Bassbaba brings Night City to life in Aurthohin 2077

Over the past decade, rock concert lineups have felt more like a chaotic buffet—10 bands dishing out their own music without any coherence, stretching over six or seven exhausting hours until the audience is completely drained.

These days, a solo concert featuring a single rock band is a rare commodity. But out of nowhere, Aurthohin announced just a few weeks ago that they'd be holding a four-hour solo show—immediately making it an event to look forward to.

First, because Aurthohin rarely performs live anymore due to Bassbaba's health issues and lineup changes, making any appearance special. 

Second, a solo concert from a band with such a diverse discography, capable of sustaining a long set, is a rarity in itself. 

And finally, the theme—Keanu Reeves' Cyberpunk 2077 video game—now that's something worth getting excited about!

'Aurthohin 2077 – A Cyberpunk Odyssey' took place at Aloki on 28 February, transforming the venue into a scene straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. The stage design, neon lights, digital visuals, and futuristic cityscape all mirrored the game's aesthetic, creating an immersive experience.

Bassbaba Sumon didn't hesitate to share why he chose this theme—over the past few years, he's likely spent more time roaming around in the open world of Cyberpunk 2077 than playing his own bass guitar, racking up over 1,400 hours in the game. 

He revealed that during difficult times and declining health, the game became his escape, even going so far as to say that Cyberpunk 2077 "saved him" in many ways. This concert, then, was the perfect tribute.

Originally scheduled for 6 PM, the concert finally began an hour later, but the delay didn't bother anyone. The moment the first chord rang out, the entire venue erupted in cheers. At the heart of it all stood Bassbaba Sumon, defying years of health struggles and multiple spinal surgeries.

"I have 15 screws in my spine, but I'm still standing here for you," he declared, prompting an electrifying roar from the crowd.

The band kicked things off with 'Amar Proticchobi' from 'Biborton', a song Sumon wrote for his son, his voice carrying raw fatherly emotion. They followed up with 'Shurjo' from 'Aushomapto II', originally titled 'Cancer' before they decided to rename it.

Between performances, Sumon shared personal anecdotes, adding depth to the night's atmosphere. He recounted how John Denver wrote 'Annie's Song' while skiing down a mountain after a breakup, then performed the Bangla rendition, 'Tumi Bhorecho Ei Mon'. These intimate moments transformed the concert into more than just a performance—it felt like a heartfelt exchange between the band and their fans.

The energy in the room peaked with 'Nikkrishto' from 'Aushomapto I' and 'Bidrohi' from 'Phoenix er Diary 1', with the audience passionately singing along to every word. Fans called out for classics like 'Guti', 'Jodi Konodin', and 'Epitaph', but Aurthohin stayed true to their meticulously curated setlist.

The nearly four-hour-long show was structured into different segments, with the second portion dedicated to an unplugged, acoustic set featuring softer numbers. Performing around 20 songs, Aurthohin ensured they included at least one track from each of their studio albums.

Meanwhile, all eyes were on Ehtesham Ali, the band's newest and youngest guitarist, making his live debut. As fans chanted his name, he couldn't help but beam with excitement. Witnessing the kid step into the monumental legacy of Aurthohin was a truly surreal moment.

As the band switched gears for the second segment of what felt like quite an intimate jam session, Bassbaba started sharing more personal stories—like writing Jodi Konodin in a weary hotel room in Chattogram, surrounded by cockroaches, or how 'Krishnochura' was written by his younger brother Shojib.

One of the most touching moments came when Sumon spoke about a fan who had flown in from Thailand just for this concert. "This kind of dedication is unreal," he said, clearly moved. 

As the final part of the concert began, the energy cranked up once again. 'Amjonota', once considered too risky to perform live, finally made its way to the stage, politically unfiltered and raw. 

Mark Don, Aurthohin's drummer, stole the show with his signature beatboxing during 'Epitaph', while 'Odbhut Shei Cheleti' was dedicated to our very own "king of pop"  Azam Khan, whose birthday coincided with the concert.

Sumon reminisced about working with him on 'Jibon Sathi Gaan', back when he was just 19 years old.

The night ended with 'Chaite Paro'—the perfect closing song. Sumon took a moment to thank the fans, saying this was an experiment for Aurthohin, but now they knew they had succeeded. And the crowd? They made sure he knew just how much they agreed.

With the Cyberpunk Odyssey theme set to continue as a series of solo concerts, Aurthohin has their next performance planned for Chattogram, with even more shows in the works. This proves that the band isn't just keeping pace with the times—they're evolving with it. If this marks the beginning of their new chapter, fans have plenty to be excited about.