In the world of rock n' roll, where alliances are forged, shattered, and resurrected, the proverb "never say never" has proven to be true time and time again.
Tonight, February 17, 2024 (Saturday), Bamboo Mañalac (vocals), Mark Escueta (drums), Nathan Azarcon (bass), and Rico Blanco (keyboards, guitars, vocals) — collectively known as the roster behind the legendary '90s band Rivermaya — are reuniting, 26 years after they last shared one stage.
It was a dream come true for the band's many fans, who for years have prayed for a classic Rivermaya get-together.
Read: Rivermaya's classic lineup confirmed to reunite for February concert
The much-anticipated concert will take place at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City at 8:00 p.m.
Here are five burning fan questions leading to tonight's show.
Read: Rivermaya's classic lineup makes triumphant TV return
MODERN VERSION OF CLASSIC SONGS
When Rivermaya burst onto the music scene in 1994, the majority of its band members were barely out of their teenage years.
Yet, like their peers, the band showcased a remarkable talent and creativity far beyond their years, evident in their songwriting and arrangements.
Although the original lineup of Bamboo, Rico, Nathan, and Mark has moved on, their passion endured and they never stopped producing music.
Over three decades, the four have not only grown but have also matured, evolving into even more accomplished artists both in the studio and on stage.
It will be exciting to see and hear how the quartet would interpret and play the songs they crafted years ago during the concert.
SONGS AND SETLIST SPECULATIONS
The lineup featuring Bamboo, Rico, Nathan, and Mark produced three albums—Rivermaya (1994), Trip (1996), and Atomic Bomb (1997).
These albums delivered radio hits such as "Ulan," "214," "Kisapmata," "Elesi," and "Hinahanap-Hanap Kita," among others,
Devoted fans, meanwhile, eagerly anticipate hearing the hidden gems — the obscure tracks or non-singles that rival, if not surpass, the radio favorites.
Mark, in a recent interview on the podcast show Offstage Hang, emphasized that the band's setlist primarily focuses on their second album, Trip, and the third, Atomic Bomb.
Notably, these albums showcase the four-piece lineup that fans can expect to see in the reunion concert.
The band's self-titled debut album included guitarist Perf de Castro, who left the band in late 1995 to focus on his other band Triaxis.
The question arises: will the band omit songs from their first record? Considering that Rivermaya's debut album includes some of their most iconic tracks, such as "Bring Me Down," "Ulan," and the beloved "214," the notion of excluding these songs from the setlist seems improbable.
Fans also are curious if the band will perform songs from their fourth album, It's Not Easy Being Green, released in 1999.
This album followed Bamboo's unexpected departure from the band after Rivermaya's U.S. and Canada tour in 1998.
Rumors suggest that Bamboo had already recorded his parts for the songs on the album, but following his departure, the band had to re-record the vocals, this time with Rico doing lead vocalist duties.
It's Not Easy Being Green marked the band's transition into a three-piece unit consisting of Nathan, Mark, and Rico.
Additionally, it served as Rico's debut as the lead singer, a position he held until mid-2007 when he departed to pursue a solo career.
For many fans, it would be exciting to witness the band perform tracks from It's Not Easy Being Green, allowing Rico moments to shine and sing during the reunion concert.
Moreover, hearing Bamboo lend his vocals or play backup to songs like "Rodeo," "Shattered Like," "Bagong Taon," and "Nerbyoso" would be a welcome treat to fans.
VISUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Sure, hearing the old songs and seeing the band members reunite are more than enough to evoke nostalgia among fans and audiences.
But reunion concerts have also become a platform to spotlight the artist's legacy — a celebration of a career that continues to inspire a generation of talents.
Will there be video tributes for Bamboo, Rico, Nathan, and Mark?
Another exciting element to keep an eye on is the production work that would complement the live music, adding visual spectacle to an occasion that is celebratory and nostalgic.
SPECIAL GUESTS?
Thus far, there's no word on whether a surprise guest is joining the band onstage.
Netizens have come out with wild speculations, such as Perf emerging to play the iconic solo on "214" and sticking around for a few songs, or current guitarist Mike Elgar and past members from the post-Bamboo era making an appearance.
While these guesses may seem far-fetched and even ridiculous to contemplate, reunion concerts are known for their unpredictability and wild surprises. So, who knows what might unfold?
What is sure, however, is the presence of celebrities who will be watching the concert.
As we had seen in the Eraserheads reunion concert in 2022, celebrities young and old are music fans themselves and are excited to see a legendary band reunite for an evening of nostalgia.
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For starters, it's safe to assume that Rico's girlfriend, singer-actress Maris Racal, and Mark's wife, actress-host Jolina Magdangal, will be among those in attendance.
Read:
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WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE CLASSIC LINEUP?
While reunion concerts are typically advertised as one-off events, it's not uncommon for reunited bandmates to find themselves eager to extend the journey down memory lane.
Are we going to see Rivermaya's classic lineup embark on a tour outside the country?
What are the odds of Bamboo, Rico, Nathan, and Mark convening in the studio again to record a new album?
Perhaps, a live album of the reunion concert, or a documentary special, are in the pipeline?
Additionally, might the reunion concert pave the way for the band's early records to be reissued in physical formats such as CDs and vinyl?
Furthermore, could we anticipate early Rivermaya tracks finally hitting streaming platforms like Spotify?
Rivermaya's situation is unique, given that the band still exists, with Nathan and Mark as the only holdovers from the original lineup.
Nevertheless, the possibilities and opportunities are endless in the ever-evolving music business.
For now, sit back and enjoy the show.
Tickets to Rivermaya The Reunion are still available on SM Tickets outlets, including at the venue on the day of the show.