Remembering Loganathan Arumugam and the Band’s Early Beginnings

Even at 75, Malaysian music legend Datuk David Arumugam is still a crowd favorite. He is constantly booked for shows, proving that his love for music is as strong as ever .

Keeping a promise to his brother

For David, performing isn't just about the music—it's personal. He continues to tour and keep the Alleycats name alive to honor a promise he made to his late brother, Loganathan Arumugam . Loganathan, who co-founded the band with David, had asked him to make sure the group's legacy would live on .

From childhood dreams to stardom

Music has been in David's blood since he was a kid. His mother, who was a radio announcer and a Carnatic classical singer, introduced him and Loganathan to the arts early on . David once shared that she used to bring them along to her performances at town halls, which is exactly what sparked his lifelong passion for music .

A life dedicated to the stage

David was so serious about his craft that he left school at 17. In a 2017 interview, he joked that subjects like history and geography just weren't helping him with his music career .

That gamble paid off, and he eventually became one of the most iconic voices in Malaysia . In 2009, his hard work was officially recognized when he was awarded the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP), which carries the title of "Dato'" .