The upcoming Rivermaya reunion stirred instant controversy after the official group picture promoting the concert set next year did not include Perf De Castro, the band’s lead guitarist featured on their self-titled debut album released back in the ‘90s.
Perf reacted to the matter in a kind of all-Pinoy rock way by saying “wala sa picture eh di wala.” Some netizens are overreacting to the point of threatening to boycott the concert because they can’t bear hearing “214” and “Awit Ng Kabataan” without Perf’s familiar lead guitar showcase.
Come on, aren’t we lucky enough to be seeing on stage the four members (Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Nathan Azarcon, and Mark Escueta) who stayed together for the band’s first three iconic albums? Whatever the reason that ultimately disallowed Perf from joining the highly hoped reunion must be internal and we can’t do anything about that.
There are two points to ponder on why there’s even public interest in the subject. One, Perf, after leaving the group that gave him his biggest break at least in his public life, managed to keep himself from falling into complete obscurity. Thanks to his immense talent and social media that kept him relevant. Second, fate somehow gave Perf a lesson. You can’t leave too early in the run, man. Yes, some factors led to his decision to jump ship, including being too young to be strong enough to stay perhaps a couple of years more.
With some Filipinos being sarcastic and asking why there’s even a reunion when the band is technically not disbanded, well, the concert promoter is addressing this question by describing the four involved as simply OG members. They’re not implying that the band had not been around for a while or that all those in the first album are participating in. That’s clear and should settle the issue.
Also, we have to partly blame this thing on the so-called branding. Rivermaya could have disbanded long ago, but bands normally choose to keep going even if the only original member on board is the maracas player – to let the brand remain intact. The classy acts by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, who both couldn’t go on with one less member, can’t just be reflected enough to be the standard practice.
Anyway, at the end of the day, the Rivermaya reunion come February 2024 is a testament to the beautiful music of the group’s early days that cemented their legacy. In fairness with Rico, who became the frontman after Bamboo left, and Mark, who has stood as the leader of an A-list band without a legitimate lead vocalist, they did a good job keeping Rivermaya active.
Now, let the concert happen. No toxic drama, just pure classic music for the Batang ‘90s and beyond.
Meanwhile, another great band from the ‘90s, Siakol, has dealt with key personnel changes. I’d rather not go into details. But it is important to note that their ex-lead vocalist Noel Palomo, who also wrote those classics, and lead guitarist Miniong Cervantes, are now performing under the name Repakol, with other musicians including Raz Itum (who first gained prominence as bass player-songwriter for Frio).
Repakol is part of Agila Music Festival 2023, a concert-for-a-cause scheduled on Saturday (Dec. 16) at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City. The musicfest is being put up by Magkuno Defender Eagles Club, a sorority/fraternity and non-profit organization which aims to raise funds for the construction of two classroom buildings with full amenities at Pantoc Elementary School in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.
The event to be hosted by comedian Pooh will also be featuring performances from Flow G, Chocolate Factory, Typecast, Black Rosary, Hagibis 4th, Eye Candies, Noelle & Natasha, Reymack Duo, Ken, Bryan & Ren, Rampage Duo, Beauty The Beast, Irene Diva, Darius Caneta, and Yeng Constantino. General admission tickets are priced at P500 and can be purchased through the Ticketmelon website.