World famous bands Nazareth and Extreme to perform at ShiRock 2019

Well known Scottish hard rock veterans Nazareth and US-based rock band Extreme will be performing at the upcoming ShiRock 2019.

ShiRock is an annual rock music competition cum festival held as part of Shirui Lily Festival 2019 to be held at multiple venues in Manipur’s picturesque Ukhrul district from October 16 till the 19th.

Nazareth will perform on October 16 during the opening night of the festival while Extreme will perform on the closing day of the festival..

Both Nazareth and Extreme are likely to make their way to Ukhrul town for their respective 90 minutes non-stop shows at Bakshi ground, 80 km north of Imphal, according to sources.

Fifty one year old Nazareth which has gained international fame due to their cover of country duo Boudleaux Bryant’s ‘Love Hurts’ featured on their 6th studio album Hair of the Dog; had performed in India (Mizoram) in April 2017, reports said. However, for Extreme which was formed in 1985 is said to be their debut performance in India.

The Shirui Festival which was upgraded to a state level festival in May 2017 recognising the importance of Shirui Lily-the state flower, aims to spread awareness about the conservation of the rare pinkish white flower which resembles the shape of a bell and also “to develop and implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the State” besides promoting Ukhrul as an important tourist destination in the Northeast.

Shirui Lily found only in Shirui hill range, about 8,500 ft above sea level was declared a state flower in 1989 which was named after Jean Macklin, the wife of Dr Frank Kingdon Ward who spotted the flower in 1946. The Royal Horticultural Society, one of the world’s leading horticultural organisations honoured the Shirui Lily with its prestigious merit award at its Flower Show in London in 1948.

Hectic preparations for the festival are on after the state Chief Minister N Biren Singh chaired a review meeting with the festival’s organising committee on Oct. 1.

The festival would be opened by Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel.

(Our Correspondent)