He was at one time the frontman of a popular band until he fell from grace due to substance abuse but Ari Lasso cleaned up his act and is rocking again. RADIN SRI GHAZALI has the story.

HE was riding high in his career between 1996 and 1999 with Indonesian rock band Dewa 19. But his life turned topsy-turvy due to drug dependency and financial problems.

But in 2001, the singer and former lead vocalist of Dewa 19, Ari Lasso, reclaimed his rightful throne as one of Indonesia’s best male singers.

“I needed a wake-up call and it happened. My mum’s death in 2000 was what shook me up and made me want to turn my life around,” he said during his visit to Kuala Lumpur to promote his latest album Best of Ari Lasso and for a performance at Planet Hollywood, recently.

“I was touring with Slank and Gigi at the moment when I received a phone call from my dad. He said: ‘Ari, it is time for you to come back. She does not have long to live’,” continued the singer.
Ari’s mother finally succumbed to cancer on Dec 18, 2000.

After her death, the singer went into drug rehabilitation.

“I was officially drug free on May 1, 2001,” said the 35-year-old singer.

“All great men will have their downfall before reclaiming their glory. I had to go through that in order to be the man I am today.”

It is reported that due to his drug-related problems, Dewa 19 leader Ahmad Dhani asked Ari to leave the group in 1999.

“My departure from the band did not lead to my disappearance as a singer. I am thankful that I was able to build my name and reputation as a solo singer despite leaving Dewa 19,” said Ari who was replaced as the frontman by Once, who hails from Surabaya.

The singer said he and the band members remain friends.

“We departed on good terms. In fact, Dhani constantly gives me samples of Dewa 19’s latest tracks. He even composed a few songs for me including Rahasia Perempuan,” he said.

Ari also does backing vocals on several of Dewa’s tracks including Roman Picisan.

Ari later attained success as a solo singer with his debut album entitled, Sendiri Dulu in August 2001. The album spawned numerous hits including Penjaga Hati and his first single, Misteri Illahi.

“I am thankful that fans were there to support me. No matter how good you are as a singer, you must have great songs to back you up,” said Ari regarding his comeback.

The singer later produced three more studio albums including Keseimbangan and Selalu Ada.

Due to his rise to fame, numerous composers such as Erwin Gutawa, Melly Goeslaw, Piyu of Padi and even Dhani worked with him and hailed Ari as one of Indonesia’s best male singers.

Despite being huge in the Indonesian scene, Ari keeps himself grounded when it comes to the Malaysian market.

“I am aware that I am not that widely known here but I am pleased that my songs are slowly gaining listenership,” he said.

The singer has already performed thrice in Malaysia for concerts including Pesta Malam Indonesia 2006.

“Most of them were special appearances with Dewa. But I was thrilled that I got a chance to play at Planet Hollywood,” he said regarding his first solo performance in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the poor turnout, Ari plans to penetrate the Malaysian market.

“I don’t mind the number but I am pleased with the enthusiasm showed by the audience. I am a performer and my job is to perform, regardless of the circumstances,” he said.

The showcase is also seen as a test for the singer before gearing up for Pesta Malam Indonesia 2 on Aug 16.

“I will be playing for 45 minutes. Hopefully, people would see me more as a solo performer,” he said.

What a comeback

IT was indeed a pleasant sight to see Ari Lasso overcoming the shadow of Dewa 19.

Even though the venue was not filled by fans (a far cry from Dewa 19’s performance two years ago that was jam packed with fans), Ari showed his professionalism and carried on brilliantly.

Accompanied by a five-piece band, Ari started off his first solo showcase with his song, Mengejar Matahari, the soundtrack to a movie of the same name starring Fauzi Baadila and Winky Wiryawan.

Later, the crooner belted out Cinta Buta followed by his latest single, Mana Kutahu, which will be released in Malaysia next month.

The peak of the showcase was when the singer sang his biggest hit, Pengaja Hati.

He also took the opportunity to pay respect to his old band by singing a medley of songs, including Kangen and Elang.

To give the show a Malaysian feel, the singer invited Nita of Malaysian Idol 2 fame to duet on Aku dan Dirimu.

Ari who met Nita on Facebook came away impressed with her talent.

After an hour of performing, Ari closed his set with his first hit ever as a solo artiste, Misteri Illahi.

Kudos to Ari and hopefully he will give twice the energy in Pesta Malam Indonesia 2.