A new beginning for…The Gypsies

As 2021 draws to an end, I had some interesting news coming my way. Yes, The Gypsies plan to make their presence felt, in the music scene, in a big way…in 2022.

With the sudden demise of the group’s livewire, the legendary Sunil Perera, in September, this year, many were wondering whether the group would be in a position to continue…without their star attraction.

Sunil’s brother, Piyal, who has now taken over the leadership, wasn’t negative, in his thinking. He knew it would be tough going without Sunil, but the initial stages have worked out quite encouragingly for the group.

Their first outing, on stage, after Sunil’s death, was satisfactory, but Sunil’s presence was certainly missed, he said. And, that’s obvious….

“There is no way we can continue to follow the Sunil Perera tradition, where The Gypsies are concerned. We have got to do it differently and that is what we have mapped out for 2022,” said Piyal.

“We plan to give The Gypsies a new look, but our repertoire will continue to include all the songs made popular by Sunil.’

Piyal will be in the vocal spotlight, with the rest of the members supporting him.

There is also a possibility of The Gypsies operating, in the future, with another male vocalist, added to the present line-up, “but we have no plans, whatsoever, to revive Sunil’s golden era with imitators, look-alike, etc. That era has ended for us, as Sunil can never ever be replaced,” said Piyal.

During the festive season, The Gypsies were seen in action at quite a few club and company events and Piyal indicated that he was happy the way everything went.

The Gypsies will not be doing the 31st night scene, this year, though, but Piyal will be featured as a guest artiste, with the band OiC, at a New Year’s Eve event, in Colombo.

Although Sunil Perera is no more with us, his voice will continue to be heard, via unreleased material…the late singer dabbled in before Covid came into his scene.

One particular song is titled ‘Gallu Para’ (Galle Road) and this particular song Sunil was very keen to release, with a video, as well.

When he showed signs of recovery, from Covid, he indicated to Piyal that they need to release ‘Gallu Para,’ with a concert, to back up the release. Unfortunately, Sunil’s wish didn’t materialise.

However, Piyal is now working on the track, along with an animated video.

Describing what ‘Gallu Para’ is all about, Piyal said that Sunil takes us along Galle Road – from Galle Face, in Colombo, to the Galle Fort, in Galle – describing what he sees, along the way, in song!

And, with Sunil, at the controls, music lovers could look forward to something hilarious…the Sunil Perera way!