Bangladesh’s pioneering rock ensemble Warfaze is set to commemorate 42 years since its formation with a blend of new musical releases and an ambitious tribute concert honouring global pop icon Michael Jackson. The milestone reflects over four decades of sustained influence in South Asia’s rock music landscape, even as the band prepares for a modest anniversary observance rather than a large-scale formal celebration.
Formed in the early 1980s, Warfaze will officially complete 42 years on 6 June. Although no major institutional programme has been arranged for the date, the band will perform at a privately organised concert in Dhaka on the same day. According to band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, the coincidence of scheduling has naturally shaped the day’s observance into a small, informal gathering, including a brief cake-cutting ceremony shared with fans and collaborators.
In addition to the anniversary performance, the band is preparing to release two new musical projects within the current month. One of these is a reimagined version of their 1996 classic “Kromosho” from the landmark album Jibon Dhara, reworked with contemporary instrumentation and production techniques while preserving its original emotional depth. The second release is a film soundtrack, details of which remain confidential due to production agreements.
A major highlight of their calendar is an upcoming solo concert titled “Playlist: Tribute to Originals”, scheduled for 2 July at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. The event is being organised by Brandmith and is expected to be one of the band’s most elaborate productions in recent years. The concert will feature Warfaze performing a mix of their own popular tracks alongside an extensive tribute segment dedicated to Michael Jackson, with approximately 10 to 12 of his iconic songs reinterpreted in a rock format.
Organisers emphasise that the concert aims to bridge two distinct musical legacies—international pop excellence and Bangladeshi rock heritage—on a single stage. Warfaze’s recent recognition with the Ekushey Padak has further strengthened their cultural standing, adding significance to this cross-genre presentation. The event will also feature guest musicians, contributing to a multi-layered live performance experience.
Ticket sales are expected to open shortly via online platforms, with strong anticipation among long-time fans and newer audiences alike. The current line-up of Warfaze includes Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, Palash Noor, Naim Haque Roger, Shams Monsur Goni, Samir Hafiz, and Soumen Das.
Upcoming Activities Overview
| Programme | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 42nd Anniversary Performance | 6 June | Informal celebration with a private concert in Dhaka and brief commemorative observance |
| New Music Releases | June | Reworked version of “Kromosho” and an undisclosed film soundtrack |
| Tribute Concert | 2 July | Large-scale concert featuring Michael Jackson tribute and guest performers |
Collectively, these initiatives mark a significant chapter in Warfaze’s enduring journey, reinforcing their status as one of the most influential forces in the history of Bangladeshi rock music while expanding their creative reach into new interpretive performances.