Unless you were doing drugs with the legendary American country singer Townes Van Zandt in the early 1970s you are unlikely to have encountered the gentle genius of Daniel Antopolsky.

The singer-songwriter, who has been dubbed the “missing man of country music’s Outlaw Era”, disappeared off the radar for four decades before resurfacing in rural France where he has pulled together years of songs into his first-ever albums.

And he has released three in the last three years.

The title song of the first, “Sweet Lovin’ Music”, was written in a hotel room in Dallas in 1972 with Van Zandt as he finished the country classic, “Pancho and Lefty”, which went on to be covered by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Steve Earle.

Sitting with his guitar surrounded by chickens on his small organic farm near Bordeaux, Antopolsky remembers the day well.

“There was a big Christian gathering in the city so we stopped at a hotel and each of us worked on our songs,” he says.

He sang “Sweet Lovin’ Music” to Van Zandt, and his friend said, “It’s a beautiful song. It would make a great title track for an album.”

Nearly half a century later that album was finally recorded in Nashville by the Grammy-winning producer Gary Gold, who called Antopolsky “a jewel in the rough… a missing piece of our musical culture”.

At 69, Antopolsky has no great plans to go back on the road especially since he admits to “being afraid of singing in front of people”.

He put his dreams on hold after Van Zandt – a troubled genius whose addictions would later catch up with him – overdosed on heroin in front of him in Houston in 1972.

The pair, who had been on the road touring together for several months, had been drinking and taking drugs and Antopolsky, then 24, panicked – afraid that his friend was dying and that he would end up in jail.

But he managed to revive Van Zandt and get him to hospital where doctors saved him.

That was the last time they saw each other. Antopolsky returned to Georgia and Van Zandt died in 1997 when his heart finally gave out after years of substance abuse.

“My fear of needles saved me” from a similar fate, Antopolsky says.

He fondly recalls their time together, setting off on a mad-cap road trip to see Van Zandt’s horse in Colorado after they met in a coffee shop in Georgia.

They took in Nashville, Atlanta and Texas as they zigzagged across the country, playing to anyone who would listen.

“Townes was a troubadour, funny and handsome,” says his old friend, who was born in Augusta to a Jewish family that ran a hardware store.

His mother, who would die when he was 10, fell ill after his birth and he was brought up by Franny, a black woman who introduced him to the blues and gospel.

Antopolsky wrote his first song while still in high school – when he also lost his Polishborn father.

Shaken by the brush with death with Van Zandt, he set out on his own spiritual journey on the hippy trail through Iran, Pakistan and India to Myanmar and beyond.

Returning to the States, he met a young French medical student, Sylvia, and moved with her to southwest France’s wine country where they set up an organic farm. She worked as an obstetrician while he did up the old farmhouse.

He continued to write songs at night on his guitar and banjo after their twin girls had gone to sleep.

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Gold said Antopolsky’s ballads have the same authentic quality as “early Dylan stuff”.

“I’m just a songwriter who’s written a lot of songs (486) over a long period of time who had the benefit of not succeeding,” he insists dryly.

“If I’d had success, I don’t think I’d have all these songs. I wouldn’t have the same perspective.”

Unlike his old friend Van Zandt’s sad poetic ballads, Antopolsky’s are more upbeat, hopeful and humourous in the case of the one about his hens.

Despite a documentary about his rediscovery, “The Sheriff of Mars”, and an invitation to play at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in Austin, Antopolsky isn’t about hitch up and start touring again.

He is quite happy to stay on his farm, playing the odd concert and observing the seasons and deer, wild boar and birds that visit his 12 hectares.

“You should be happy with what you have,” says the man with the laughing eyes.

Berlin-based DJ Yawk, aka Julian Ganzer, brings his trademark house grooves and Detroit techno to Beam, an underground dance music hotspot in Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55) tonight from 9, joining local spinners NT66, Noxro and Foresto for a night of hot beats and heavy rhythms. Book a table by calling (02) 392 7750.

Bushwacka on the beat

Bushwacka (Just Be), an iconic underground house and techno DJ and half of the duo known as Layo & Bushwacka!, performs solo Wednesday night at Sing Sing Theatre on Sukhumvit Soi 45. A prolific producer who has released more than 50 singles and five full-length albums. Bushwacka will be assisted by DJ Sunju Hargun. The sounds run from 9pm to 3am and tickets cost Bt300 with one drink. Find out more by calling (063) 225 1331.

GoodGrip gets the grip

Amsterdam- and Bali-based DJ, MC and producer GoodGrip mans the decks next Thursday at Sugar Club on Sukhumvit Soi 11 from 10pm until 4am. Best known for contributing the vocals to Laidback Luke’s hit record “Rocking with the Best” and a regular at such festivals such as Lowlands and It’s The Ship, he’ll be spinning an eclectic selection of urban and house, Guys pay Bt400 to get in while the ladies only have to cough up Bt300. One drink is part of the price. Call (061) 391 3111.

A night with Shawn Mendes

Multi-platinum singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes jets into Thailand on Monday night for a concert at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani starting at 8pm, as a part of his “Illuminate World Tour”. Tickets costing from Bt2,000 to Bt5,000 are on sale at Thai Ticket Major counters, Call (02) 262 3456 or visit http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Looking back with love

Enjoy blasts from the past with the “Memories Are Forever” concert series being held at the Dusit Thani’s Napalai Ballroom to mark the hotel’s 48th anniversary. Vocalists Tuk, Taem and Pun perform in the “Laugh” show on December 22 starting from 6 while Christina Aguilar takes over for “Luxurious” on January 27. Kob Songsit and Nat Myria play in “Love” on February 23, and Tuu Nantida rounds out the series with “Legendary” on March 24. Tickets cost from Bt3,000 to Bt5,000 at Thai Ticket Major counters and online at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com. Find out more at Facebook.com/RetrocityOfficial.

Despite the rapid changes in the current music scene, R&B and soul have stood the test of time and remain popular with music fans of all ages. Legend is revered as one of the scene’s finest. Previously the voice and the piano behind the hits of many great artists, Legend stepped into the limelight as solo artist in 2004 with his debut “Get Lifted” that immediately sent him to stardom. The breakthrough single, “Ordinary People”, earned him legions of fans from across the globe, who fell under the spell of his smooth piano, resonating soulful vocal and perplex yet uplifting love songs.

Legend has released five studio albums, earned 10 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame.

His latest album, “Darkness and Light”, was released in 2016 and spawned the hit single “Love Me Now” and “Penthouse Floor”. In his Bangkok debut, Legend is sure to mesmerise the fans in what promises to be a memorable, intimate live performance filled with such hits as “So High”, “P.D.A”, “Stereo”, “Save Room”, “Everybody Knows”, “Green Light” and “All of Me”..

Tickets costing from Bt2,500 to Bt8,000 are available at Thai Ticket Major outlets and online at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Considered one of the biggest music festivals in Asia, this year’s edition promises a memorable night with a line-up of DJs that includes Steve Angello, Deadmua5, Madeon, Slushii, Flume, R3Hab, Robin Schulz, DubVision, Mike William, Roberts Falcon and J L Fan.

Each year, Maya Music Festival attracts more than 10,000 people from all l over the world.

Find out more and get ticket prices at www.MayaMusicFestival.com and Facebook/Maya Music Fest.

The leather-clad would-be Elvis, known simply as Johnny, announced in March he had been diagnosed with the disease and would undergo treatment.

“Johnny Hallyday has left us. I write these words without believing them. But yet, it’s true. My man is no longer with us,” said Laeticia Hallyday, 42, in a statement made in the early hours.

“He left us tonight as he lived his whole life, with courage and dignity.”

While he was never taken seriously abroad, Hallyday broke from France’s classic “chanson” tradition in the late 1950s, selling more than 100 million albums and headlining 50 major tours.

Born on June 15 1943, he attempted suicide in 1966, collapsed on stage in 1986 and married five times, twice to the same woman, the daughter of one of his oldest friends and songwriters.

“There is something of Johnny in all of us,” the French presidency said in a statement on news of his death.

Rumours of Hallyday’s passing had flown online in recent weeks after he was admitted to hospital in Paris with breathing problems.

Hallyday, whose real name was Jean-Philippe Smet, spent six days under medical care before returning to rest at his home in Marnes-la-Coquette, west of the capital.

“Until the very last moment, he held firm against this illness that had afflicted him for months, teaching us all extraordinary life lessons,” said Laeticia Hallyday.

The rocker “lived his entire life wholly for his fans, who loved him and idolised him”, she added.

The hugely anticipated return will witness the world’s most notorious party featuring out-of-this-world entertainment, cutting-edge production, mindblowing special effects, and a lineup that showcases the latest big room DJs currently tearing up dancefloors worldwide.

What began five years ago on the magical island of Ibiza is now a worldwide phenomenon that takes place in stadiums and arenas around the globe. It succeeds in creating an atmosphere of togetherness at even the most massive venues.

The first headliner, superstar DJ Martin Garrix, will take you on a rollercoaster ride with a massive show. At just 21, Garrix has established himself as a behemoth of both the electronic and pop worlds. The synergy between his studio and live shows is undeniable, and has landed him the #1 spot on DJ Mag Top 100 for 2016 and 2017.

Check out DLDK Thailand at https://tinyurl.com/y7r3t3zg,

For more information, visit http://www.dldk.com or Facebook.com/dldkthailand.

The Drifters were founded in June 1953, 60 years ago by George Treadwell and Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. Since their creation, the band has featured more than 65 vocalists, including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King and Johnny Moore. Some of the legends returned to perform alongside the current lineup at a unique concert at London’s O2 arena in 2009.

With the exception of the much loved icon Johnny Moore, the current lineup is the only complete one in the group’s history to have recorded on both of the group’s historic labels – Atlantic Records with the release in 2009 of “Five Decades & Moore” and, in 2011 on Sony Music.

The Drifters have sold over 214 million singles and 114 million albums worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 in recognition of their global success spanning almost six decades.

Since day one, members have come and gone, often with new, younger members in order to ensure both the longevity and also the fresh appeal of the group. Johnny Moore, the longest serving member of The Drifters To date, was just 21 years old when he joined.

Since Faye Treadwell brought The Drifters to the UK in the early 70’s, The Drifters have always included British members. In fact, when The Drifters performed at the White House in 1993 for President Bill Clinton, the lineup at that time consisted of three British members and one American – Moore. In 2009 The Drifters shared the bill on a UK Tour with Gloria G.

In 2009 the current lineup realigned the brand with their former recording label Atlantic Records with the album “Five Decades and Moore” a tribute to the late great Moore who was one of the most popular Drifters with the UK fans. 2014 saw the success of the Optimum World Tour the 60/61st anniversary of the group and 2015 the Rebranded World Tour with its first visit to Australia in over 30 years and a new album release in that territory on the Sony Label.

Tickets are Bt1,000, Bt1,200 and Bt2,000 available at Thai Ticket Major counters and online at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

The ginger-haired pop guitarist was streamed more than any other artist in the year so far — not a surprise, considering his song “Shape of You,” the fourth track on “Divide,” reigns as Spotify’s most streamed song ever.

Despite Sheeran’s triumph, the Swedish-based streaming service said the larger trends of 2017 included hip-hop, with streams growing 74 percent over an already large base in 2016.

Hip-hop star Drake came in second on Spotify in 2017 and rapper Kendrick Lamar was fourth, with R&B singer The Weeknd, a protege of Drake, placing third.

Latin music also saw major gains, with streams more than doubling on the back of viral Spanish-language hits — most notably the worldwide sensation “Despacito.”

Rihanna was the most streamed woman on Spotify for the third year in a row, despite her lack of major releases in 2017.

Sheeran, 26, has seized on the rapid growth of streaming during his rise to pop fame.

His success on Spotify, however, did not help him at the Grammys, with Sheeran shut out of major categories announced last week — a surprise to many watchers of the music industry’s top prizes.

Singer Kittisak “Aey” Buaphan, lead guitarist Wannit “Golf” Puntarikapa, rhythm guitarist Surapong “Ao” Buaphan, bassist Chaowalit “A” Prasongsin and drummer Pongpan “Pan” Peonimit played four favourites – “Saeng Sawang”, “Sing Thi Chan Pen”, “Survivor” and “Get Out” – and the new singles “Hak Khor Dhevada” and “Khon Thi Rai Khor Mae”.

The new tracks are from “Khon Thi Rai Khor Mae”, their debut EP on ME Records, a subsidiary of Muzik Move. And they clear up any doubts about whether the change of label would overwhelm the band and whether Ebola would start sounding more mainstream.

“It isn’t as melodic as the slower songs the fans are used to from us, but we do it in our style,” Aey said of the single “Khon Thi Rai Khor Mae”.

“We have our own style and we’re confident in ourselves and love what we’re doing. We arranged this gig to present our new work and show how it traces back to the nu metal sound of our first single in 1990s.

“The new EP of course has contributions by guest singers and they outdid everybody’s expectations as far as matching their vocals to our style. I think it’s going to be regarded as our masterpiece.”

Aey said the EP is a thank-you to the fans for 20 years of support.

“Our songs are meant to give other people courage and this offers good motivation. There was a time we felt terrible after the listening culture changed, but the two new songs have had unexpectedly good feedback. So, thanks for believing in us!”

Organised by BEC-Tero Show, the urban festival will have an ’80’s to 90’s theme and will be packed with gourmet delights provided by more than 50 famous food and beverage stalls. Fun activities will ensure that everyone in the family has fun.

Such iconic items as the brain-testing Rubik cube will help to recreate the fun and fashion of the ’80s and ’90s and there’ll even be a two-metre-high Rubik’s cube serving as the perfect backdrop for photos to share on social media. A unique Christmas tree will be created in the form of the popular game, Tetris.

Favourite artists from the ’90s will be on hand to provide the entertainment, among them Seksun “Oh” Parnprateep, Moo of Muzu, Pramote Wilepana, Sirasak “Pingpong” Ittipholpanich, Ant of Emotion Town, and Picco Percussion.

The festival is open from 5pm until midnight and tickets are Bt200 each including a Bt100 voucher that can be used to purchase food and beverages inside. They’re available at the door or in advance at all ThaiTicketMajor outlets.

For all the extra special excitement planned for the New Year’s Eve countdown on December 31, visit www.ThaiTicketMajor.com or call (02) 262 3838.