Red Ribbon Super Band Contest ends with Nightmares

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 13 Feb: Even the cold winter drizzle, freezing weather and erratic power supply in the capital of the state for almost an hour failed to dampen spirits here at the finals of the first Red Ribbon Super Band Contest held at TNA ground here yesterday. Rock enthusiasts and head bangers in large numbers converged here at the venue to mark their participation and standing witness to a competition of this scale organized by various NGOs in collaboration with the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society.
Out of the 63 bands from all the four corners of the state that participated in the competition, which lasted for around three months, five of the best bands rocked it here against each other in a “tight” finish for the top spot last evening.
Taking the top spot in what can be called one of the biggest rock fests the state has witnessed in recent years, were Gangtok based rock outfit, Nightmares who enthralled all including the judges with their rock n’ roll antics. The youngsters belted out three numbers including their own rendition of Roy Orbison’s ‘Pretty Woman’ all in the tune of legendary rock hall of famers, AC/DC.
The Nightmares won the much deserving  prize money of Rs.1lakh after their performance which was last in the line of other great bands like death metal fanatics, Damagera also of Gangtok who through their version of ‘Happy Metal’ won accolades to bag the second prize that had a cash award of Rs.50,000. The third spot was captured by Namchi based trash metal band, Death Squad which was also one of the only bands to emerge from the South district to compete in the finals. The metal heads won themselves some great appreciation along with a cash prize of Rs.30, 000.  
The results were based on the compilation of votes by audience (20%) who voted online and also at the TNA grounds & performance adjudged by the Judges that had marks (80%).
Such was the mood at the finals where everyone had their votes and their ‘war cries’ in support ready every time the names of their favourate bands were announced. There was disappointment for some bands like top performing bands from Gangtok like Fuzzy Logic and Juke Box who had won many hearts throughout the competition. However, the declaration of the top spots today did not hurt any sentiments because the judges did an excellent job and did not leave any area where anyone could question their credibility. The best of the best bands and the best performers of the day won in the end!
The day was also special in its own way since it was also a day that was marked to pay tribute to the rocker and pioneer from Sikkim, Steven Namchyo who passed away recently. The late rock n roller who has his talent imprinted on everyone who grew up with his music was one of the few rock stars from Sikkim who made an identity that talent did exist in this tiny Himalayan state. He was also one of the first persons from Sikkim to make his name recognized in the rock circuit of the country winning him great recognition and accolades till the day he passed away leaving behind an era! Guest Bands who performed paying their tribute to the late rocker were veteran and a legend in his own, Lou Majaw from Shillong, the one and only Still Waters from Gangtok, Route 66 a band where Steven has left his imprint and Dissected Soul a rock outfit from Darjeeling.
Two bands; Wonder Call & Fluid Dream Escape from Gangtok shared the 'Steven Namchyo Red Ribbon Band Memorial Award': Prize money Rs. 10,000/- which was an award which was kept to pay tribute to Late Steven Namchyo & also to encourage the upcoming talents.
The chief guest for the show was N.K. Pradhan, Minister HRDD & Sports & Youth Affairs with Karma Bhutia, Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs as the special guest, Dr. J. J.D. Pradhan, Director, Health Care, Govt. of Sikkim was also present as a guest at the concert.
All in all the event was a grand success with the message of an HIV/AIDS free state disseminated amongst the targeted audiences, the organizers deserve all commendation as they pulled off what could be an event with could always backfire with the involvement of youth in a rock n roll environment, always considered events where police had to intervene. The concert went of fluidly without any glitches except the power failing in between. The event was also special in its own way since this is also one of the few rock events which has advocated the message that one does not need drugs and alcohol to play or enjoy rock!! Kudos to the entire team! A job well done!