Grand Ex
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Nakorn Vejsupaporn |
| Headquarters | Thailand |
| Products | Thai pop music albums and singles |
Grand Ex (), often presented as Grand EX', was a leading Thai pop group during the 1970s.[1] Established by Nakorn Vejsupaporn, the band originally formed under the name "Extreme" while its members were attending Borpitpimook College. They adopted the name Grand Ex in preparation for their participation in the 3rd Thai String Combo Championship.[2] Their debut single collection appeared in 1977, playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Thai pop music.[1]
Name origin
Nakorn Vejsupaporn, the band's founder, drew inspiration from his admiration for Grand Funk Railroad and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, merging elements of their names to form "Grand Experience."[3][4] This was eventually abbreviated to Grand Ex, influenced by Expo '70 held in Osaka, Japan, which was commonly branded as "EX' 70".Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
1969–1975: Formation
The origins of Grand Ex' trace back to 1969 when high school students at Borpitphimook College came together under Nakorn Vejsupaporn’s leadership as solo guitarist. The initial lineup featured Kamthorn Kunanukul on rhythm guitar, Warawut Hiranyawan playing bass, Damrong Chuencharoensuk serving as spokesperson and lead vocalist, Narong Phuek-hawharn also on lead vocals, Prasith Chaiyatho handling drums, and Sommart Thoopjinda on organ.[5]
In 1970, Grand EX' entered the student division of the Thai String Combo Championship and secured second place along with the media’s favorite award, recognized for their understated attire that stood out from other rock bands.[4][5]
After several members graduated, Vejsupaporn, Chaiyatho, and Hiranwan sustained the group’s momentum by recruiting fresh musicians. Vejsupaporn chose to prioritize band commitments over enrolling at a more prestigious university to facilitate easier rehearsals. Their performances became well-known in clubs, bars, and GI camps throughout various provinces.
By 1974, following additional personnel changes, Grand Ex evolved into a complete string combo ensemble with the addition of brass players: Chay Sangcha-um on saxophone, Sanae Supparat on trumpet, Somsak Apiwatthirakul on trombone, and Wasan Taesakul as lead vocalist.
1976–1980 : Couple Birds and Luk Thung Disco 1&2
In 1976, both bassist and co-founder Warawut along with the keyboardist departed from the band. Consequently, lead singer Wasan assumed keyboard responsibilities. Add-Thanongsak Arpornsiri joined as bassist, while Chamras Saewataporn took over as lead vocalist and chord guitarist.
The group’s first official single arrived in 1977 with Couple Birds (คู่นก), which was a Thai adaptation of the Lao tune Khard Ruk. Shortly after this release, saxophonist Chay Saeng Cha-um exited and was replaced by Panus Hirankasi.
Their 1979 studio album Luk Thung Disco fused global disco rhythms with traditional luk thung music from Thailand, significantly enhancing their acclaim. The succeeding album was a live recording captured at the Manhattan Club.
Early in 1980 saw the release of their third album titled Luk Thung Disco 2. Soon after this release, Chamras and Somsak left the ensemble; they were succeeded by Danupol Kaewkarn and Chokdee Pak-Phu as new members.
1980–1984 : Peak Period and Conclusion of the Classic Ensemble
By the end of 1980, the band’s roster consisted of Nakorn Vejsupaporn (lead guitar, main vocalist, and band leader), Prasith Chaiyatho (drummer), Danupol Kaewkarn (rhythm guitar, lead vocalist), Thanongsak Arpornsiri (bassist), Panus Hirunkasi (saxophonist), Sanae Supparat (trumpeter), and Chokdee Phak-phoo (multi-instrumentalist on saxophone, trombone, and keyboard).
In July 1980, they unveiled their fourth studio album titled Khuen (เขิน), which contained entirely new compositions. On March 8, 1981, coinciding with International Women’s Day, their fifth album Women (ผู้หญิง) was released.
Their sixth album arrived as a live performance captured at Chula Auditorium in July 1981. Later that year in October, the seventh studio album Grand XO was launched with a concert at the National Theatre on October 31—the first-ever album launch concert in Thailand to be broadcast live on television. This release comprised ten reimagined luk krung standards and achieved sales exceeding 1.5 million copies.
Riding this wave of success, Grand Ex transitioned from Azona Promotion to TSE Group, affiliated with the Thairath newspaper. They presented their eighth studio album Bupphesanniwat in March 1982; followed by the ninth album Nij Nirand in September; and the tenth album Phromlikit in October. The latter featured Odd-Sarayuth Supanyo as the ninth member, completing the classic lineup.
Subsequently, three additional albums were produced: a live recording titled Valentine Laser Concert, along with studio albums Petch and Borisuth. After releasing Borisuth in April 1984, Odd-Sarayuth departed to establish Infinity, recognized as Thailand’s pioneering jazz fusion group.
November 1984 saw the release of their 14th studio effort, Duang Duean, signifying the conclusion of the classic era. Following the tour for this album, four members—Add-Thanongsak, Daeng-Sanae, Tee-Wasan, and Rak-Phanat—exited to form a new ensemble. The remaining core—Nakorn, Danupol, Prasit, and Chokdee—founded an independent record label under the Grand Ex Family banner.
1985–2019
At the start of 1985, Grand Ex introduced their 15th studio album Pink Heart (หัวใจสีชมพู), supported both in recording sessions and live performances by the band Marble (หินอ่อน). By July, they released their 16th studio album Sai-yai (สายใย), which debuted new lead vocalist Oh-Aisoon Watyanon—a devoted fan club member. After completing the tour cycle, lead singer Danupol Kaewkarn left to become Thailand’s first solo artist. Subsequently, Arichai Aranyanat, Johnny Anfone, and Sutee Sangsareechon joined the group. During this period they issued two special albums alongside their 17th studio release Nirankarn. Prior to producing three further albums—two studio projects plus one special edition—saxophonist Chokdee resigned. Their final studio album before disbandment was the 19th titled Dai Mai (ได้ไหม), released in November 1988.
Grand Ex reunited for performances in 2002 and again in June 2016. Their ultimate concert occurred in August 2019 with appearances by Danupol Kaewkarn, Nakorn Vejsupaporn, Johnny Anfone, Thanongsak Apornsiri, Panat Hirunkasi, Chamras Saewataporn, Sutee Sangsareechon, Wasan Sirisukpisai, and Aisoon "Oh" Watayanon.
Singles
- Couple Birds (คู่นก) (1977)
Albums
- Luk Thung Disco (ลูกทุ่งดิสโก, 1979)
- Live Recording at Manhattan Club (1979)
- Luk Thung Disco 2 (ลูกทุ่งดิสโก 2, 1980)
- Khuen (เขิน) (1980)
- Women (ผู้หญิง) (1981)
- Live Recording at Chula Auditorium (1981)
- Grand XO (1981)
- Bupphesanniwat (บุพเพสันนิวาส, 1982)
- Nij Nirand (นิจนิรันดร์, 1982)
- Phromlikit (พรหมลิขิต, 1982)
- Valentine Laser Concert Live Recording (1983)
- Petch (เพชร, 1983)
- Borisuth (บริสุทธิ์, 1984)
- Duang Duen (ดวงเดือน, 1984)
- Pink Heart (หัวใจสีชมพู, 1985)
- Sai Yai (สายใย, 1985)
- Nirunkarn (1986)
References
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