Fans of the local rock band Rivermaya are holding their breaths after a teaser online seems to suggest an upcoming concert featuring the classic lineup of the beloved '90s band.
Live Nation Philippines on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, uploaded on social media a five-second ad showing blurred images of four individuals and ending with the date 02.17.2024, meaning the event will take place on February 17, 2024.
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Fans assumed that the four guys in the frame are Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon.
REUNION CLAMOR
Bamboo (vocals), Rico (keyboards, guitars), Mark (drums), and Nathan (bass) were known to fans as members of Rivermaya when the band burst into the scene in 1994 with their self-titled debut album at the height of the local alternative rock explosion.
Part of that lineup was guitarist Perfecto "Perf" de Castro who is now based in the U.S.
Perf departed the band in 1995, making Rivermaya a four-piece unit when they recorded their sophomore record Trip (1996), and third album Atomic Bomb (1997).
Bamboo eventually left Rivermaya after the band's tour in America and Canada in 1998.
Rivermaya's first three albums alone have produced numerous hits that are now OPM classics like "Ulan," "214," "Kisapmata," "Himala," "Panahon Na Naman," and "Hinahanap-hanap Kita."
The band soldiered on after Bamboo left and would continue to come up with hits with Rico, who was the chief songwriter, leading the charge.
Rivermaya endured several line-up changes since then and remains active to this day with Mark and Nathan (who returned to the group in 2016) as the only remaining members from that early '90s lineup.
Read:
Rico Blanco’s exit from Rivermaya
Rivermaya finds light and life after Rico Blanco
Calls for Rivermaya's classic roster to reunite on stage grow louder as many of the band's contemporaries have staged successful reunion concerts over the years.
Read: Iconic ‘90s band Teeth reunites for series of bar shows
Read: Eraserheads turns back the clock at "Huling El Bimbo" reunion concert
Observers though cited several reasons why a reunion of former members remains elusive, including the band still being active and the busy schedules of Bamboo and Rico.
Aside from performing and touring as a solo act, Bamboo is also into hosting on television.
Rico, meanwhile, continues to thrive as a singer and songwriter.
He's also at the helm of the artist management and record label Balcony Entertainment.
Rico also runs businesses such as Balcony Music House in Poblacion, Makati, and the commercial complex Port San Juan in San Juan, La Union.
Read: Sorry, OG Rivermaya fans, Bamboo is not keen on having reunion concert
Read: ICON's Rico Blanco says he is okay with Rivermaya reunion
The closest thing to a Rivermaya reunion happened on January 9, 2016, at 19 East, Muntinlupa, during a gig by Perf where he was joined by Rico, Nathan, and Mark.
Are the fans finally about to get what they're praying for?
Nothing is confirmed yet and speculations persist until an official announcement is made.
But hopes are high for the many Rivermaya fans eager to see the classic line-up together again on one stage.