The certificates of achievement were handed out to the two bands by an MBOR representative at the end of the ‘Return of The Legends’ concert at Istana Budaya here last night.

Concert organiser Mohd Nasser Ismail said the recognition was given based on the two old-time bands’ contribution in pioneering a music genre in Malaysia and in still being active.

“The Strollers have created a name in the music arena since 1965 and are still actively performing, while the Blues Gang is a legendary blues band since 1973 and with no competitors still,” he told reporters after the concert.

At the concert, members of The Strollers, Blues Gang, and Lord and The Boys put up a splendid performance although many of them are in their sixties.

The concert, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations took the audience down memory lane with the groups’ hit songs like Silly Joke, Just As I Am, Apo Nak Di Kato, Mama Saya Mahu Kahwin, Khatulistiwa and Dua Insan Bercinta.

Istana Budaya director-general, Mohamed Juhari Shaarani said ‘Return of The Legends’ would be a new avenue for the cultural centre to revive the popularity of yesteryear musicians.

“After the Istana Budaya undergoes six months of renovation, we plan to give other legendary bands the opportunity to perform at this venue,” he said.