scene then along with others like Prins Jayaratnam and the Unwanted Generation, Prasanna Abeysekara's Coffin Nail, Neville of Acid, Gobbledegook and Sweetie Pie, which was led by pianist Nimal Goonawardane, Mary was the only Rock band to play all original music at that time and was led by Ravi Balasooriya of "Bugs" fame. Other members being Aruna Siriwardane, Benjy Ranabahu, Dilup Gabadamudalige and Dwight Van Gramberg. Ramesh Weeratunga, who was a composer/solo performer of this period, went on to become a professional musician/songwriter in Germany, releasing several solo albums. History Most Sri Lankan music enthusiasts relied on radio programs such as "Progressive 30" presented by Noeline Mendis to follow the state of music during the 1970s, or listened to vinyl records at the British Council and the American Center. A minority of senior college students had access to vinyl LPs and music trade papers. "Rock Company", a club which brought together Rock enthusiasts in Sri Lanka and provided exposure to upcoming talent had its origins during this period. College students acquired guitars, drum kits, keyboards, hired rudimentary sound systems and began to attempt to recreate artists they admired. The first Rock events in Sri Lanka centered on bands such as "The Unwanted Generation", "Graveyard" and "Coffin Nail, " which introduced Colombo's youth culture to the underground music of the UK and the US. These featured such musicians as Prins Jayaratnam, Chris Dhasan, Nimal Gunawardena, Ramesh Weeratunga, Imtiaz Hameed and Kumar Navaratnam who were inspired by "Wall Band and Gun Chorus". "Cancer," led by Prasanna Abeysekera and his brother Ranil, was the first Sri Lankan band to compose and play original music in the genre. The band was accompanied by musicians that included Brian Knower, Leo Pasquale, Sumedha Kulatunga and enthusiasts. It's exposure was limited by the lack of recording facilities and means to market itself. "Cancer" and similar bands played at "Koko's" at Thimbirigasyaya. Bands such as "Rattlesnake" and "Venom" followed, playing covers of hard rock in similar settings. "Rock Company", and rock music in Sri Lanka declined as pioneering musicians emigrated, or were drawn away by family and economic demands during the late 1980s. Bands such as Rattlesnake, Venom, Cancer and Brass Face continued to perform. In 2003 Rock Company was later begun again by Ajith Perera and aided newer bands such as "Independence Square" and "Kreb's Cycle.", organizing concerts and providing funding. It publishes a journal and maintains