Grand Ex

History

Grand Ex was formed in 1969 by a group of high school students at Borpitphimook College, led by Nakorn Vejsupaporn as lead guitarist and band leader, with Kamthorn Kunanukul (rhythm guitar), Warawut Hiranyawan (bass), Damrong Chuencharoensuk (spokesperson and lead vocalist), Narong Phuek-hawharn (lead vocalist), Prasith Chaiyatho (drums), and Sommart Thoopjinda (organ). In 1970, they entered the Thai String Combo Championship in the student category.

Mummy won the student title, while Grand Ex took first runner-up. Their modest attire of black trousers, white shirts, and ties—contrasting with other rock bands—won them the media’s Favorite Award. After the contest, some members left for higher education, leaving only Nakorn, Prasith, and Warawut. Nakorn chose to forgo a more prestigious university to stay with them for easier rehearsals.

The band played clubs, bars, and GI camps in the provinces. About eight months later, more members resigned, so Nakorn recruited new ones, transforming Grand Ex into a full string-combo band. In 1974, they welcomed Chay Sangcha-um (saxophone), Sanae Supparat (trumpet), Somsak Apiwatthirakul (trombone), and new lead singer Wasan Taesakul. In 1976, bassist and co-founder Warawut and the keyboardist left; Wasan took over keyboard, and Aed-Thanongsak Arpornsiri joined on bass.

That same year, Chamras Saewataporn came in as lead singer and rhythm guitarist. In 1977, they released their first single, "Koo Nok" (คู่นก), a Thai version of the Lao song "Khard Ruk" by William Didtavong. After that, saxophonist Chay resigned, and Panus Hirankasi became the new saxophonist. In 1979, Grand Ex released their first studio album, Luk Thung Disco, blending international disco with luk thung songs; it sold well and boosted their popularity.

A second album was recorded live at the Manhattan Club. In early 1980, they released Luk Thung Disco 2. After that, Chamras and Somsak resigned, with Danupol Kaewkarn and Chokdee Pak-Phu joining. By end of 1980, the line-up was Nakorn (lead guitar, lead vocals, band leader), Prasith (drums), Danupol (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), Thanongsak (bass), Panus (saxophone), Sanae (trumpet), Chokdee (saxophone, trombone, keyboard), and Wasan (keyboard, vocals, drums).

In July 1980, they released Khuen (เขิน), with entirely new songs. On March 8, 1981, they released Women (ผู้หญิง) for International Women’s Day. In July 1981, they released a live recording from the Chula Auditorium (recorded November 1980). In October 1981, they released Grand XO, with a concert at the National Theatre on October 31—the first album-opening concert in Thailand and the first broadcast live on TV.

It sold over 1.5 million copies. They then switched labels from Azona Promotion to TSE Group (affiliated with Thairath newspaper). They released Bupphesanniwat in March 1982, Nij Nirand in September 1982, and Phromlikit in October 1982, with Odd–Sarayuth Supanyo as the ninth and final member of the classic line-up. Three more albums followed: Valentine Laser Concert (live), Petch, and Borisuth (April 1984).

Aod Sarayuth left to form Infinity, Thailand’s first jazz fusion band. In November 1984, they released Duang Duean, the final album of the classic line-up. After the tour, four members—Aed Thanongsak, Daeng Sanae, Tee Wasan, and Rak Panus—resigned to form a new band. The remaining four—Nakorn, Danupol, Prasith, and Chokdee—established the label Grand Ex Family.

In early 1985, they released Pink Heart (หัวใจสีชมพู) with Marble (หินอ่อน) as backup band. In July 1985, they released Sai-yai (สายใย) and welcomed new lead singer Oh–Aisoon Watyanon. After the tour, Danupol left to become the first solo artist in Thailand. New members included Arichai Aranyanat, Johnny Anfone, and Sutee Sangsareechon.

They released two special albums and one studio album, Nirankarn (the 17th studio album), before Chokdee resigned. They released three more albums (two studio, one special), with the last studio album Dai Mai (ได้ไหม) in November 1988, before disbanding. The band played reunion concerts in 2002 and June 2016, and their final concert in August 2019, featuring Danupol Kaewkarn, Nakorn Vejsupaporn, Johnny Anfone, Thanongsak Apornsiri, Panat Hirunkasi, Chamras Saewataporn, Sutee Sangsareechon, Wasan Sirisukpisai, and Aisoon "Oh" Watayanon.

Name origin

Nakorn, the founder and band leader, was a fan of both Grand Funk Railroad and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. He combined the names of the two bands to form "Grand Experience". The name was later shortened to Grand Ex, inspired by Expo ’70, a world’s fair held in Osaka, Japan, which was often referred to in promotional materials as "EX’ 70".