What more can a dear friend contribute in memory of his best friend and mentor in music? Yes that is to fulfil the last wish of his dear friend who departed seven years ago. This man Annesley Malawana did it in the best and moving manner when he accomplished the last wish of his dear friend, the late Clarance Wijewardene in staging the "Super Golden Chimes in concert" in memory of Clarence last month at the BMICH. All original members of the group till Clarence led it was present to perform. Annesley took three long years to plan it out as five members of the band were domiciled in several other countries. Annesley took this huge task lightly at mind to ensure that he accomplished the dream of Clarence who wanted his last band, the Super Golden Chimes to come in reunion before his death. The cruel hand of death took Clarence away before it became a reality.

Super Golden Chimes was the first Sinhala dance band of the seventies era. Clarence was a man who revolutionised Sinhala pop music into different avenues. On August 02, the eve of Clarence’s birthday, the Super Golden Chimes led by Annesley in the absence of Clarence in person took the floor at the BMICH to move an audience that was over capacity. The Chief Guest was none other than the wife of Clarence Wijewardene, Sheela. The audience was surprised as there were many distinguished guests in the front rows but, Annesley and his band decided that Sheela was the best for the slot as it was a great tribute that was paid to her late husband. As veteran compere Vijaya Corea came in at the curtain raiser, men in the band took the floor clad in immaculate white, the costume that was chosen for the band at that time by Clarence. They were greeted to a round of applause by the audience that kept thundering within the main hall of the building.

Annesley was the first to start a medley of two songs - "Sathuta Senasuma" and "Sihina Pethum". In a surprise move, Vijaya Corea interviewed Dileepa Abeysekere via the internet to seek his views on the first song sung by Clarence on a composition made by Dileepa’s late father, Karunaratne Abeysekere. In came the voice of Clarence singing "Dileepa Podi Puthu" backed live by the Super Golden Chimes. The audience was surprised of this new concept as an image of Clarence hung above looked in action while his voice was on for live music. The musical backing was the same as before with maestro lead guitarist who declined to colour his hair, Dixon Guneratne still at his best after 25 years. Chandralal Fonseka changed the tempo to beat into an English number - "under the Moon and Stars" that brought nostalgic memories to the more elderly in the audience. Then came a session of the "Moonstones" song and Annesley invited Indrani on stage for the numbers "Gonwassa" and "Sumudu Mal". Entertainers Ronnie Leitch and Ensina of "Kopi Kade" fame gave the best of their comedy talents for "Gon Wassa".

The charming girls of Channa Wijewardene took the stage at this point to give their best to the voice of Clarence singing the emotional song - "Randunuke Mala". As it ended Rukshan, the glamour boy of the band rendered the George Benson hit "Bradway" and followed up with "Accapela" medley with no musical accompaniment. This was the most unique moment as the audience moved into emotion with Rukshan at his best in vocals. It was an evening filled with music talent with the men of Clarence providing harmony to his songs led by Annesley followed by Rukshan, Nimal, Chandral and Cumar. The first half of the event ended with a tribute to their mentor, a song composed by Joseph Visidagama in USA with several titles of compositions of Clarence starting from the popular "Muwa Hasareli" sung by Rukshan.

Immediately, Annesley paying a tribute to his lifelong friend called upon Sheela to come on stage to receive a memento. In the background, a song composed and sung for Sheela by Clarence echoed continuously. Sheela broke down in tears and a photograph in this page is testimony as the image of Clarence hung by the side seem to have his eyes directly on his wife Sheela whom he left in this world seven years ago with his only child and daughter, Amila. The giant screen on the backdrop amptly showed that sad and emotional moment with Sheela gazing at the image of her husband wiping tears till she was helped down the stage. Lanka Internet provided the high technology to ensure that none in the audience would miss movements on stage. Not only Sheela but the giant screen showed many others in the gathering wiping tears as Clarence’s men continued with numbers like - "Malata Bambareku", "Sandak did Besagiya" and "Gamen Liyumak".

The selection of songs both Sinhala pop and English catered to the taste of the audience with Nimal singing the Santana version of "Smooth" and Sunil Malawana giving life to the evergreen "Beatles" number "Ballad of John and Yoko". This was said to be the best revival song the audience enjoyed and they were surprised that Annesley had a brother who was outstanding in singing English songs. It was a memorable show and could be told the best ever that was enjoyed and witnessed at the BMICH. As the curtain fell, Annesley looked a happy man having paid the greatest ever tribute to his mentor Clarence Wijewardene by making Clarence’s dream and wish a reality. If Clarence was somewhere, he would have definitely whispered, "Well done Annesley".