I can’t explain what Ayub Bachchu meant for me: James
James and Ayub Bachchu, two titans of the Bangladeshi music industry, met in 1980. “We knew each other for 40 years—I respected and loved him greatly,” said James at a press conference in Rome.
The “Guru”-famed rockstar is set to perform in Italy’s picturesque capital tomorrow.
As tomorrow marks the birthday of Ayub Bachchu, affectionately known as AB to many of his fans, the show carries added significance for James, now regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most prolific guitar-playing frontmen.
“I cannot explain what he meant to me,” said James, visibly emotional. “For years, we were embroiled in a friendly rivalry. It wasn’t anything malicious, and there was no jealousy between us. Wherever we met, we embraced each other with eternal adoration.”
Before becoming national icons, they spent years navigating Chattogram’s live circuit together—often sharing equipment, stage time, and late-night composition sessions. Bachchu had famously played in James’ band Feelings in the late '70s. Both James and AB routinely played side-by-side in the biggest stadium shows in Bangladesh.
“After he left, I feel really alone. I don’t think I can say much more than that,” James added.
Shocking the entire country, Ayub Bachchu passed away on the morning of October 18, 2018, at the age of 56 due to cardiac arrest.
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