UGLYM3N = GAYM3N

Wes Borland, one of the most well-known extra ordinary figure in the guitar scene, was here in Malaysia, as the guest judge for this year’s Yamaha Asian Beat Asia Finals in Sunway. I managed to catch up with him in both Penang and KL, talked about a number of stuff and off course, attended his clinic too, in Penang.

Wes Borland, dubbed the “monkey face” when he was in the band Limp Bizkit, always spotted in heavy make up and as he said to us in the clinic, it was like in a “trans” when he performed. That made his playing both musically and emotionally high on stage. So professional!

(6pm) arrived at Churchstreet Cafe with Chun Wei and Heng Lih. Wes was doing final sound check. JD of Pop Shuvit was handling the sound. It was nice to meet up some old friends too

(6.30pm) Already there were fans out side the cafe, thanks to LBS Music World, we were allowed to be inside before 7.30pm when the door openned. I took the chance to asked Wes about his ideas of riffing, his effect pedals selections, and what happened to Limp Bizkit. Later, Wes reminded me to ask that question again during the clinic. Wes talked about how Black Light Burns came about, which he would elaborate on it again in the show later. It happened that Suan and me again had the most questions during the show.

(7pm) 3 of us went to dinner at Penang Street, opposite my late grand mothers’s house (still remember Suan was there at the funeral some years back) We ate some really good Indian vegetarian stuff.

(7.35pm) Show starts, and as expected, all music enthusiast came in, packed to the entrance.

Wes played some songs, answered questions, and i also asked him about how he changed endorsement from Ibanez to Yamaha. Well, in short, Yamaha has more sincerity in collaborating with Wes to develop his very own guitar. According to Wes, the Yamaha signature guitar is a 5-in-1 guitar. Les Paul, Strats, Ibanez, you name it. The guitar is retailed locally at RM8,888.00

There was a small drama when an ass hole went up the stage ala party-crashing style, taking over the mike, kept saying he is from EMI KL, requesting (more of an ordering tone) Wes to play Stand By Me, so he could sing, when Wes so sportingly started the song, the ass hole asked the crowd to teach him how to sing… Shawn from Yamaha saved the day when he some how managed to get the ass hole down the stage, diplomatically.

After the show, Wes signed autograph for EVERYONE! I must say this is the first time I saw an artiste sign for EVERYONE present. He signed, drew cartoons, took photos with every one who patiently queued up from the table to the main entrance!! Thanks to LBS Music World again, we got our stuff signed earlier… kekeke….

For Uglymen

For me… thanks!

Black Light Burns is releasing their debut in June 2007. It’s worth the wait, worth the money. Get one then!

Wes rules:

http://www.myspace.com/blacklightburns

Wes is also a very talented painter:

http://www.myspace.com/wesleyborland

Wes’s effect set up, this is only used for clinic purposes, not his main set

Wes Borland Signature Yamaha guitar

JD was the man on sound

Full house

Wes openned the clinic with his unique drawing, a lucky fan got to keep it.

Wes getting ready with his band, called IPOD

Wes started to do some loopings on his Boss loop machine…

… and played to the recorded loops

Chun Wei and Heng Lih got it!

Hooi, Long, me, Jean (Glacius), Suan

Super Poseidon and Ugm

Wes drawing cartoon for Suan

All smiles after getting posters signed

Ah Foo with Wes

Wes threw this pick to the ground after the first few songs, i managed to grab it, kekeke…

Dinner time with everyone