The second half of the reunion concert of the influential '90s band, the Eraserheads, became a bitter-sweet moment following the demise of rapper Francis Magalona last Friday, March 6, due to leukemia.
Francis was a good friend and supporter of the legendary quartet. The Master Rapper collaborated with the Eraserheads in the song "Super Proxy" which was included in the band's best-selling 1995 album, Cutterpillow.
A tribute album dedicated to the music of the Eraserheads dubbed as Ultraelectromagnetcjam (2005) saw Francis doing a cover of "Super Proxy" (this time titled "Super Proxy 2k6") with former vocalist Ely Buendia returning the favor by assuming rap duties.
Kiko remained good friends with the individual members of the Eraserheads, even after the band disbanded in 2002. True to his nature, Francis avoided taking sides despite the rumored rift between Buendia and drummer Raimund Marasigan. He continued to collaborate with both artists on several occasions.
Weeks before he succumbed to his illness, Francis M still managed to book studio time to do a record with Ely. The album, dubbed as the Sickos Project, is now slated for posthumous release.
BY A HAIRLINE. When Ely was hospitalized in 2007 following a heart attack during an out-of-town gig with his current band Pupil, Francis actively supported a benefit gig organized for Buendia's recovery.
Writing in his blog at the time, Francis openly toyed with the idea of an Eraserheads reunion.
"Fast forward to right now, 9:58 am, Jan. 9, a lot of what if's scenarios pop in my head. What if the E-heads members are back, like long-lost blood brothers? What if the most significant OPM band of Pinoy Rock would be in one room, what would happen?" wrote Francis, before adding: "Para sa akin panahon na para mag-reunite ang E-heads. Sugod na mga kapatid...rock & roll na hanggang umaga."
Kiko's hope for a reunion took some time, until last year when the Eraserheads mounted a one-night get-together concert to heed the clamor of fans and fellow artists.
The August 30, 2008 affair was unfortunately cut short after Ely experienced chest pains backstage during the intermission.
Last night, March 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, the Eraserheads staged the continuation of their reunion concert. Francis was supposed to join the band on stage to perform "Super Proxy."
Unfortunately, he passed away at high noon a day before the big concert.
PAYING HOMAGE. Kiko's passing prompted to band to dedicate their concert to the "Master Rapper."
"Ide-dedicate namin namin yung buong show sa kanya para may soundtrack siya sa paglalakbay niya, maliban sa kanta niya," Eraserheads guitarist Marcus Adoro said to PEP hours before the concert.
Strumming his guitar aimlessly at first, Ely led his bandmates in doing a short cover of Francis's hit single "Kaleidoscope World." Before launching Super Proxy's distinct intro riff, Ely egged the huge crowd to wholeheartedly chant Francis's name to salute OPM's fallen icon.
During the performance, bassist Buddy Zabala was caught by the camera gazing at the sky while playing his bass notes, while Marasigan pounded his drum kit with added ferocity—perhaps his own way of paying tribute to Kiko's memory. Obviously, Ely took it upon himself to deliver Kiko's lines in the song flawlessly. His performance of Francis's rap lines was understated yet undeniably touching.
Video clips of Francis were also flashed on the monitors placed on top of the stage.
Incidentally, the reunion concert was produced by MTV Philippines. Francis served as MTV Philippines' first local video jock, along with Regine Tolentino and Donita Rose.
Click HERE to view PEP's tribute to the Master Rapper Francis Magalona.