In the early nineties, the average Bengali youth was restless with the farcical social - political system, the apprehensions of globalization and a sense of alienation.
Every initiation, most certainly, is derived from a need - a need to improve the existing state. We were no exception.
Circa 1990, the music scene in Bengal was a complete contrast to the present one. We had to satisfy ourselves by taking pride
in the music composed much before we were born. The youth was unable to identify with the contemporary music of the time and
we also experienced the same emotions.
Moreover, the average Bengali was not used to the idea of Bangla rock. A very small percentage of the mass would listen to rock
music which was essentially in the English language. There was also a severe lack of identification with the local music culture
which was only doing English rock music. This led to a sense of dissatisfaction, leaving the youth disoriented and confused.
Some hope had to germinate...
Or rather, a statement - Bold and emphatic! By the youth and for the youth…
Thus, "CACTUS", an outfit that catered to the thirsty youth, was born. We derived our name from the fact that the music scene was
then devoid of life as in a desert. And despite the odds, like a cactus, we survived...
Cactus was formed way back in 1992. Inspired by the likes of DEEP PURPLE, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN and many others,
we started the journey with the purpose of doing rock n' roll in a language closer to our soil, thereby expanding our vistas and
erasing all existing limitations. Cactus went on to become the first ever professional Bangla rock band.
The professional debut of the band saw the light of the day on 6th March, 1993 at Aban Mahal (CLT), Kolkata
In 2003, for the first time in the history of Bangla music, a Bangla rock band was associated with a Bengali movie titled 'NIL NIRJONE'.
Cactus composed and performed all the songs in the movie along with a bit of acting thrown in.
In October 2004 the second album of Cactus titled 'RAJAR RAJA' was released by ASHA AUDIO.
Along this journey we had to part ways with many of our friends for different reasons - some personal, some not. However, we also
made many new friends who have helped evolve the sound of Cactus.
In October 2008 the third album of Cactus titled TUCCHO' was released by ASHA AUDIO.
We have done over 2000 shows since we started and the journey towards the sun continues. We welcome you to be a part of this magical
journey...
More info :
? Cactus was formed in 1992.
? First performed on 6th March, 1993.
? In 1999 their "SELF TITLED" debut album was released from HMV.
? In 2003 Cactus composed and performed all the songs in the Bengali movie titled "NIL NIRJONE" and also starred as themselves in the movie.
? In 2004 their second album titled "RAJAR RAJA" was released from Asha Audio.
? In 2008 their third album titled "TUUCHHO" was released from Asha Audio
? TOURED USA in September - October 2006, performing in 8 cities including DC, HOUSTON, SEATTLE, CHICAGO, BOSTON , PITTSBURGH, ST. LOUISE & NU JERSEY...
? A rocking tour of India during Durga Puja 2007- 8 shows in 5 days in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
? TOURED USA again in September-October 2008, performing in 6 cities including LA, SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, NU JERSEY, PHOENIX and DALLAS
