Iconic OPM band Eraserheads won’t be the only ones reuniting on the local concert scene this December. Although it took years, their highly-anticipated performance with the late legendary Filipino rapper Francis Magalona will become a reality.
Thanks to a production partnered with modern technology, the Eraserheads can perform alongside a hologram of Francis M., bringing a different experience for concert-goers who appreciate their music.
“We are going to revive Francis M., and you will see him perform with the Eheads with the technology of hologram,” WEU President Francis Lumen said during the press conference for the Huling El Bimbo reunion concert, held on December 7, Wednesday.
He added that it would be the first item on the set, so concert-goers shouldn’t come late unless they want to miss one hell of an opening.
Besides a hologram performance with the late rapper, the concert will feature an 18-piece orchestra to make the night memorable.
The Huling El Bimbo reunion concert comes more than a decade after the Eraserheads’ last performance in the country. It is the band’s final reunion show after disbanding in 2002. Directing the show is Paolo Valenciano, who expressed his excitement about working with the band.
Contrary to the rock star image, which people associate with most successful and iconic bands, Paolo shared it wasn’t the case with the band.
Meanwhile, the Eraserheads are also enthusiastic about getting back on stage.
“I thought I’d be sick of the journey by now. But so far, it’s been so full of surprises, like the orchestra,” said the band’s frontman and lead singer, Ely Buendia.
Marcus Adoro, the lead guitarist of the Eraserheads, shares the same excitement as Ely, especially with the inclusion of an orchestra during the show.
“First time naming tumugtog with a full blown orchestra. Parang wow, hininaan ko nang todo gitara ko para marining ko sila,” he said.
Yet before taking to the stage, the band rehearsed with the orchestra and each other, something Raymund Marasigan, the Eraserheads’ drummer, found weird. It’s not due to personal conflicts or other factors. It’s simply because the band hasn’t played together in a long time.
They describe it as riding a bike, where they’ll soon get the hang of it after several more tries. The band began rehearsals as early as October, with the orchestra joining them later.
Fans can expect a tight set from the OPM band as they revisit some of their favorite songs from their albums. Still, the band members hope to find another opportunity to feature some of their other songs in their underrated albums.
While the Eraserheads will bring a wave of nostalgia to their audience, they also long for a chance to watch themselves perform live, especially now that their concert has the proper equipment and a professional team to take their show to the next level.
Joining the Eraserheads in their reunion concert are other musicians, including Audry Dionisio, Mikey Amistoso, and Jazz Nicolas.
The Huling El Bimbo reunion concert will happen on December 22 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City.