Through the following years, marriage and other business partnerships demanded the departure of one, two, three brothers, and eventually the Gypsies with new horizons grew to even greater heights. Initially we performed for family occasions and get-togethers. However, my father’s driving force and his unending support helped us to transform ourselves into the professional band that we are today “THE GYPSIES” Whilst I am deeply indebted to my father for helping us to succeed in the field of music, I like to take this opportunity to thank all those who subscribed their opinions and talents, particularly Uncle Joy ( Late Mr. Joy Ferdinando) who provided the essential grounding in music during our early days, late Mr. Winston Jayawardene (my first guitar tutor) Mr. Chandra Devadittya (first lyric writer) who was responsible for our hits in 70’s Mr. Vijaya Corea who brought us closer to the public through Radio, Raj Seneviratne (my friend and mentor) and the most important, our fans who so warmly welcomed us in to their hearts and homes over the last 25 years. Reminiscing on the hard but fruitful journey of the band, I believe the strength of our faith in God constantly inspired and guided us to remain on the correct path. The poet Longfellow said that “Music Is the Universal Language of mankind” The joy and happiness shared with others through music is something I shall forever want to be a part of. If I am given the chance to live my life all over again, I will always be a musician and nothing but a musician. Sunil Perera