Engulfed in light and stars, two men began singing their well-known tunes to the mesmerised crowd. Above them were a collage of pictures from their heyday as the country's top boy band. Sitting among the audience, we gazed at those pictures projected onto the dome of the Bangkok Planetarium as memories of younger years came flooding in. Three faces were smiling happily from above, while on stage there were only two -- Worrawech "Dan" Danuwong and Kawee "Beam" Tanjararak -- serenading the crowd at a press conference for their upcoming D2B Infinity Concert 2019.
As the two sang, they also looked up, taking in the scene and singing as if reaching out to their beloved third member Panrawat "Big" Kittikorncharoen.
The story of D2B can be told in both wondrous and sombre tones. In 2001, the trio broke into the music charts with their first album and became an instant hit, selling over one million copies. At the start of the new century, they were a household name and destined for a great career.
Worrawech 'Dan' Danuwong and Kawee 'Beam' Tanjararak.
But in a cruel twist, their dream turned into a nightmare. After two years of being together, and at the height of their fame, Panrawat had a car accident and the band was never the same. While he initially seemed to be recovering, he later fell into a coma that lasted for four years until his eventual death at 25 in 2007.
The short-lived greatest boy band in the country became a legend of the Thai pop scene, and one that hasn't faded from the hearts of their fans. After Panrawat's accident, Worrawech and Kawee continued to release music together as the duo Dan Beam. The two also undertook joint and separate projects in both music and acting over the years while collaborating on well-received concerts. Despite not releasing any new music for a few years, their latest Infinity Concert was sold out in five minutes when ticket sales started 10 days ago.
Worrawech and Kawee during their interview with B. Magazine.
The legacy of D2B now lives on in Worrawech and Kawee who are gearing for the upcoming concert next month. The two also sought a blessing from Panrawat's family before they began working on the project.
"We've done many concerts. I guess you could say we've done it all. So, for this latest one, of course we want to introduce new stuff for our audience," said Kawee.
Worrawech and Kawee greet their fans outside the planetarium.
D2B's recent concerts have been noted for the use of life-size holograms of Panrawat onstage. It's not confirmed whether the hologram will make its appearance at this year's concert or not. However, Kawee indirectly acknowledged it, saying: "We know audiences want to see all of us together again. We will try our best to bring that image back so everyone can enjoy those moments with us."
The Bangkok Planetarium press conference.
One interesting addition to this Infinity Concert is the introduction of producer Jakkawal "Neung" Saothongyutitham as the show's music director. Jakkawal is set to rearrange tunes from the early 2000s for 2019 listeners. He promised a more grown-up version of the D2B playlist fans have known and loved for nearly two decades.
"It's like making music for an old friend," remarked Jakkawal. "Songs from that era always carry good meanings and all sound good. One day, as time passed, I'd want those songs to come back."
Worrawech "Dan" Danuwong.
The press and lucky fans got a first glimpse when the two singers performed an updated rendition of a few of their hits at a media call. We sang along, but noticed the changes in style.
"When these songs were a big hit, [D2B] were just teenagers. As time passed, they've gained a lot of experience. They've been through a lot. So, their music can't be the same. We have to add something to make it even cooler, to suit where they are today," said Jakkawal.
Kawee "Beam" Tanjararak.
As the music grows up and indeed older, so do the boys in the band. Kawee, as the oldest member of the band, is now 39, married and with a baby on the way, while also juggling some acting gigs. Worrawech, who is 35, is starring in and directing a TV series, as well as doing a vlog channel with his actress girlfriend.
Singing may not be as big a part of their career today as it used to be when they started out in showbiz, but the two never forgot their roots. During our conversation, we reflected on the Thai pop music and industry that both artists have long been a part of. And how their time was the height of T-pop before K-pop and others took over today.
"I think the Thai pop scene has been coming along quite nicely," Worrawech said. "Like, in this time and era, it's not as difficult anymore for Thai music to 'go inter' -- to reach overseas audiences. It's been happening, which is good. I think it makes professionals in our industry work even harder, becoming improved and more intricate with their work."
For Kawee, he feels the industry could use more support from the state.
"If there's a way that we can get more support, I think the industry would be able to grow even faster. We're moving forward, yes. But with good support, we'll be running," he said.
Regarding the possibility of future concerts, new singles, and others, the two are leaving those up to whatever opportunities come in the future.
"Everything has its own time," Worrawech simply said.
When asked where they think D2B would be today if all three members were still together, Worrawech readily replied: "Right here. Getting ready for this very concert."
"But with all three of us," Kawee added. "I mean we're happy now."
"But we'd definitely be happier," Worrawech added.
