Adelphi Heroes

Many people misjudge the Malay boys representing the Skinhead tribe here in Singapore. If only you take a closer look and try to understand the culture, you'll realise that they are rather harmless until provoked. Once antagonised, you'll wish the seizure of your existence. These boys are made of something different. Built of strength & Built to last. This is the story about one of their gallant youth.

Akel is waiting for his band slot at the Oi Fest in KL. Rehearsing diligently as he hummed his air drums with his sticks behind the curtains. He doesn't want to make a mistake this time. 5000 strong crowd out there. It was going to be a polished performance and nothing less.

Akel's band was the catalyst that brought the crowd together. It was a blast. The crowd were happily moshing, beer bottle in one hand, clenched fist up in the air. Then as Akel's band was performing the last number, somehow the alcohol got to some of the individuals and violence brewed. It was mayhem beyond imagination. The stadium became a war zone.

Lights out and throngs of people were running everywhere as the wails of the police's sirens filled the air. Somewhere though Akel's younger brother Adel got stabbed. In his dying moments he called Akel on his mobile. "Abang....Aabang..budak KL Troopers tikam aku!", Adel cried with a sense of terror in his voice. Akel bulldozed his way among the boisterous crowd to where Adel said he would be. There sprawling in the middle of the circle made by his fellow Adelphi clan lies Adel. In a pool of blood. Eyes still open. You could almost sense the fear in him by looking at his already dead eyes.

Akel staggered to Adel's side and closed his brother's eyes. He looked up at his fellow clansmen and told them that they have to get revenge before the night is out. The 20 odd that were present seemed adamant. They reasoned that being in Malaysia is already bad enough for them Singapore boys... what more when you wanna seek revenge against KL Troopers. They're in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. They're in Unfairground.

Akel was relentless in his pursuit for revenge. He got up and roamed the streets alone. He didn't care if the rest wanted to follow. He wanted an eye for an eye. Slowly though the rest followed behind. From afar, it looked like Akel was leading his soldiers for a battle. They roamed and roamed for an hour and still no sign of those bastards.

Then as they turned into the corner of the road, they spotted the enemy. Boys from KL Troopers celebrating their little victory outside a 7-Eleven store. Without hesitation, Akel charged forth at full speed. There were probably 50 over boys from the opposition side but the Singapore boys punched through with whatever they had. A brutal war commenced.

Police came to the crime scene a full 15mins later. By that time all of the KL Troopers boys have fled leaving behind 14 of their boys sprawling dead on the road. 1km away, the Adelphi boys recollected at a vacant shophouse. They did a headcount. All were alive. All had battle scars. Justice was served. Yet they went home with heavy hearts for the loss of Adel.

Back in Singapore, there was a huge commotion among the Skins about the happenings in Malaysia. A few weeks later, they got news that KL Troopers were coming down for revenge. Like all street wars, there is no end.





It has been 5 years now. The Adelphi Heores are still waiting.