In a matter of time, the band Born Free – whose name was inspired by the 1966 song and movie of the same name – rocked the music scene on the island.

They were booked for charity and variety shows, and began performing at Sumi’s, a popular watering hole  – now a convenience store – on Beach Street that was famed as being the “Cheers” of Penang.

Eventually, Born Free became a permanent fixture at the Captain’s Bar at the former Mandarin Hotel on Macalister Road.

The highlight of their career was opening for The Tremeloes – an English beat group whose hits include “Silence is Golden” – at the Penang City Stadium in 1971.

Over the years, the band members pursued their own careers, but they never forgot the magic they had created on stage.

Recently, lead guitarist Tony Chan returned to Penang for Qingming and learnt that Lawrence Chee, their lead singer, was suffering from early-onset dementia.

Chan, 76, then rallied his fellow bandmates to organise a reunion concert to raise funds for Chee’s treatment and medication.

The other members are drummer Garry Chee, 73, bass guitarist Nicky Teh, 75, and organist S K Quah, 72. Garry and Lawrence are brothers.

Another brother, Paul, a fellow band member, passed away a few years ago.

They last performed together in 2018 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

‘Nowhere else to be’

Despite Chee’s struggles, he appeared sprightly during a soundcheck rehearsal at Penang House of Music in Komtar Digital Mall on Saturday evening, the eve of their reunion concert.

Although he can no longer recall how to play certain chords on the guitar, the 75-year-old belted out a few ’70s pop numbers, encouraged by his bandmates.

“I had to be here jamming with my mates, nowhere else to be,” Chee said when asked how he felt coming back to the stage.

And despite having spent years apart scattered across the globe, they have not lost their groove, harmonising effortlessly – instruments and vocals – as if it were still 1968.

Yesterday afternoon, they wowed the crowd in a two-hour show with their covers, including “Silence is Golden”, “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel, and, of course, “Born Free” by Matt Monro.

The turnout was strong with 100 people in attendance, including David Arumugam and his fellow Alleycats bandmate and brother, Shunmugam “Shun Boy” Arumugam.

Meanwhile, Musician and Penang House of Music founder Paul Augustin, who granted them use of his venue, suggested that a trust fund for old working bands be set up.

“The sad truth is that nobody looks after old musicians,” he told FMT.

Apart from their music, Born Free’s reunion was a showcase of the trust and camaraderie shared by the band members. Within two hours, some RM4,000 was collected yesterday in support of Chee.

They also wish to inspire others to keep music alive for generations to come, while raising awareness about older musicians, such as themselves, who have contributed to Malaysian culture and society.

Learn more about Penang House of Music via its website and Facebook profile.