Anthems rock Darj, legends thrill TSHERING EDEN

DARJEELING, 21 Apr: “My name is Eric Martin and I want to be with you!” from the former Mr Big frontman got the crowd screaming at Darjeeling’s first ever international rock show titled ‘Anthems of Rock’ on Sunday at the Gorkha Stadium in Lebong.
Touted to be a mega event with names like Eric Martin, Robert Hart of Bad Company fame and Bobby Kimball of Toto including 1974AD of Nepal, the weather and disappointing crowd turn-out was a dampener. Kimball and 1974AD could not make it for the show, the former due to some visa hassles and the latter due to the avalanche at the Mt Everest base camp in Nepal. The chopper the band was supposed to travel in was apparently pressed into action for search and relief operations.  
Local band, Adam’s Apple filled in for 1974 AD as the opening act where the band covered popular classic rock numbers and pumped up the crowd. The crowd had to wait till 7 pm however, to see the legends they had come to see.
Robert Hart took to the stage first and belted classics like ‘Feel like making love’ and ‘Davy’s on the road again’. After his spirited performance, Martin finally got on to the stage and gave the audience what they wanted - Superfantastic, Wild world, To be with you and Daddy, brother, lover little boy amongst others. The two also jammed up for a bit to Cream’s ‘Crossroads’.
On the disappointing crowd turn-out, Hart said, “It doesn’t matter how many come for the show, they should enjoy the music. Darjeeling rocks!”
Martin highlighted on the reason behind his visit where he said that he was here to play music for a good cause. “It felt like it took forever to reach Darjeeling, with all the red tape and paper work hassles but I am happy to play for charity. I love playing for a good cause and we will party tonight!” he said.
Swedish band ‘Anthems of Rock’ was the backup band playing for Martin and Hart. “The event went off well with around 1500-2000 people attending the show even though the ticket sales were not very good”, said a member of the organizing team.
The event was funded by the Human Rights Watch, an international organization based in New York that works for the eradication of injustice and persecution throughout the world. It was organized by Canada-based Spread the Metal Records and Darjeeling-based DOM Events in association with VH1 and T2.