Iron Cross (Burmese band)

Iron Cross (Burmese: အိုင်းရင်းခရော့စ်; abbreviated as IC[1]) is a rock band in Myanmar formed by lead guitarist Saw Bwe Hmu. The current line up consists of Chit San Maung (lead guitarist), Khin Maung Thant (bass guitarist), Banyar Naing (keyboards player), and Kha Yan (drummer).[1] Iron Cross played too many studio albums of Myanmar's singers. However, Lay Phyu, Myo Gyi, Ah Nge and Y Wine[2] are long time relationships with IC who also as part with them. All the four singers are lead vocal of IC's live performance and IC always performs with them.

Iron Cross
Iron Cross band performing in May 2013
Background information
Also known as	IC
Origin	Yangon, Myanmar
Genres	Rock
Years active	1989-present
Associated acts	Lay Phyu, Myo Gyi, Ah Nge, Y Wine
Members	Chit San Maung Khin Maung Thant Banyar Naing Kha Yan
Past members	Saw Bwe Hmu

Name

Although the band was initially was named 'Holy Cross', they later changed the name to 'Iron Cross' to draw a wider audience.[3]

The band and its symbol

The symbolized logo of the band depicted as an eagle and metal cross is, in a way, similar to the Parteiadler used as Nazi party emblem. As a result, the international community, in the past, kept an eye on the band. But the lead guitarist Chit San Maung said that the band had not known the symbol was a taboo.[3]

History

Earlier periods

The band was formed in 1990.[4] Saw Bwe Hmu disbanded his former band Symphony. After a few months had passed, he formed Iron Cross with his guitar student Chit San Maung, keyboard player Banyar Naing who from Moe Thout Pan band, the former New Waves band players; bassist Khin Maung Thant and drummer Kha Yan. Early period, Saw Bwe Hmu allows his all members to play as a session player. But his best friend Dr. Ko Ko Lwin who is currently manager of IC, talk all members not to play session anymore at their meeting. In 1992, Lay Phyu came to Yangon from Taunggyi to record his first album and then he played it with IC. Emergence of Lay Phyu made the band to success and they all rose to fame. Later, Lay Phyu's brother Ah Nge joined and then Y Wine. Myo Gyi, the guitar student of Chit San Maung who is the last one joined to IC. All the four are going as solo career with IC but at the live show performance, they all perform together.

2008 to present

In spite of a local band, they also toured some countries like United states, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and a few European countries to entertain the Burmese community living there, or to fundraise for charities.

In 2008, they participated in a big event held in Japan, performing with different bands of ASEAN countries. In the same year after Cyclone Nargis, they staged a show, which entertained five thousand people, the largest number that has ever come to a music show till 2008. $ 100,000 could be fundraised for the victims of the storm-hit areas.

In 2010, a live concert was held at Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

In 2015, they raised funds for Aung San Suu Kyi's Education Foundation, staging a music performance.[3]

Band members

Current members

• Lead guitar — Chit San Maung (1989–present)
• Bass guitar — Khin Maung Thant (1991–present)
• Keyboard — Banyar Naing (1991–present)
• Drums — Kha Yan (1991–present)

  • Additional

• Lead vocals, Backing vocals, Percussion - Lay Phyu, Ah Nge, Myo Gyi, Y Wine
• Manager — Dr. Ko Ko Lwin

Former members

• Saw Bwe Hmu - lead guitar (1989–1994 his death)

References

1. Nyein Chan May (3 June 2015). "Iron Cross Myanmar rocker Ah Nge to perform solo show". The Myanmar Times. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
2. Yangonlife, "YWine is spelt in the band's official ad."
3. Maskay, Yuko. "The Sounds of Iron Cross". MYANMORE. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
4. O’Connor, Brennan (14 January 2013). "Iron Cross, Burma's Biggest Band, Rocks Mae Sot". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 22 May 2017.