Dominic Grech was born on the 3 of April 1950 in Victoria, Gozo, and is best remembered as the main singer-songwriter for The Tramps, Gozo's most celebrated pop band. Born and raised in Victoria, Grech showcased his musical talents early on, participating in local festivals and joining his first vocal group, The Rosebells. He later formed a beat group called Gemini 5, which paved the way for his most significant musical venture: founding The Tramps in the mid-60s.
The Tramps made their initial studio recordings in 1974 and soon became known for their international tours, performing in countries like Canada and Australia. Dominic Grech composed numerous songs for the band, with "Xemx" and "Għawdex Inti Djamant" standing out as two of the most famous Maltese songs.
In the 1970s, The Tramps rose to prominence with their hit song "Xemx," released in 1975 under the Circle label by R. Brizzi. The song's lyrics and music, crafted by Grech, have endured in popularity, becoming the signature tune for the Gozitan television program "Għawdex Illum." The single's B-side featured "Lilek Irrid," with lyrics by Emmanuel Ellis and music by Grech, also featuring the Gozitan singer Spiro Sillato. In 1976, the band released another single, "Kif Qatt Nista" and "Tfulija," under the Canadian label Duke's Town, produced by Jo Debono.
Dominic Grech was one of three brothers who played instruments with the Leone Band Club of Victoria. His musical journey began with The Rosebells, where he performed alongside his brother Alfred and friends from the neighborhood. Even in this vocal group, Dominic and Alfred occasionally played their band club instruments. During his student years, Grech formed Gemini 5, a beat group that eventually evolved into The Tramps. Managed by George Said, known as Id-Dias, The Tramps recorded their first studio tracks in 1974 with a lineup that included Grech (lead vocals and guitar), Joe Cassar (keyboards and vocals), Spiro Sillato (vocals and bass guitar), and Carmel Portelli (vocals, drums, and percussions).
The Tramps' international tours began in 1974 with performances in Canada, followed by another tour in 1976 and a subsequent tour in Australia in 1981. The band's popularity in Gozo and Malta was unparalleled, with "Xemx" and "Inti Djamant" being among their most successful recordings. "Xemx" remained a beloved song for decades, even performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Ivan Grech at the annual Rockestra with a musical arrangement by Josef Debrincat. While "Inti Djamant" is not officially Gozo's anthem, it is cherished as such by many Gozitans. In 1981, The Tramps won the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija with "Sinjur Ä ib il-PaÄ‹i," a song performed during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Malta in 2010, accompanied by Dominic's sons Richard and Mark.
Beyond music, Dominic Grech managed Exotique's Gozo outlet for several years and owned the Arzella restaurant in Marsalforn. He was married to Pauline née Ellis, and they had four sons: George, Richard, Christian, and Mark. The Tramps' last public performance took place in December 2004, continuing their tradition of Christmas gigs in Victoria for about twenty-five years. Dominic's final performance was at the Nazarene Church in Sliema, where he played with his sons Richard and Mark during a prayer meeting.
Dominic Grech passed away at 55 years old at the Gozo General Hospital after a prolonged illness. His legacy was celebrated on October 2019 during the Lovin Music Awards ceremony, where The Tramps reunited for a one-night-only performance of "Xemx." Accompanied by Maltese vocalists Federica Falzon, Amber, Claudia Faniello, and Nicole Frendo, the band's iconic track resonated with the audience, enhanced by historical images projected onto large screens.
In recognition of Dominic Grech and The Tramps' contributions to Maltese music, Calypso Radio 101.8FM initiated an online petition on March 2, 2020, advocating for the Gozitan group to be honored with Ä ieħ ir-Repubblika and for "Inti Djamant" to be officially recognized as the song of Gozo. Dominic Grech's influence on Maltese pop music remains indelible, with his compositions continuing to inspire and unite the Gozitan community.
Acknowledgments:
M3P - http://www.m3p.com.mt/
Cultural Heritage Directorate - https://culturalheritagegozo.gov.mt/
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