was designed and operated by Juliana’s of London. It was packed with great lighting system, mirror balls, moving heads, strobe lights and a whole lot of vinyl records.
Among the deejays who performed there were DJ Shah, DJ John Sham, the late DJ James Kennedy and DJ Silvester.
The unique feature of the club was it had the only sunken dance floor and a cool island bar in town. These were times when guests used to take pride in dressing up to step out for the night in style. Over at the hotel’s lobby was the Ascot Lounge with a live band too.
Late 2019, a Retro Night gathering was held at the now Impiana Hotel’s ballroom reminiscent of the Palm Groove Disco organized by the writer and K T Pillay.
The Excelsior Hotel used to have its Excelsior Club where DJ Sunny Mavi, DJ Jim, DJ Max and DJ Alan Bligh played there. At the hotel lobby was the Dulang Coffee House with a live band. Many beauty pageants were also held at the Excelsior Disco. Nearby was the Goucho nightspot.
Over at the nearby Syuen Hotel, the Car Disco packed weekends with party goers. Later on, the Sports Bistro also featured at the hotel.
(From left DJ John Sham, the writer, DJ James and Palm Groove manager Mat Noor)
“The old Odeon theatre was converted into the Rainbow City night spot for a while. I played in the live band for the late gig,” added Philip.
Then there was the Trench Disco featuring live bands and good music along with the Eastern Hotel’s Rendezvous Coffee House featuring a local live band. For those patronizing the Coliseum Club due mention is needed here.
The Ritz Garden Hotel rooftop coffeehouse also showcased Filipino live bands which kept the nights swinging. Hotel manager Stanley Yap was the familiar face there.
Around this time, the night scene began to spread out to locations like Ipoh Garden South and Ipoh Garden East.
Among the venues in Ipoh Garden South were the likes of the Stable Pub and later the Party Box where DJ Damian Nagalingam along with his brother DJ Jude used to spin and also the Mixx Club where DJ Camy Kumar played.
Another popular nightspot in the area was the Sid’s Tavern featuring local band, Supernova. The Scotch Pub needs a mention although it was a restaurant but a very popular one in the area.
It is also noteworthy to recall the Cowboy’s Inn (previously Logger’s Inn) nearby where Country and Western music and food was the order of the day with feet stomping C&W music.
Meanwhile, DJ K T Pillay later featured at the Time Zone Disco in Ipoh Garden East which packed anyone and everyone. Other popular night spots there were Locomotive, Houz, Katipo and Barbeza to name a few.
Deejays in the likes of DJ Login, DJ Spike, DJ Saysoo, DJ Danial, DJ Raj, DJ Albert, DJ Soulrocka mastered their trade in this area.
More deejays we cam recall are DJ Kenny Sinha, DJ Patrick T, DJ Mickey and DJ Maverick Teh.
