We know him as Rocky Teoh – a Taiping-born lad who loved singing and entered many talent contests. Shown here is the front cover of his album, which features two of Rocky’s famous songs: ‘There’s Always Me’ and ‘Crying In The Chapel’. Rocky and the Fabulous Falcons have performed in Cathay Organisation Theatres throughout the country; they even toured Thailand back in 1965 too!
Has anyone seen Rocky and the Falcons perform LIVE? I’m sure these boys had their fair share of screaming fan-girls (and boys too?) 😉
And to the members of the Falcons – we’d LOVE to hear from you!
I hope you like the pics I gave to Cmdr. Ian Anderson of The Fabulous Falcons and Rocky Teoh. Those pics were from my collection. Its nice to be a part of Ipohworld’s World.
Regards,
Joe Chin
The Fabulous Falcons.
Hi Joe, welcome back to our world. We are delighted that you are part of ipohWorld.
Yes we liked your photos and story so much that we put the Falcons, Drifters and Teenage Fentons all up on our database archive complete with two tracks from your records. The Fabulous Falcons link above will lead you and all our readers through the whole story.
I fervently hope Joe Chin will tell us more his Fab Falcons days. It was the craze of teenagers during the 60s.
Joe, it’s a delight to see those pictures of ‘The Fabulous Falcons’ and ‘Rocky Teoh’ again. Thanks for another jab of nostalgia, bringing back fond memories of the live performances like ‘Musical Express’ etc. that made our day during those teenage years. You and the ‘gang’ were indeed cultural icons of our hometown in the good old days!
Those who are interested in Rocky Teoh’s songs, can visit YouTube and search on Rocky Teoh for his songs. You can also go to JoeWuSeattleWaUSA to get the songs of local singers from the past which may not be able elsewhere. On the question of Elvis, H.T. Long is the other Elvis of Malaysia. Then, of course, there is Keith Lock & the Quests of Singapore who sang “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied). I had the pleasure of hearing him in person in Singapore in 1964. These are songs which are no longer available except on YouTube. Remember Naomi… Read more »
I still remember meeting Rocky Teoh, the lanky heavy smoker, living in one of the shop houses along Theatre Road, not far from the heritage Peace Hotel. Probably his family members still live at the shop house in Taiping.
Joe Chin,when you guys were fab I was only in primary school,so I was a bit too late to follow your exemplary exploits. I followed your old blog about your group & was always intrigued by your ex-drummer nicknamed ’13’.He died tragically in late 60s & was featured in a newspaper article ‘The day the music died’. Before he died, he led a life of a ragamuffin & slept in the streets. As I said I was too young to know what was happenening, I did remember this. In the mid 60s,as a child of 10, I walked up close… Read more »
Rosebud, your description rang a bell in my memory. Now I can’t help visualizing seeing this poor guy on the streets of Ipoh. He was of medium height, young, dirty and his hair caked with dirt. Never knew he was formerly a performer.
Yes, Christopher Chong aka 13 was one of the most talented drummers. He died from being knocked down by a car in the late 70s or early 80s. He was from St. Michael’s Institute, Ipoh.
Christopher Choong, more affectionately known as ‘Sub Sarm’ (Cantonese word for thirteen) to his relatives, friends and associates, came from a large Teochew family. Ever wondered why he acquired that unique name? That was because he was the 13th kid in the house! One of his older brother was our family friend and some of his nephews nieces were my childhood buddies. As a musician, ‘Sub Sarm’ was a natural. He was creative and charismatic, a born entertainer who reveled in making music. To this day, no one really knows why his promising career came to an abrupt end or… Read more »
If I remember Sub Sarm started out as the lead guitarist for the band. I’m sure I saw him at the YMCA hall on lead guitar playing midnight express. Then he took up the drums and Thomas Ham became the lead guitarist – in my opinion he was the “better” (flashier guitarist). Of course Thomas was also a good guitarist, just different – maybe melodic than 13. I used to own all their records – listening to them you’ll notice a change in the playing style. Please correct me if I’m wrong afterall its almost 50 years ago.
Indeed, the years have not been kind to our fading memory but as far as I can remember, the two of them were outstanding musicians in their own right. The difference in their personalities were rather obvious and it shows in the style of their performance on stage. Thomas Ham was an Andersonian who was a couple of years my senior and I remember seeing him participate in our school’s Talent Time Competition on numerous occasions. He went on to pursue his music education in Boston’s Berklee College of Music, acknowledged as the world’s largest independent school of contemporary music.… Read more »
Thomas Ham is back in Malaysia for Cheng Beng & met his Andersonian friend Darren Teh & they have a lot to catch up after 52 years. Got his contact via his brother, Kenny Ham ( The Drifters) & another contact from Ipoh Echo. Thomas also met some of his RTM friends. What a way to relive the memory of The Fabulous Falcons. The Hams were staying in New Pasir Puteh & they were also my neighbours. They have another younger brother Albert Ham who was my schoolmate in NTPS -Jalan Pasir Puteh. I met Kenny & Albert Ham in… Read more »
Darren Teh informed me that one of his childhood friend from St Michael Institution & a member of The Fabulous Falcon, Michael Ho Chung Meng, used to cycle to Lot 32630, Jalan Idris, Greentown to meet his classmate. Seripala Abeysekera. Michael taught them Ukelele which is gaining popularity now. Michael left the band & joined RTM followed by Thomas Ham much later. Regretfully, Darren lost the chance of meeting Michael in Ipoh as he passed on in 2014. RIP Michael Ho.
Great to catch up with our legendary musician & maestro, Thomas Ham with Darren Teh yesterday. We have a short time with him as he was rushing to the airport.
Well, Thomas, have a pleasant trip back to Boston & wishing all the best in your musical industry in USA.