Mirage is a band that needs no introduction. Formed 25 years ago, they’ve come a long way from their original six-man line up to what they are today. The band has spent a decade long stint touring the world- notably Europe and Dubai- with some members passing on and new ones being recruited. This December they celebrate 25 years of keeping their audience’s toes tapping.

Mirage’s line-up today consists of Donald Pieries on drums, Benjy Ranabahu on bass and vocals, Melantha Perera on keyboards, Shaafi, Samantha Fonseka on vocals and Manod Ratnayake on sax and keyboards. The band’s original line-up back in ’88 comprised of Donald, Benjy, Melantha, together with Kamal Perera as the lead guitarist, Hilmy Burah on sax and vocals and Cumar Peiris. The band members met while abroad. “We were playing with different bands in Europe at the time,” says Donald.

Before they knew it Mirage was an established band in the circuit with a growing fan base. The boys were living the high life in the 90s, touring Europe and playing for the entire smorgasbord of different audiences. It was around this time that their manager suggested they move into the hotel circuit in Dubai. Considering that hey were an all-male band, and those had never done well in Dubai with its penchant for pretty ladies and even prettier voices, the band decided to take the plunge and threw themselves into the circuit, and to everyone’s surprise-including their own-they were received with great acclaim. Mirage was resident with the Novotel Hotel in Dubai and in 1997 they released their own album which included the hit single ‘Why Did You Break My Heart?’

However, it takes some smarts to know when good things must come to an end which is why, in 2008, Donald and his fellow band mates decided to make the move back to Sri Lanka.

Almost as soon as they were back on the circuit in Colombo-with Benjy back in his rightful place with the band-they were offered a contract by the Galadari Hotel. While the 2010 line up also included the charismatic Derek Wickramanayake, he left in 2011 to be replaced by Shaafi. About a year back the band inducted their first ever female member Samantha Fonseka into the club. “Having a female voice in the line-up makes all the difference to our repertoire,” says Benjy.

This is why at this concert you’ll find them performing not only hits from the golden era, but some popular modern numbers as well. “It’s all about keeping up with the times,” says Donald of the band’s lasting success. For both him and Benjy Mirage is proof that bands can stick together despite what the times throw their way. “It’s pretty cool that we’ve managed to stick together for 25 years!” And as Athula Perera, who has worked closely with the guys for almost as long as they’ve been together puts it-“They’re still playing, and I’m still clapping.”

Mirage In Concert, their 25th year anniversary celebration happens on December 22 at the Grand Ballroom of the Galadari Hotel. Book your tickets now on megasale.lk.