Con Artist posing as Publicity Manager of Apple London Office cons Malaysian Rock Band

Rock band Estranged scammed by local con artist

THE STAR

 

PETALING JAYA: What could have been Malaysian band Estranged's greatest career high turned out to be its most damaging low, as a promised slot in a major London music festival turned out to be a scam by a local con artist.

On Dec 4, The Star reported that the band had been offered a slot to perform at the Apple Music Christmas Festival in London at the end of this year, alongside big names like Metallica, Radiohead and more.

However, a statement issued Friday by the band's lawyers clarified that the said festival does not exist, and that the band had fallen victim to a Malaysian con artist.

"We have just discovered that the said Apple Music festival does not in fact exist," read the statement.

While the said Apple Music Christmas Festival does not exist, there is however an official Apple Music Festival (formerly known as the iTunes Festival) that has been held every September since 2007.

The lawyers' statement said the con artist was a Malaysian who misrepresented herself as a publicity manager from Apple Inc's London office.

The band was initially reluctant to publicise the embarrassing turn of events for fear it would affect its image but did so to ensure that other Malaysian artistes do not go through the same ordeal.

"We have decided to come out publicly because we understand that this con artist is now approaching other musicians. We cannot in good conscience keep quiet and allow other musicians to fall prey to her," they said.

The band added that the incident affected them so badly that they even considered breaking up and cancelling its upcoming Malaysian tour.

"But we have decided to be strong for the sake of our fans, and will continue with our musical journey with a stronger resolve to be the best we can," said the band.

Formed in 2001, Estranged's current lineup comprises lead vocalist Rich Gimbang, and guitarists Din Hormatov and Nor Hanafi Noor Hadi.

The band's biggest hit to date is 2008's Itu Kamu, which won the Best Song Award at the 22nd Anugerah Juara Lagu.