Artcell frontman, Lincoln, didn't even have to sing 'cos the audience was doing it for him. It was one of the best moments of the show. After the first three songs by Artcell, the first video message of the night was shown on the screen (again, couldn't hear ANYTHING because of the cheering) and members of Cryptic Fate joined them on stage. They started with a Cryptic Fate track 'Cholo Bangladesh' and then did a rendition of 'Bhul Jonmo' and the frontman, Shakib, lead the crowd in a “Happy Birthday” song to Artcell. Next up with the band were members of Rockstrata followed by Jewel from X-Factor who performed a song called 'Rupok' dedicated to the memory of the late Artcell lyricist, Torikul Islam Rupok. Shumon 'Bassbaba', from Aurthohin, joined the band next and did a couple of songs ending with Poth Chola, an Artcell classic. Mechanix replaced them on stage and performed 'Dhrubo Shor'. They also paid a VERY lenghty tribute to Bangladesh's rock music scene with a medley of songs from Azam Khan, Miles, Bacchu, James, Warfaze, Artcell, Powersurge, Aurthohin and one of their own.
Artcell came back on stage with Romel on keyboards and they did Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' (again in memory of Rupok), Metallica's 'The Unforgiven' and 'Tomake'. Reborn followed, after setting up for what seemed like a bajillion years, with an Artcell tribute of 'Odekha Shorgo' and a Warfaze tribute of 'Ekti Chele'.
Powersurge got up next and stole the show with their incredible performances of Artcell's 'Rahur Grash', Jame's 'Sultana Bibiani' and their own 'Mitther Aggroshon'. This was the last Dhaka show for Powersurge guitarist Samir Hafiz, one of the best in the business. The band dedicated their performance to Artcell as well and Samir and thanked him for the wonderful year and the journey they shared together. Samir also had a very emotional moment up on stage while thanking his devoted fans. 'Bangladesh is losing one of its best guitarists.' says a sad Powersurge fan. Samir, we all love you and will miss you very very much. Come home soon! The legendary Warfaze came next and following them was Feedback who performed one of their own songs 'Shunina Purono Diner Oi Gaan' and the Artcell version of Nazrul Sangeet 'Kandari Hushiyar'. Miles, singing 'Sriti Sharok' and 'Shopnobhongo', was the last band to join Artcell on stage.
Artcell ended the show with 'Aniket Prantor' and thanked the fans for a great 10 years. A video of 'Pathor Bagan' an Artcell track was screened along with mini video messages to and from the bands performing with them throughout the concert. Overall, performance-wise, the show was immensely successful with every band giving us all an unforgettable show. However, the same could not be said for the organizing: there seemed to be a lot of technical difficulties (during Mechanix's tribute, the sound kept failing) and then there was the whole Bengali tradition style wait at the start. The concert was supposed to start at 3:30 but ended up hitting it off at 5:52. During this whole wait, the audience actually had to stand waiting for Artcell to finally get on stage. The '10 years of Artcell Insanity' show credits go to ConcitoPR, Spotlight Events Management and Game Theory, with Media Partner Radio Foorti and, of course, the band.
Congratulations Artcell on ten years of progressive rocking out. May you continue to record and perform your extensive songs for another 10 more successful years!!
