Tony Ruivivar, an original member of the Society of Seven which dominated the Waikiki entertainment scene in the 70s, 80s and 90s, has died.
The popular Island act headlined the Outrigger for more than three decades, setting a record of 32 years for a single venue on Waikiki in 2001. Ruivivar was only one of two original members who stayed with the group the entire time.
Concert promoter Gerard Ishibashi announced the passing of Ruivivar in a Facebook tribute Saturday.
“Tony Ruivivar, I am really going to miss you and our camaraderie on and off stage…so grateful for our friendship. We had Great times together!
“Godspeed on your heavenly journey my brother. Love and Aloha, Gerald
“Society of Seven – Hawaii’s Best and America’s Premier Showband!”
According to Wikipedia, SOS originated in 1969 from the group The Fabulous Echoes. The group also toured Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco along with other West Coast cities.
In 2001, a younger version of Society of Seven, know as Society of Seven LV opened a second act exclusively for Las Vegas. Eventually the two groups would swap locations with Society of Seven moving to Las Vegas and the younger group migrating to Waikiki.
The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts awarded the Society of Seven with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
The group also released a number of records in Asia and had the number one hit on the Hong Kong charts for 32 weeks, A Little Bit of Soap.
They also performed with Jasmine Trias, a finalist on American Idol, for several years in Las Vegas beginning in 2009.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story.
