Popular Bangladeshi musician SI Tutul has embarked on a poignant new artistic chapter dedicated to preserving the memory and musical legacy of the late rock icon Ayub Bachchu. Tutul has officially unveiled a four-member band named ‘AB King’, a name that directly reflects his deep-seated affection and reverence for his late mentor.
The connection between SI Tutul and Ayub Bachchu spans decades, rooted in the foundational history of Bangladeshi rock. Tutul was a founding member of Love Runs Blind (LRB), the pioneering band established by Bachchu in 1991 that redefined the nation’s soundscape. Given their shared history and joint contributions to Bangladesh’s band music movement, the creation of AB King represents an organic extension of that enduring brotherhood. The new group formally launched on 16 August, coinciding with Ayub Bachchu’s birth anniversary.
Every member of AB King shares a personal history of guidance and affection received from the late maestro. SI Tutul leads the line-up on keyboards and vocals. Joining him are drum virtuoso Nafiz Al Amin, lead guitarist Iftekhar Ifti, and bass guitarist Akash Ahsan. Demonstrating unique musical versatility, all four members will contribute vocal performances during their live sets.
Reflecting on the emotional drive behind the project, SI Tutul explained that every member carries an enduring sanctuary of love for their guru within their hearts—a feeling they intend to nurture through this project. While the group will compose and release original material, they also plan to perform classical tracks by Ayub Bachchu alongside hits from other legendary figures of Bangladeshi music on stage.
Beyond functioning as a traditional rock outfit, AB King is designed to operate as an expansive, multi-faceted musical platform. In addition to touring and performing at live concerts, the initiative will curate various musical events and collaborative programmes aimed at enriching the broader music scene. To guide this vision, the band plans to establish a dedicated advisory panel comprising prominent industry figures, whose names will be announced in due course.
Following its initial domestic debut, AB King is preparing to make its international stage debut in the United States. The band’s overseas journey begins on 19 September with a concert in Houston, organised by the Sonar Bangla Foundation. Tutul confirmed that additional concert dates across several American states are currently being scheduled as part of a wider tour.
By combining original music production with tribute performances, SI Tutul and his bandmates aim to bridge generations, carrying Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage forward to younger audiences both at home and across the global diaspora. For Tutul, AB King is far more than a fresh commercial venture; it stands as a solemn pledge to keep the spirit and melody of Ayub Bachchu alive.
