Gigi (Indonesian band)

1993 - 1994: Early Days and Formation Armand Maulana, the vocalist, has already established his own musical career, being the lead singer of Next Band, and have just released his solo album "Kau Tetap Milikku" in 1993. Aria Baron's career was also on the rise since he joined (and later quit) Lost Angels (which later became Boomerang) and Badai Band (which later became /rif). Thomas Ramdhan (bassist) and Ronald Fristianto (drummer) had known each other for a long time, and were often invited to the session players for Pay Burman (ex-Slank). At that time, Dewa Budjana was starting his career, but no one wanted to play music with him, which he later said "Maybe because my music is not standard". On deciding the name of the band, Budjana jokingly say "Orangutan". With everyone laughing at that name, Budjana then again jokingly said "Gigi" (meaning "Teeth" in Bahasa Indonesia). However, the name Gigi was then approved by the other members. In that same year, Ronald was suspicious about Thomas' addiction to substances, which soured their relationship. ==International recognition==

Having moderate success in Indonesia, the founding member Armand Maulana and Dewa Budjana has international recognition as solo artists, with Armand's notable audition for INXS, and Budjana's solo career which placed him as one of the best Indonesian guitarists of all time. '''Dewa Budjana's Solo Career''' Since Gigi's release of 2x2, guitarist Dewa Budjana has been internationally recognized, and established as one of Indonesia's greatest guitarist of all time. In Budjana's solo album "Mahandini", he recruited international well-known musicians such as Jordan Rudess (from Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment), John Frusciante (from Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mohini Dey, and Marco Minnemann (from The Aristocrats). He also collaborated with grammy winning Vinnie Colaiuta and Antonio Sanchez, also world known musicians such as Peter Erskine, Jimmy Johnson, Joe Locke, Gary Husband, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Levin, Bob Mintzer and Guthrie Govan. '''Armand's Audition for INXS''' In 2005, Armand Maulana was secretly invited to INXS' audition to replace Michael Hutchence in Rock Star: INXS. When the news broke, Dewa Budjana suggested to disband the band if Armand left Gigi. In the pre-audition, INXS' personnels then requested to the producer of the show to cancel the TV series, and just to proceed with Armand, since his voice sounds similar to the late Michael Hutchence. However, since Armand is late to register to the audition, even though he already considered as one of the 15 shortlisted candidate, Armand is not participating in the series, and acts as an observer of the auditions. ==Discography==

Studio albums • Angan (1994) • Dunia (World) (1995) • 3/4 (1996) • 2 X 2 (1997) • Kilas Balik (1998) • Baik (1999) • Untuk Semua Umur (For All Ages) (2001) • Salam Kedelapan (2003) • Next Chapter (2006) • ''Peace, Love 'n Respect'' (2007) • Gigi (2009) • Sweet 17 (2011) • Live at Abbey (2014) • Forever in the Air (2025) Other Releases • Raihlah Kemenangan (2004) • ''Pintu Sorga (Heaven's Door)'' (2006) • Jalan Kebenaran (The Right Way) (2008) • Amnesia (2010) • Aku dan Aku (Me and I) (2012) • Mohon Ampun (2015) • Setia Bersama Menyayangi dan Mencintai (2017) Compilation • The Greatest Hits Live (2000) • The Best of Gigi (2002) Soundtrack • Brownies (2004) ==Band members==

Current members • Armand Maulana – lead vocals (1994–present) • Dewa Budjana – guitars, backing vocals (1994–present) • Thomas Ramdhan – bass, backing vocals (1994–1996; 1999–present) • Gusti Hendy – drums, backing vocals (2004–present) Former members • Aria Baron – guitars, backing vocals (1994–1995; died 2021) • Ronald Fristianto – drums (1994–1996) • Opet Alatas – bass, backing vocals (1996–1999) • Budhy Haryono – drums, backing vocals (1996–2004) Timeline ==See also==