Hold on to your hats, music lovers, because Kuala Lumpur just experienced a night of pure sonic bliss! The Al McKay Allstars, those musical magicians, descended upon the Mega Star Arena in Sungei Wang Plaza on 12th November and unleashed a whirlwind of greatest hits by Earth, Wind & Fire. It was a time machine set to “funky town,” and trust me, nobody wanted to get off!
The night kicked off with a soulful explosion of talent, courtesy of the amazing Halida Ramlee. Her powerful vocals set the stage for an evening of pure magic with Sheila Majid’s timeless piece, “Sinaran”. Then, the lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and BAM! The Al McKay Allstars emerged, radiating an energy that ignited the entire arena.
Now, music enthusiasts would surely know Earth, Wind & Fire. They’re legends! Their music has been the soundtrack to countless lives, and Al McKay, the mastermind behind many of their biggest hits, is basically a musical superhero. And when the unmistakable intro to “September” echoed through the hall? Forget about it! The place erupted. It was a sea of pure joy, with everyone united in a symphony of singing and dancing. You couldn’t help but move to that infectious beat!
But this wasn’t just a greatest hits jukebox. Oh no, the Al McKay Allstars brought the fire (pun intended!), breathing new life into every song with their incredible musicianship. The energy was electric, the visuals were dazzling, and the whole experience was so immersive, you practically felt like you were on stage with the band. Lead vocalist Tim Owens, the man with the golden pipes, poured his heart and soul into every word. He even gave a shout-out to the Malaysian crowd with a heartfelt “terima kasih,” which, let’s be honest, is the easiest way to melt Malaysians’ hearts.
The night was a rollercoaster of emotions, with every song hitting us right in the feels. “Serpentine Fire” had us feeling the heat, “Shining Star” had us reaching for the heavens, and when “Fantasy” kicked in? Forget about it! The place went absolutely bonkers. It was a beautiful, chaotic symphony of pure joy. I even saw one of my favourite celebrities – Datuk Chef Wan grooving to the beat unreservedly.
This leads us to the crowd – a shout-out to the fashionistas who showed up in full retro regalia! I know I saw platform shoes, enough sequins to blind a disco ball, and some wigs that threw me back to the 70’s. It’s not a surprise, we all know Kuala Lumpur knows how to party in style!
But the night wasn’t over yet! Oh no, there was more magic in store. The encore brought the house down with “Boogie Wonderland” (my personal favourite of all time) and “Let’s Groove.” It was an explosion of pure energy, no one can sit still anymore, with everyone on their feet, lost in the rhythm. As the final notes faded, the Al McKay Allstars left the stage to a thunderous ovation. They had taken us on a journey through time, rekindling the magic of Earth, Wind & Fire and leaving us breathless with excitement.
This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience. It was a testament to the power of music that transcends generations, to bring people together, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. I may be born in the 80’s but I can sure get on with the songs of Earth, Wind & Fire over and over again.
And the best part? It was all in support of Badan Amal Kasih Sayang (BAKASA), a testament to the power of music to inspire and to give back. YM Dato’ Indera Tun Putera Muhammad Abu Bakar Bin Dato’ Munir, Yang Di Pertua of BAKASA, summed it up perfectly: “Thank you Milestone Production for sharing centerstage with Badan Amal Kasih Sayang. Our patrons and generous donors had a brilliant night unwinding to the timeless sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire in the name of charity!”