One of the major reasons why Ad. Makers has become the leading venue for rock in Soi Lang Suan is its house band – Big Boy – which for 15 years has built up a solid reputation for providing seventies soft rock covers.

While the band can supply near-perfect renditions of popular hits by the likes of Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, the Eagles, Sherbet, or Sting, you’ll also hear band members’ personal touches through the creative interpretation of particular phrases.

Attention to detail
The group is of paramount importance, so each member takes their responsibilities seriously. Drummer Kai provides dynamic rhythms while bass player Tum is unselfish, ensuring the overall sound is well balanced. Big Boy’s keyboardist Boy also takes care of the sound effects, such as the helicopter sound in Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall.

Vocalist Maan is a creative force, additionally providing guitar licks on some songs, as well as doing a good job of reaching the highs of Toto or the lower notes of Dire Straits. Lead guitarist Ad demonstrates an impressive range of playing styles, and, depending on the piece, switches between a Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson Les Paul.

Having seen Big Boy on several occasions, I guess the band’s own personal favorite is Queen’s breakthrough UK number one hit Bohemian Rhapsody since they’ve chosen to play it on every occasion. Big Boy maintains the complex, almost choral feel of the original work unlike many cover bands that avoid the challenge.

And while most of the music hails from the 1970s, don’t be surprised when, from time to time, the band delivers renditions of more modern rock hits (from the 80s and 90s) from artists such as Guns ‘n Roses.