My first George Peter experience was at Talentime .. Cochin Univesity’s talent competition.. in 93.. or maybe 94, when I was one of the “judges” for the rock competition. Well it was Kerala in the 90’s, a time when most bands that played in the competition were true amateurs.

But this one had two talented bands, which is more than one can ask for. One was an over-the-top act known as “Dreadlocks” who were loud and wild, playing such covers as “Enter Sandman” by Metallica to great effect. The other band was more low-key.. but definitely smooth.

I was very much impressed by the guy who did double duty on the vocals and base, his hair under control in a neat little pony tail. The bass playing was what caught the eye, the way he effortlessly used the “slap” technique, still kind of a novelty in the area.

I gave them highest grade and was expecting them to easily win.. However to my dismay, it was Dreadlocks that carried the day. Little did

I know that the young bass player would make great strides since then, going on to be the lead vocals for 13 AD, one of the greatest rock bands India has ever produced and also chart successes in movies, lyric writing and composing. Well, the only thing I can say to the other Talentime judges that voted for Dreadlocks.. “I Told You So !!”


Moody Blue