A DAY after Mr Samuel Seongkoon opened Love the World Bistro Bar (LTW) at the Singapore Flyer last Monday, the observation wheel was grounded due to a malfunction.
Though Mr Seongkoon, 40, said his bistro has still got a steady stream of patrons, many tenants in the compound are suffering from plunging sales.
Now, he is frantically choosing bands and forging instant ones for a free Concert of Hope to be held on Dec 31, from 9pm to 2am. He is sourcing for musicians from various churches for his "spontaneous" concert, to be held at the waterfront Flyer Theatre.
The goal is to spread new year cheer and "tell Singaporeans that we are here".
He had broached the idea to the Flyer's management only on Christmas Day. Yet, despite the tight deadline, he is "very particular" about the bands' quality.
"No way will I allow 'half-past-six' bands to put on a show," said the music-mad restaurateur, who fronted popular local rock band Route 88 in the late 1980s and 90s.
He spent the weekend auditioning and fine-tuning acts.
The concert will also feature LTW's resident five-member rock band, Chapter One, which has been practising and rearranging inspirational ballads, giving them a rock edge.
Besides enjoying uplifting music, concert-goers will also get to enjoy a perfect view of fireworks at the Marina Bay countdown.
However, the observation wheel is unlikely to be open by then. Mr K. Shanmugam,Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, was quoted on 938Live's website as saying a review must be conducted to see how the incident occurred.
He added that he would not be able to give a time frame for the reopening of the wheel.
