Over the years, while talking to Pakistani musicians and bands, I have been told continuously how the "true" glory days of local music began in the 1990s, with the emergence of an "underground music" phenomenon: offbeat, alternative to the core, original Pakistani rock bands doing covers of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Sabbath, creating a "sound" and "scene" that gave a much-needed respite from the music aired on radio and TV.

I was a teenager when this underground music began to blast from audiocassette players in urban Pakistan. But now, many years later, I have been wondering about the local music scene before the 90s. I'd grown up hearing stories from my mother and her friends about the parties and gigs of the swinging 60s and 70s in Pakistan, the dancing in the discos (hard to imagine for someone of my generation), the freedom to walk around the city in bellbottoms, the freedom to ride your bicycle without being harassed or chased.

And into this dream sequence of a lost Pakistan came my discovery of The Panthers, a Karachi-based band founded in the late 60s and comprised of Norman Braganza (Lead Guitar and Vocals), Fasahat Husain Syed (Keyboard, Sitar and Tabla), Eric Fernandes (Bass Guitar) and Syed Ahsan Sajjad (Drums and Vocals). (I listened to the band's music on YouTube, and the tracks knocked my socks off. To think that tracks like that were recorded and played for public consumption some 40 years ago is unbelievable.)

The Panthers recorded two albums: 'Folk Tunes of Pakistan on Electric Sitar and Western Instruments' and 'East Goes West,' both released by EMI Pakistan. The Panthers disbanded in the early 70s when one of the band members left the country to settle overseas. Contacting them over email (after a week of searching for a lead), I finally got through to Ahsan and Fasahat. These are excerpts of my interview with them.

Sonya Rehman: What was the music scene like in Pakistan in the 60s and 70s?

Ahsan Sajjad:The music scene was pretty lively. You got known because you played in a band but it was no "mob scene." There were only a few places to play professionally and the competition was there. Most of the bands played at private parties, which were more in vogue. A certain part of Karachi (Saddar and Nursery was a 'Little Liverpool' of its own).

SR: What bands and musicians influenced your genre of music?

AS:A majority of the local bands were influenced by Western bands such as Shadows, Ventures, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Animals and Chicago.

SR: What was your most memorable gig?

AS:Our most memorable gig has to be Midway House. This was a motel set up by KLM for its staff and for travelers. It was located at the Karachi Airport. We were a house band and played for the New Year's Eve dance and some dip and dance parties near the pool. There was only a minority that understood Western music. Not like today where the music is created for the masses and the response is of a different nature, as compared to our time. The Panthers were the first band to make an appearance on national television twice. We may have been part of the trendsetters in the music scene, nationally. There were a few records being produced in those days by a pop group. The first one was under the music direction of Sohail Rana and he used 'The Fore Thoughts'; their hit tune was 'Shahbaz Qalander.' We also put out an EP of four tunes of Pakistani folk songs. 'The Bugs' also did a tune directed by Sohail Rana in a movie. But the 'East Goes West' EP was strictly a Panthers creation. The record speaks for itself.

Fasahat Husain Syed:I remember playing the whole night at the Metropolitan Hotel at some concert with many groups. I don't remember the occasion, but I also once played live music at a fashion show at the same hotel.

SR: What was the gig and party scene like in Karachi? Was society more chilled out, ready to party?

AS:It was an exciting time and the society was definitely more chilled out - without their support we would not have been able to pursue our dreams. I remember one incident, when we were practicing in the evenings. A maulana came to us and asked if we could pause for the azaan. We all agreed, no problem, and they left us alone.

SR: Could you mention some of the other popular bands in Karachi at the time? Also, what was the local music fraternity like: did everyone get along?

AS:The most popular band was 'The Bugs.' We all grew up together, but the Bugs were the first to name themselves as a group and got themselves a left-handed bass player, which made them the local Beatles of our time. After that the kids started forming groups and naming themselves. Instruments were scarce. Because of this, who would play what part and how instruments would be acquired were all things that were seriously discussed. Remember, we were kids and this was a kind of bonding taking place. The other bands were The Fore Thoughts, Thunders, Moonglows, Talismen, The Black Pirates, etc. Getting along was no problem. The groups hung out with their own because there was a lot of practice taking place to fine-tune songs.

SR: A little about where each of you are right now and what career-paths all of you have pursued.

AS:I know for a fact that Fasahat is still playing in a local band in Tennessee called Tulsi. Norman too plays and performs at house parties as a solo act. A few years ago he did some recording of some covers and sent it to friends. Great stuff. I have taken up the guitar; a few years ago my kids bought me a Fender for my birthday and I have loved that instrument ever since. I love writing songs and have played in a local band as a rhythm guitarist. My interest is more in the folk/blues scene style.

SR: Do you follow the music scene back home in Pakistan? What's your take on the music that's currently being produced there?

AS:Not really. But the kids of today are more talented and well-schooled with their instruments. We hear of the local bands when they're on their US tours. I think the [contemporary] Pakistani bands have developed a great Pak-Rock sound.

The author is a freelance journalist who lives in Lahore. She may be reached at sonjarehman@gmail.com