Terry Thaddeus (1947-2003), the lead guitarist of a Malaysian multiracial band called The Hunters. The band was featured in Studio Merdeka's 1968 film "Lain Jalan Ka-Shorga" (The Other Path to Heaven).
Terry Thaddeus (right) and his band The Hunters in the film Lain Jalan Ka-Shorga.
"Menchari Pasangan" = "Finding A Partner"
"Musim A-Go-Go" = "The A-Go-Go Season"
In 1963, Thaddeus and his schoolmates from the prestigious St. John's
Institution in Kuala Lumpur formed a band originally called The Teenage
Hunters. The band consists of Thaddeus himself as the lead guitarist,
Peter Ghouse as the rhythm guitarist, Jimmy D'Oliverio
as the bassist, Roland Foong as the drummer and Lawrence Dragon as the
keyboardist. After winning the 1964 Beatles' competition, they managed
to cut a few records with instrumental hits under Life Records in 1965.
The young Terry Thaddeus (left) during his teenage years.
Note: "Merwill" is the combination of the name of Thaddeus' parents, Mearle and Willie Thaddeus.
Following the success of these recordings, the band was assigned to
accompany other singers, particularly during the pop yeh yeh era. Since
members of the band has become young adults by this time, they simply
called themselves The Hunters.
Among the recording work by Terry Thaddeus and The Hunters.
Sputnik Archive 166 Sha-La-La Juwita Abdullah Chik & The Hunters (Malaysia 60s Malay Soul Beat 1967)
Translation:
"Sha La La Juwita" = "Sha La La Juwita"
"Puteri Kayangan" = "A Princess from The Heaven"
"Sejak Bertemu" = "Since We Met"
"Chari Ganti" = "Finding A Replacement"
"Gelisah" = "Anxious"
"Ayam Didek" = "Young Chicks"
"Mari Ke Mari" = "Come Here"
"Duniaku" = "My World (Il Mondo)"
In the early 1970s, Thaddeus began to join other bands and began a
series of performances in both overseas nightclubs, including Singapore,
Thailand and Australia. Due to his superb guitar skills, he was given
the moniker Jimmy Hendrix of Asia. On of the bands
which he joined was another Malaysian multiracial band called The
Strollers. In 1973, he recorded his own singing for the first time with
them.
Terry Thaddeus (squatting) with The Strollers in this 1973 EP.
With his experience in the entertainment industry, he played multiple
roles, including as composer for advertisement jingles and album
producer.
A 1996 album by a Malay heavy metal band called Search, featuring Terry Thaddeus as a co-producer.
Nevertheless, he continued to perform onstage and record songs, mostly for charity causes.
Terry Thaddeus died in 2003 of cancer. His son, Mark, inherited the former’s talent in guitar playing.
Terry Thaddeus in his golden age.
The pop yeh yeh music, while being filled with Malay lyrics and vocals,
was also being played by non-Malay musicians. This shows that
Malaysians, regardless of their race and faith of beliefs, remain united
in preserving the quality of music to be enjoyed by
all listeners. It is evident that music is a universal language that
continues to unite mankind, as P. Ramlee (1929-1973) used to say, “The
work of art is the work of God.”
Ghaz, KL
Credit to:
1. Radio & Television of Malaysia
2. Merdeka Film Studio
3. Life Record
4. Sputnik Rekordz
5. BMG/Go Search
6. The Star
7. John Thaddeus
8. Mark Thaddeus
9. Billy Ong
10. Imran Ibrahim
11. Nostalgia Hassny
12. Madey Radio Klasik
13. Geronimo
14. The rest who contributed their materials on Terry Thaddeus online.
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