Entitled “Rivermaya the Reunion,” the concert will feature the talents of early members Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon, and will take place in February 2024.
Live Nation Philippines is staging its very first OPM concert featuring none other than the original talents behind Rivermaya. The band is one of the most popular ones in the country, having cemented themselves in music history with hits like “214,” “Awit Ng Kabataan,” “Kisapmata,” and “Elesi.”
Rivermaya the Reunion is set to take place on February 17, 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque. It will feature the talents of the band’s early members, which include Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon.
READ ALSO: Opening Night: ‘Hamilton’ Kicks Off Asian Tour In Manila
OPM Icons
Rivermaya began in 1993 with Jesse Gonzales on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome Velayo on drums, and Rico Blanco on keyboards, as per Last.fm. Shortly after, Perfecto de Castro replaced Ilagan, while Mark Escueta would take over Velayo’s role and Francisco “Bamboo” Mañalac would replace Gonzales.
The alternative rock band made a name for themselves, quickly gaining popularity within the local music scene before gaining international recognition. During this extensive period of fame, the band would release some of their most acclaimed albums, including the eponymous Rivermaya, Trip, and Atomic Bomb.
Over the years, the band had experienced a series of evolutions with the departure of key members. De Castro, Mañalac, Azarcon, and Blanco later departed the band to pursue solo careers.
Blanco remained in Rivermaya for a considerable period before departing in 2007. Jayson Fernandez became the band’s new frontman at the age of 18 following Blanco’s exit.
Currently, the band’s members include early members Escueta on drums/vocals and Azarcon on bass. Meanwhile, Mike Elgar is on lead guitar while Aiman Borres is the band’s touring keyboardist.
Missing Member
Fans pointed out the absence of former Rivermaya guitarist Perfecto de Castro, who’s currently pursuing a music career in Los Angeles, California. Though de Castro encouraged the fans to enjoy the show even if he won’t be performing, he also expressed his gratitude for the warm support, as per Inquirer Entertainment.
The musician wrote in a Facebook post: “[…] I’ve been so happy these past couple of days and my heart is full with all your comments and support, but I’m alright. Keep going.” [Nakakatuwa itong past couple of days at nakakataba ng puso ang lahat ng comments at support pero OKs lang ako, men. Padayon lang].
Indeed, despite de Castro’s absence, fans have much to look forward to with the return of many of the band’s earliest members and fantastic talents.
Tickets for Rivermaya the Reunion will be available on November 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM via www.smtickets.com/ and SM Tickets outlets.
Banner photo via Instagram @livenationph.
