Alfredo "Chickoy" Pura Jr. : "Pillar" ( Haligi)

"Pillar" ( Haligi)

 Alfredo "Chickoy" Pura Jr.

From his humble start as folk singer
to one of the earliest Punk stalwarts, The Jerks
to the amalgamation of local greats in Lokal Brown
And for contniously serving as an inspiration as musician in spanning 4 decades of continous music...
Mad respect and admiration for the man.

The Jerks, formed in 1979, were the first local band to heed the punk Rock calling, And would play an important role in the early development of local punk rock scene
Though the band had released Two original songs from The Jerks’ debut seven-inch single--“Romantic Kill” and “Big Deal”--and their punk cover of the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” in 1982 , which received extensive airplay over DZRJ’s “Pinoy Rock & Rhythm” program. the songs remain in obscurity ( and didn't find the light of day until this year) .
Unbelievably The band wont release released their debut record until 1994 which was: The Jerks Live" , released under Gary Granada's Backdoor Records. It was recorded live at the legendary Mayric's bar . The record cached the essence of a Jerks live show. raw and passionate.
The Jerks finally would released a self-titled album in the late '90s.
under a Major label record, capturing a broader and wider audience, this also paved way to the gaining recognition such as the 1998 NU Rock Award for Best Album and the 1998 Katha Award for Best Rock Song, "Reklamo ng Reklamo". And later enshrined as NU Hall of famer in 2004

Asked on why they were never the chance to record an album or a song for Tommy Tanchangco's "Twisted Red Cross" Pura said they were older and way ahead of the bands that was featured on the TRC and even predating TRC..
Adding that they were full time musicians and need their regular income..
But nevertheless still The Jerks was able to play in some Punk Concerts and is regarded as one of Punks founding fathers

Chickoy for throughout the years , continue to perform at such a high level on the stage, uncompromised on what he stands for,
his level of showmanship is unparalleled and there's no sign of waning down after decades and countless dates of performing.

Mad respect and Admiration Ser Chickoy

We wish you the best of health and more music
And May God bless you

- infos ctto

Dominic "Papa Dom" Gamboa In Memoriam: "Ala-Ala"

 "Ala Ala"

Dominic "Papa Dom" Gamboa In Memoriam
(Absolut Zero /Betrayed /Skavengers/Lokal Brown/ Tropical Depression)
12.19.1965 - 12.18.2013

Wether you knew him as a young rad punk vox wearing a discharge jacket that made you jump like a pogo
Or a Big Cool dude made you sway on some Reggae music...

Music has made us kin to him
But Lucky for those who were able to be a part of this great soul's life

Celebrating the man's legacy... sharing my 5 Favorite PapaDom songs and the memories and the inspiration that goes behind it

1.Never Meant To Be This Way
- Katrina's live version
For someone who was totally clueless when this whole punk scene was happening (i was under 10 years old).. it is essential to me to have this piece of history... how The young Dominic Gamboa was , for me was a combination of other people'story and my inagination... thats why i treasure this live album so much, because its the only channel i can atleast hear a glimpse of The early Betrayed, Not to take away from the current Betrayed (which is essentially the same -minus Domnic) is still formidable and awesome. Of course the Dominic Gamboa years is special in many ways

2. Kapayapaan
Dominic's (as Papa Dom) other side, if i may put it.. in perfect contrast to his image to his Betrayed years
- "Lupang Uhaw sa Pag-Ibig, Naghihintay sa halik Langit" . Darn great lyrics
Great uplifting tune and a great positive lyrics

3. Caught In The Cross Fire
- An image of Dominic in a Discharge Jacket Growling "Never meant to be this way"
(it was Robert Javier Alluding to The man's legacy I read from his article ".22 Caliber Shoots)
It became an image I would always depict Domeng. As the man already became a legend even before I heard his songs...

A retaped cassette with a label "Betrayed" given by a punk friend sometime in late '94
Finally ... I got to hear the man
This would be one of my earliest fave Betrayed song.

4.Hoy Juan
Prior to fronting the reggae legend Tropical Depression, after his departure from Betrayed , Papa Dom Fronted perhaps the first Known local Ska band Skavengers and penned this anthemic song

5."Bilog Na Naman Ang Buwan"
- Perhaps this simple vocal toast was the second coming of Dominic Gamboa, now known as Papa Dom.. as Trop Dep Etched its mark on the local mainstream, which i believe at that point was some kinda the best feat for a local Reggae band

Still Alive : Jay Dimalanta

 Still Alive

Joshua "Jay" Dimalanta In Memoriam
Dead Ends/Bass
(Jan 23, 1966 - November 25,1996)

Celebrating the life and work of a great musician, whose works are considered one of the finest, and influential...
-Jay's style of playing made me appreciate more of the instrument, (Bass guitar), and inspired me to pick up the instrument

Jay wrote some of the best intricative, melodic and perhaps one if the most complex bass lines in the local scene ever regardless of genre..

His works are transcending if that is the right term... that captivated not a few budding musicians to not only appreciate the role of a bass player in a band, but influenced shifting to playing the Bass... and i was one of them...
Jay is one of my Biggest Hero.

Jay's musicianship is one of the local music landmark as he helped his Kuya Al Dimalanta write 4 Awesome Albums for seminal Hardcore /Punk band Dead Ends in the 80s and 90s

Other close and dear to him... would have tons of stories can tell of Jay, as a brother, a friend, and a companion... and i can only attentively listen to their recollection and memories of this fine young lad who left us far too soon....

You and your music will always be remembered Jay..

Mel Maniego : "Time"

 "Time"

Melchiades "Mel" J.Maniego In Memoriam

(Dec.23,1964 - November 22, 2021)

 

Mel Maniego, was a Songwriter Guitarist for the legendary local Rockabilly band , Private Stock, which came to prominence in the 80's. And The Mod Revival Band The Go Signals in the 2010s. 

He was also a part of folk country inspired supergroup, Vagabonds

Private Stock was originally formed back in 1983 and the following years have seen the band carve out their own distinctive niche in the Filipino music scene since. They made their mark in the Filipino punk history when they performed at the legendary Brave New World 5 concert in Manila, Philippines. During that time they launched their first original composition written which is Future Generation.

Katrina's in Mabini, Manila became their home club. They became regular performers there and honed their music skills. Around that time they still do the regular punk/ mod shows. They also released a cassette of their debut and only album Hype's Cool. They also contributed songs to Tommy Tanchangco's Twisted Red Cross compilation albums sunch as the early version of "Future Generation" on The First "Rescue Ladders and Human Barricade" compilation . Strange Boy (In the Secret Service) and the song Hype's Cool came out and was included in the RL&HB part 3: The Third Bombardment,  And some live tracks for the Katrina's :Tamana Away live album compilation.

After taking a long hiatus started in 1988, Private Stock would briefly reform in the 90s, with Fred Dator and Mel Maniego spearheading writing for new Materials for the second album, sadly it never saw the light of day.and then another long hiatus

Mel would be encouraged to write again and the result was the Formation of an all family affair  "The Go Signals" which features Dennis Maniego on Bass and a Young Spike Maniego on drums.

and released the album "Secrets and Lies" in 2011.

The Go Signals channelled the power and the riffage of The Jam and the Clash with the melodic appeal of the The Jam, The Kinks and The Beatles.

The Go Signals would play incessantly for years before taking a halt in 2018 due to Mel's health condition

In between TGS gigs Mel would throw himself on an all star band "The Vagabonds" which also feature Mally Paraguya (of POT/TTT), and Albert Ascona (Bad Omen) and Jerome "Johnny Tender" Macaraeg (Pusakal /Kamote Chunks) plays folk /country songs which also bore an album "Suburban Serenade"

Mel was one of the most passionate artist I ever seen, a great conversationalist

and more importantly a great human being. and it's been a privilage and proud to be friend to a person who once upon a time, i can only watch and admire from a distance.

Story collated from different source and personal story

Paul Puti-An: Prolific And Gifted

Prolific and Gifted

 Paul Puti-An

Once i caught a glimpse of this guy, i had this profound admiration for his work instantly . 

Paul , The  prolific songwriter who fronts Coffee Break Islands, The Borrachos and Co-Fronts Todo Pasa.. 

has this unmistakable soulful husk/growl voice , 

and offers a music that is captivating , and exciting.. (something familiar yet something new.) Onstage, always such a great sight visually,  artistically..

When i got liberated from the prisoning demands of the Mfg Companies, some 12 years ago.. Of course going back to music was one of my first "I need to go to"s  and Coffee Break Islands and Shuffle Union gigs have became frequent for a period of time.. thanks to some ska friends to tagged me along while i try to find my way back on the scene,  and it felt great seing old and new people around.. one thing never changed though, the vibes and the excitement that emanates form Ska music..

And throug time.. his music has earned a permanent spot on my always active music library.. 

Brutus Lacano : He's Got The Rhythm

 He's Got The Rhythm

Brutus Lacano

"Papang  Brutus" as he is fondly called, is  an amazing Drummer and a human being, Played behind the kit for some high profile local bands,  such as The Brownbeat Allstar, Put3ska , Indio I, Coco Jam, Moyg, The Jerks, Advent Call, Escolta 3am,  People's Music and Bembol Rockers just to name a few. 

 Brutus' passion for the music, especially Ska and Reggae emanates on his steady moving beat, 

It's amazing how he locks in a solid regga beat and how he throw swing rudiments, which earned him admiration and respect among his peers, and fans of the genre.

Looking at the man's resume.. I can easily say i Have  been constantly listening to his music for more than 2 decades, since i first heard him , locking the jive for The Brownbeat Allstars when they first came out, and jumping to everybands that i also listened to.

Rick Olivares: A Modern Day Renaissance Man

 A Modern Day Renaissance Man 

Rick Olivares

If the name is unmistakably familiar, its because it is. the man is just literally everywhere unless you were living under the rocks with Fred and Barney

Sir Rick has more than 2 decades experience in media as a newspaper reporter, columnist , broadcast journalist, and recently more as an independent Blogger.

He has also written for notable Print medias conpanies such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, , Philstar, FHM, Maxim, Philippines Free Press, football Philippines among others and currently writes for Philstar.com and a regular columnist at ABS-CBN News and Business Mirror

He also did some Television works for ABS CBN , Solar Sports and Sports 5 and reporting for DZRH.

And not to forget sharing his thoughts eloquently on his blogsite, Bleachers Brew which remains active since 2006

  It's admirable and rare you get to know a guy who is into a lot of things and is so deeply knowledgable on its every subject matter.

Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Boxing, Tennis, Baseball, Mixed Martial Arts, Chess and just about any sports that there is.

Also a big Movie/ TV series enthusiast, a huge Comics , Books and Music (Vinyl/CD/Cassette) collector and i need to say i was really amazed with  his profound music vocabulary. From mainstream music to Alternative, to Jazz down to the underground scene of Hardcore, Punk and ska and to the alternate universe of indie, ethereal, shoegaze   or even some obscure bands that were not even aware even existed that proves his eclectic taste for music,  and perhaps anything in between. Its amazing to read bits of history and especially his personal journey and  stories behind it . 

Recently he played a significant part in making The Jerks EP (c.early 80s) finally seeing the light of day and further emphasizing the band's place  and importance in the local Rock scene.

So much admiration for trully a  Modern day Renaissance man.

Alay at isang Pagpupugay Kay Bobby Balingit

 Alay at isang Pagpupugay Kay Juan Isip

Bobby Balingit
Ipinanganak Nobyembre 13
Mangaawit at Gitarista ng isang haligi ng industriya ng Musika, ang Bandang Wuds.
Isang Tinitingalang manunulat,
Kilala si Sir Bob sa kanyang makabuluhang mga letra at mapanghamong musika.
Na nagpasimula pa noong dekada 80, bilang isa sa mga Pioneer ng Pinoy Punk scene, nagapatuloy hanggang dekada 90 bilang isa sa mga respetadong banda sa pagusbong ng Alternatibong musika at nananatiling nagpapatuloy hanggang sa ngayon.
Bukod sa pagiging manunulat ng musika,
Si Sir Bob ay isa ring Guitar Coach, Painter, theater actor, art installation artist,.vegetarian Chef at Novelist


Maligayang Kaarawan Sir Bob!
Alay ko ang tula para sa iyo.
Isang Pagpupugay Sir Bob

Isang mapagpalayang musika ang pumukaw sa mura kong isipan..
Di ko man hinahanap, Ngunit aking nasumpungan
Sumisigaw, nanggigising sa tulog na kamalayan,
Mga dating bagay na nakikita ngunit di nauunawaan
Sa pagbabago ng mata ng kaisipan aking namasdan

Sa mga panulat mo nakita ko ang pangit sa mundo
Malungkot, di maganda, masakit pero totoo.
Sa pagyaon sa buhay mabuti naman ang hanap ng tao
Dangan lamang di lahat nananatili dito

Sa bawat sigaw at ingay ng instrumento
Natutong mangarap ng marubdob na pagbabago
Kasamaan, kasakiman, mga institusyon at pulitikong gunagawa ng Pangagago
Masasanay na lang ba tayong lunukin lahat ito?

Maliit na tinig, yan ang papel ko sa isip ko
Hindi man lahat tayo ay tulad Nelsom Mandela o Lean Alejandro
Pero tulad nila pinagalab ng puso magsalita
Wag magpagamit sa mali, at huwag. magsawalang kibo at bahala

Sa mga taong ito ako natuto
Na ang kultura ng pangk ay higit sa pananamit at istilo
Di man ako nagmohawk at di man nakatikim ng DMs ang paa ko
Nakuha ko naman ang esensya nito

-Pilosopong Peledik

Forever Will Be Lois Lane

 Forever Will Be Lois Lane

Margot Kidder In Memoriam

17.Oct.1948 - 13 May 2018

Magot Kidder was a Canadian Born Actress, who had a spanning 5 decade carreer that includes over hundreds of film and television credits..

Her Iconic role as Lois Lane opposite Christoper Reeves made her a household name (or household face at least), mainstream recognition and further memorable films like the Blockbuster Horror film "The Amityville Horror" .

As a kid growing up in the 80's , we have a very limited access to Foreign TV shows,  mostly already ran but was popular in America Like The Knight Rider, Perfect Stranger, McGyver, The A Team, The Greates American Hero, 21 Jumpstreet, the couple of years delay WWF TV and a bunch more.. as for films , most of which that would make our shores are either anticipated blockbuster films or Bunch of horror shows.. But yeah basically reflecting what was happening in Hollywood.

Superman would be one of them, The Christopher Reeves starrer was a presage of the mainstream popularity of Hollywood's Superhero films , way before MArvel and DC universe were doing their thing today.. 

Superhero film was a big thing, and with the improvement in film making, especially with the technology, at that point was groundbreaking, relatively It was the most expensive film made at that time and as a kid that had grew up with Cartoon version of Superman and The Justice league.. Superman in flesh was a must.

The Film was successful in many ways. It was deemed to be a success with Richard Donner and Mario Puzo (yes of the Godfather fame) at the helm.  Film music by the ever reliable John Williams and Supported by high profile actors such as Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando. , Margot Kidder was the Cherry on Top

Margot would become to be one of Hollywood's most recognizable face, and even for some time that i didn't get her name, she was my earliest biggest crushes... 

Though her role wasnt Grammy worthy, however it was iconic enough, how it touched a lot of lives, i guess was as much as rewarding.. 

Her role,  her face was forever imprinted in my(our) memory .(well talking bout my generation.)

Bob Mould: Legacy

 Legacy: Songs and Stories

Bob Mould

16 Oct 1960

Robert Arthur Mould, known mainly for his work as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü in the 1980s and Sugar in the 1990s.

It wasnt hard to find Bob Mould a place in my toppermost influential artist,  i mean how can you get wrong fronting 2 influential bands in different eras Sugar and Husker Dü ..

"Copper Blue" was my very introduction to Bob Mould's music , it wasnt instantanous as i have to digest a lot of great bands that i listened to the very first time during that magical year of 2005. (My Vitriol, Shiner, The Life and Times, Jawbox, MBV, slowdive, among others)... but darn when it sunk in..  the album just keeps playing in my head long after i took out my headset.... 

What Mould (And Jawbox's J.Robbins) made special is that their previous works points me to a previous scene i was deeply into.. Hardcore and Punk... 

Bob Mould fronted Husker Dü, whose early works were raw hardcore punk, before it morphed into melodic Alternative. (And J.Robbins being a former member of DC band Government Issue)- who by the way were signed by Geg Ginn of Black Flag to his "SST Label"

 that simple retrospect comnection was kinda cool and interesting finding something common i share with my two icons.

Academically after listening to "Zen Arcade"  and my personal faves "Metal Circus"  and "Land Speed Record" 

Mould, being a prolific writer having a solo career in between and no sign of slowing down just released and album "Blue Hearts" recently

John Mayer:Beauty behind Heavier Things

Beauty Beyond Heavier Things

John Mayer
16 Oct 1977

John Clayton Mayer (born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Credited for
Multi Platinum and Critically acclaimed albums.  including his fist two albums;  Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003) that found him commercial success. He had also already won 7 Grammys in 19 Nominations.

It was the second album "Heavier Things" that had me..  As soon as i heard the eccentric Guitar intro  of "Bigger Than My Body" i know i just need to get a hold of the album. And i must say it wasnt a fluke.. Mayer is one of the artist that can easily bridge mainstream music and Rock and Blues afficionados..
I'm.not sure if casual.Mayer fans realized how good as a Guitar Player Mayer is... Not too many Guitar player or artist is bold enough  to cover Jimi Hendrix . But dang his cover version of "Bold As Love" in "Continuum" was spot on.. i would think he must have hired a Guitar player to play on that. I've searched a video of him playing the song live and to my surprised and amazement.  His profound influence in music is also evident seing him cover Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine",  Prince's "Raspberry Beret" ,  and  Jason Becker 's "Air" on his response to the former's "Ice Bucket challange" .. and darn! Perhaps only guitar players will undestand to be regarded as Guitar Prodigy Jason Becker's favorite along with EVH and Marty Friedman.
Mayer's Guitar playing is evidently Influences by Guitar extraordinaires Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn . Mayer is also a finger picker like Another guitar favorite of mine, Richie Kotzen which at one point i tried to emulate myself as a guitar player.

As an artist Mayer had already established himself as a great songwriter, not just producing hits, but writing such melodic tunes .
Such as "Gravity", "I Don't Need No Doctor",  "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room",  "Vultures" , "Neon" among the few..
Not to forget Mayer has such an amazing voice.  Who along with Chris Cornell, Richie Kotzen, David Coverdale,  Bryan Adams, Don Henley, Izzy Stradlin,  Michael Bolton,  Tim Armstrong and Renz Verano (😁) were my biggest favorite Voices

"Flea" That Funky Music

 Flea that Funky Music

Flea Balzary

16 Oct 1962

Michael Peter Balzary , known professionally as Flea, is best known for his funky slapping bass technique, is the  bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers who reached massive success with their  Breakout album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" in 1991 and have since became a permanent staple in the Rock Charts in the 90s  with  "One Hot Minute" ( 1995) and " Californication" (1999)  and would continue in the 2000s with "By The Way" (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006).

RHCP has received numerous Recognitions , including 12 Grammys including Rock albums 3 times, (2000, 2007 and 2012)

Regarded as one of the best rock bass players of all time, in 2009, Rolling Stone's readers ranked Flea the second-best bassist in their top-ten poll, ranked behind only Behind John Entwistle

and again in April 2011, Flea finished second in an online poll conducted by Contact Music to name the best bass guitarist in rock music also behind John Entwistle.

 Flea briefly appeared as the bassist for such bands as What Is This?, Fear, and Jane's Addiction. He has performed with rock supergroups Atoms for Peace, Antemasque, Pigface, and Rocket Juice & the Moon, and collaborated with the Mars Volta, Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, Alanis Morissette, and Young MC. 

Flea, was among the first Bass players to ever caught my attention, together with Billy Sheehan, and local great Jay Dimalanta in the early 90s.. and would be my first heroes when i started playing Bass Guitar myself. The technical aspect of such prowess that i appreciate when i get to understand the bass more... though melodicly theyre already great even for a common rock afficionado's simple band thing perspective .

Though i didn't tried imitating him then, because , i mean how can i? , i would just be like a guitar novice who will try to sound Hendrix or Page or Slash (which i did when started with guitar)... i was already into punk , hardcore and ska music when i shifted to bass.

started with a more simpler but same intensity

In Dee Dee Ramone and Klaus Flouride,

then would go back to Flea when i started advancing a little on my craft, i had a band then that covers RHCP and TOTO. I did fair but i wasnt funky or flambouyant enough, i realize that time that playing really isnt about technical proficiency, you need to have your soul in doing such. And that was Flea is so commited to, and why his chops are so impeccable and comes natural... understanding that , what he do with his Bass would forever amaze . And in the process, i  did found what moves my groove as well

Dan Potthast : "All I Can Be"

 "All I Can Be"

Dan Potthast

10.09.1972

A Native of  St. Louis, MO, Dan is best known for his work as singer/songwriter for the Third wave Ska band , MU330 in the early 90s

He has also released a solo musical endeavor, plays acoustic ska , but not limited to under the name Dan P. 

Dan and his band  MU330 was my first introduction to "Ska-Core" , via their song " Hoosier Love" aroun d 1998, which was a track on a Ska compilation album "Skarmageddon". Ska Core was a term coined from the combination of the word ska and hardcore. which describes use of heavy distortions ( which wasn't really common)  blending amazing well with the Horn sections for ska music. 

( though Dan Described MU330's music as  "Psycho Ska", high energy ska punk marked by manic performances and humorous, often strange lyricism). 

it would pave me to discover bands such as The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Streetlight Manifesto, Less Than Jake, The Suicide Machines, Link 80 etc.. which would dominate my playlist around that time.

For a certain period of time, i was outdated from some of the bands,i was listening to in the mid and late 90s. ( For a lot of reason, i would continue to expand my music vocabulary- its just hard to capture everything all at the same time. and for MU330, Streetlight Manifesto and even MMB its not the fire was lost , but i would constantly shift focus on different kind of music. started in the early parts of the 2000s 

However, great music will always find its way through me, as i would rediscover Dan, amazingly a much tamer, but still passionate i must say in a different way.just like me i guess a more mature in a lot of sense., Acoustic? And still a little ska flavor. But i hear the man, this time much louder despite his music, much subdued as compared to MU330.

His solo albums such as " Eyeballs"(1999) , "Sweet Meats" (2002), "Around The World" (2010), "Eat The Planet" (2008), "My Living Room" (2014) and "Cars For Sale" (2020)... Gone soft? No . just wiser

The Power of the Chords: Johnny Ramone In Memoriam

 The Power of the Chords

Johnny Ramone In Memoriam
October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004


John William Cummings in real life. Known Professionally by his monicker "Johnny Ramone" was a songwriter guitarist for the Legendary punk rock band, the Ramones. Which he co-founded in 1974. The band found significant success in the late 70s and 80s and established themselves as an
Influential Punk Rock band.
The Band broke up in 1996 after tensions, conflicts, and falling out especially Johnny and singer Joey Ramone ( Jeffrey Ross Hyman)

Ramones concerts and recordings influenced many musicians central to the development of California punk, members of Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, and the Descendent

Johnny's Guitar Playing was immensely influential, despite being almost exclusively a rhythm guitarist, Johnny was notable for using fast downstrokes style throughout the entirety of his career, as well as his usage of full, six-string barre chords and occasional power chords. This unique technique, combined with his characteristic high gain tone from his guitar amplifier, produced a guitar sound that was amazingly aggressive and rhythmic. which perfectly fit Ramones' usually fast and short songs. and darn felt good especially on their live sets ( where they played the songs much faster and most of the times separated only by Dee Dee's signature "1..2..3...4!!! " count in between songs

Johnny seldom had guitar solos on Ramones songs, although Johnny did play few simple lead guitar parts on a small number of Ramones recordings, such as "Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue" and "California Sun". However, the other few guitar solos on the group's studio albums were usually overdubbed by producers Tommy Ramone, Ed Stasium, Daniel Rey, Walter Lure and other uncredited guests. Songs such as "We Want The Airwaves", "Poison Heart", " I Wanna Live", "Strength To Endure" which Johnny never played the Guitar solo parts in their live sets
Most of these small leads were only added in an attempt to give certain songs, certain characters that the producers felt needed in the songs. of course they were not common on the band's songwriting process.

And in this seldom times , where the Buzzsawing guitar blasting were overwhelmingly amazing enough and no amount of guitar solo or the lack of it, can take away from the sheer energy of a Johnny Ramone.

Albert Ascona: Punk Rock and Everything Nice

 Punk Rock and Everything Nice

Albert Allan Ascona 

Oct 5, 1975

- Aside from his main band Bad Omen, is also /has been a member of elite bands such as Vagabonds, Gut Reaction, Communion, Prevail, Throw, Music Front, Nemodav, The Beauty Of Doubt and a couple a hundred more

A prolific songwriter who can't seem to contain the Punk Rock blood in his veins.. Albert is also a good conversationalist, who can easily make a great interviews and of course the guy is all guns blazing when it comes to issues that concerns National interest. He writes some good stuffs of different subject matter as well.

Side note:

prior to this pandemic,  i was fortunate enough to get  Albert's Red Fender Telecaster (yep the one on the photo),  It was one he use for some gigs and Communion MV... 

I was planning and looking for a Tele for years suring that time,  that fits my budget and how cool is that finally owning a Tele that was previously used by a local Punk Rock icon..

The Guilty: Short film review

 

A simple plot with a compulsive story telling.

The actor who portrayed Bubble Boy, The Former Price of Persia and recently Spiderman's antagonist Mysterio, Jake Gyllenhall pulls up an impressive performance he portrays a beliguered  Police Officer Joe Baylor, LAPD Police Officer who seems demoted as he sits as 911 dispatcher with an undefined controversy as he was also set to appear for a court appearance the following the day... 

how he would communicate with the the rest of the team suggests that he seem to either have a really issue or in really deep sh**

Baylor who found himself in a surreal situation of what seemed to be an on going abduction after she recieved a call from a woman (Emily Lighton) who was seemed despair and in need of dire help while a  massive Wildfire was happening at the same time, omewhere in Calfornia..

The call was dropped after the captor seemed to get suspicious of who she was talking to... bent on tracking the woman in danger he dugged further info and was able to reach the victim's house and sas able to talk to yhe victim's daughter Abby and his baby brother Oliver .. from therefort the movie just takes my emotion. The abductor's past charges of assaults and Abby's accounts  just seem to lead us to what was happening as imminent danget looms.  While Joe seemed to be has so invested on the call did eveything, even  beyond  his jurisdiction and avaialable help officially and phoned in some peole yo help him..  by this time the movie has established Baylor's perplexing behaviour as the story relates also his curent situation with his estranged wife  which he has been dealing with for sometime , trying to call his daughter just to say goodnight

This part would be the movie's twist and i'll save that for those who haven't watched the movie.. in the end i can say that "Emotions sometimes can incorrectly overwhelm sound reasoning." .. 

Good Movie.. and i just read, that this was just a remake so i better check that out

The Mouth: Francis "Kiko" Magalona In Memoriam

 The Mouth

Francis "Kiko" Magalona In Memoriam

Francis Michael Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, The Mouth and The Man From Manila.

People of my age were fortunate to have witnessed how the Rap/hip hop thing started, in the P.I.
i grew up in a generation, where "Breakdancing", "strutting" were a thing.. but theres no other person was doing "fast talk and rhyming" in the music scene... until "The Mouth" did his thing..

i feel fortunate personally having to see Francism's humble begginins strutting and rapping freestyle in the defunct Alma Moreno show "Loveliness" ( and Willie Revilliame playing drums).. thus where the "Yo! yes yes yo" catchphrase started
... kids of my age, we were imititating him. without guilt of being branded, ...
he was the only rapper we would know.. 87-88? until the likes of JJ fad and ultimately Vanilla Ice (MC Hammer etc) finally find its way into the land of Three stars and a sun
Piracy in casette forms were already happening then... so i was able to get FM's "Yo" and "Rap is Francism albums (though the latter one was a legit record that i was able to score)..
Later, Kiko would flourish to became not just a rapper but a great musician incorporating rock music in the style of The Chilli peppers and The Beastie Boys.
He was also such a nice person, as i have occassionally had the chance to interact with him during our "Multiply"days (yes. when social media was far better then)..
he was always sensible and always have that PMA attitude, even until he was struggling battling his dieses... yes he was sharing those on his pages..
passing away... he left a void that i dare say nobody could replicate..
well you can always find someone who can rap faster... but not sensible enough as close as FM...

P.S.
just wondering if i didint have this Porky Pig syndrome in me.. who knows I could've followed his steps

"Idlip" : Rest In Power Mon Legaspi

 "Idlip"

RIP Mon Legaspi

Sad to hear the passing of Bassist Mon Legaspi , who played for Local Rock greats Wolf gang and also currently of The Dawn last night due to Cardiac Arrest.

Mon Legaspi was one of the amazing local artist who helped local rock music reach greater heights. As part of the band Wolfgang , they created a stir to the local mainstream Rock scene. and took the music into greater heights . ( in the sense , their songs can go at par with the Western music). They were technically proficient, receiving individual awards/ recognitions

but aside from being an amazing Bass player, but a great lyricist as well. Mon penned mostly the Tagalog lyrics to Wolfgang songs such as "Halik Ni Hudas", " Natutulog Kong Mundo". Mata ng Dios", Mula sa Kamandag", Tulisan", Ilang Alon ang dala" , "Trenta" and "Idlip". a no nonsense lyricist and i must say in a way poetic way.

Hanggang sa Muling Pagdilat sa pansamantalang pagkakaidlip

Harley Alarcon: Piece Of This

 Piece Of This

Harley Alarcon

My introduction to Harley's work was via Dead Ends third installment "Damned Nation" , it was a pivotal album for me to say the least, it was an amazing album, Aggressively and Technically .  It became also a gateway to discovering local punk music and on a broader perspective appreciating our homegrown talents. 

Harley had a different vibe and feel , but nonetheless aggressive. by this time , it was the early 90s , and an amazing times for resurgence of the whole band thing. which Harley became a big part of.

Shortly after, i learned that he was part ( founding members) of local alternative band Rizal Underground. (along with former  Runaway Boys frontman Stephen Lu and Dead Ends Bass Wizard Jay Dimalanta) which released the now classic "Alert Level : The Album" and the band's debut album which spawned hits like "Rollers On Her Hair" and the awesome remake of "Sabado Nights".

His best works though would come around the mid 90s. with the formation of the amazing all star line up funk Rock band P.O.T. as the album would recieve a generally amazing rave reviews, and recognition for his amazing work capping out with taking the 1997 NU Rock awards album of the year and Drummer of the year ( Mally Paraguya also Bagging the Bassist of the year).

and not to forget his contribution on Eddie Siojo's Betrayed, album "Again" which was Siojo's comeback album, which was nothing less more than a great album, releasing an album after the debut album released during the Punk music revolution in the mid 80s.

 Such an impressive resume. With different types of music and contrasting styles, it's easy to say Harley has became a solid force behind not only his bands music , but significantly with the music that was happening around that time.

Richard Hell: Of Television, Heartbreaks and Voids

 Of Television, Heartbreaks and Voids

Richard Hell
02.Oct.1949

Richard Lester Meyers, better known by his stage name Richard Hell, is a singer,songwriter, bass guitarist and songwriter. Hell was in several important, early punk bands, including Neon Boys, Television and The Heartbreakers, after which he formed Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Their 1977 album Blank Generation influenced many other punk bands. Its title track was named "One of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock" by music writers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame listing.

Discovering Punk as music to me had different phases... initially it was The Pistols bridge me to punk music. But it was actually the american hardcore /punk thing ( plus a couple of local too) that really got me into it. Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks, Minor Threat... Dead Ends, G.I. + Idiots then Brit punk, The Pistols, The Toy Dolls, The Exploited...
As the information during that time was scarce, with a few zines, i rely on peers recommendations .. The Compilation albums did wonders as well and helped in a lot of ways.. Punk and Disorderly series, Dischord hardcore Compilation, BYO's "Someone's Gonna get their head into something" , "Oi' Chart Buster series" .. and a particular album that represents the early CGBG / proto-punks
"The Blank Generation" The New York Scene 1975 -1978... All of these albums were important as it lead me different bands to listen and while most would give me the idea of the things that went together geographically and time line wise.... The Cassette connected me to some bits and pieces that i heard before The dead Boys, Johnny Thunders and The Ramones... The heralded me a new hero Easily Richard Hell ... The Album title, incidentally was a Richard Hell song was compelling enough that there's something about the guy.. though far from the really fast and aggressive music Ian McKaye or Jello Biafra.. ..but absolutely the anti thesis of what whats happening around him during their time..
This time it wasn't only the music , it's how the music evolve and how certain individuals would would take the unpopular path that would carve history and influence significant people that would took what they had to a different level...

When Seattle Took the world by Storm

 When Seattle Took the world by Storm

The album meant so much t me when it came out . though I wouldn't see the movie until years after, however the music would make a significant impact, and taking the glam out of the Rock was not just a brilliant idea but became more real.
and we the average and the normal kids would relate, Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain .. made us feel , they were one of us. I guess a barrier was broken , with the godlike mode personality of previous Rock heroes, here comes these guys who dressed like us, looked like one of us, and sings about what most of us are dealing with, communicating through their music.

As much as it was coined as "Grunge" , in a way yes, but in a more general perspective , It was the specifically the "Seattle Sound" . with Alice in Chains , Soundgarden and Pearl Jam leading the pack .
with fellow Seattle natives ( Nancy and Anne Wilson of Heart) contributed an amazing cover of the Led Zep classic "The Battle of Evermore" under the monicker The Lovemongers, The album paves homage to the Legend, Jimi Hendrix , who himself was born and grew up in Seattle. "Seattle Sound" pioneers Mudhoney and (at that time ) an Obscure band Screaming Trees contributing a radio friendly track " I Nearly Lost You" . personally, i love how the "Mother Love Bone" track "Chloe Dancer/ Crown of Thorns" was introduced here. paying homage to the late Andrew Wood.
(Andy Wood was regarded a Rock Star on the rise, but sadly his substance abuse cut his journey short even before he was made.. However his death would pave way to the San Diego native Eddie Vedder to eventually found his way to the band that would later become Pearl Jam)

However it wasn't all Seattle, It also featured the first solo material from Minneapolis' Paul Westerberg after the breakup of The Replacements. scoring a mainstream hit with "Dyslexic Heart" The Na-na-na-na song that became a signature song as well for the popular teen TV series TGIS , and not to forget Chicago Illinois' Smashing Pumpkin contributing "Drown" which was my very first introduction to Smashing Pumpkins.

The Album encapsulates the atmosphere, from way back 30 years. and conjures a lot of memories whenever i would play the album in its entirety , yes i still do that.

The album would never left my playlist since, and though i would have the band's proper album which also included the songs here,
this album captures the gist of "Seattle Sound" collectively that gives a similarly however in a much more bigger perspective.
However as much as the album was astoundingly amazing , there were few gem that was left out the sound track; Truly, Blood Circus and a personal Favorite Tad. the first two however would found a place in the De-Luxe Edition/ Reissue.

Jaco Pastorius "That Incredible Chops"

  That Incredible Chops

Jaco Pastorius In Memoriam
December 1, 1951 – September 21, 1987

Jaco was widely regarded as perhaps one of the best Technical to play the low end.

He was popularly known as a jazz bassist mainly as a member of Weather Report from 1976 to 1981. but has have worked and collaborated with so many artists like Pat Metheny , Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell. He also have recorded albums as a solo artist and band leader. 

His bass playing employed funk, Precision timing, and innovative harmonics. in 2017 He was inducted in the  DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame, and has been lauded as one of the best electric bassists of all time.

I learned about Jaco through, and shortly after i discover Dondi Ledesma, it was just an overheard conversation from fellow fan , that he's the local Jaco Pastorious when it comes to technical playing on Bass Guitar.... from that point on, the name Jaco never left my mind, thinking, who on earth supposed to be was Jaco Pastorious?
it wasnt easy to find his record, and that yearning took sometime, before i finally hear Jaco's work myself... admittedly i had so much different expectation on his music that i almost dissed listening to him.. until one day, i was playing his record, and it was "Havona" by Weather Report, while lying idle...(perhaps a good time to listen closely ) that literally i fell , and thought, dang! That was sick bass line...
And that sparked my love for Jaco's works...

The thing about incredible chops is that there is always going to be someone that comes along that is "great" in some different way. and will do something incredible technically .
But Jaco... he’s so much more than just his impeccable technique. His phrasing, those lines, his melodicism and his rhythmic sensibility. It was next level at the time and somehow still is. Jaco was like Hendrix, he blew the door open on a technical level but also played with such emotion and sensitivity it’s hard to match even if you’ve got the chops for it

Michael Algar : "A Hola Whollalotta Olga"

 "A Hola Wholatta Olga"

Michael Algar
09.21.1959

Michael "Olga" Algar , born 21 September 1959.Professionally known as simply "Olga"
Olga is the singer songwriter/Guitarist for The Toy Dolls, a punk band formed in 1979...
He is known for his unique cartoon like voice, singing about witty and humourous nursery rhyme like stuffs

The idiosyncratic band, separated themselves from the angry lyrics and music often associated with punk rock, the Toy Dolls worked within the aesthetics of punk to express a sense of fun, With catchy tunes, and witty lytics and themes.. the nearest description to their music is probably Sesame Street goes punk with Songs like "I've Got Asthma", "Glenda and the test tube babies" "Spiders in the dressing room" , "My Wife's a Psychopath" and their take on "Nellie The Elephant"... but as funny they may seems, Olga is a very much talented guitar player, perhaps the only punk rocker i know that could do intricate and amazing Guitar solos, checke out The Toy Dolls guitar cover version of symphony classics such as "Tocatta in Dm" by Johan Sebastian Bach, "Sabre Dance"by Aram Khachaturian and "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" by Mozart. Toy Dolls wacky ideas did not spare Movie Themes such as Popoye medley , The Raiders of the lost ark, and a bunch of Toyed up classic covers of Elvis Presley''s "Blue Suede Shoes" , The Ventures' "Wipe Out", Europe's "Final Countdown" and even Ricky Martin's "La Vida Loca".

More than 40 years after.. Olga, the only constant member of The Toy Dolls still cooks up zany albums and still tour around the worl

Manny Pagsuyuin: The Answer Is You

 "The Answer Is You"

Manny Pagsuyuin





That would be my response if you ask a seventeener me, how i would love to see my future self would be.
Musician, DJ/Radio Host, Writer/Columnist
(Daydreaming having an on-air conversation with a legend)

It was a lifelong dream since i was a kid.
And as much as i had many inspirations along the way. It's cool to realize there are few people who actually accomplished all of that significantly..

Manny "Pags" Pagsuyuin
Drummer for Legendary Punk Band ( Betrayed)
FM Radio Announcer/DJ- as Jimmy Jam
Writer, Columnist and a Music Guru

I wouldn't dare attempt to tell your history because there's so much to know about, that i would rather hear from the most credible person... and "The Answer is you"

An inspiration in a lot of ways (as a musician yourself, as a Radio Disc Jock and even by just sharing your broad and impeccable taste in music in whatever art form; as a writer, or even by just speaking your thoughts, and your oneliner sometimes that gives me something to ponder on..
i may never be as good as you, but i thank you, by just sharing your stuffs , enjoying it every bit , that gives encouragement to me to atleast try and do these things i love to do.. and keep working on my dreams...

Les We Forget: Les Claypool

 Les....We Forget

Les Claypool

29.Sept.1963

Les Claypool is best known as bassist, singer, and primary songwriter, and only constant member of the funk metal band Primus. He is widely considered one of the best bass players of all time. and known for His playing Slapping, Tapping style on the bass and eccentric personality

As much as Les Claypool is one of a kind artist, i initially passed Primus music, the first  few times hearing Primus in the mid 90s,  "My name is Mud", "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" were being played heavily on MTV, but with so many thing going around during that time, it 

doesn't really resonates to me until i was already really immersed in playing bass guitar... AND actually  owning an actual album, "Sailing The Seas of Cheese" via an unglorious way 😁...finally connects me to Primus and Les Claypool for that matter ,"Jerry Was a Race Car Driver", "Tommy the Cat", and "Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers". "Fish On"   those were my jams. Not long after the album "Antipop" came and  had became my favorite Primus album for a time.

 

though musically , i cant credit myself as a big  Primus  fan.. though The technical skills and the eccentricity of Les Claypool had me regard him personally as highly influential,  especially for coming up with a unique sound and style that inspired me that technical proficiency is just one thing,  and taught me to appreciate more the attitide and imprinting yourself into your music no matter how unpopular it might seem.

Rasheed Wallace : The Bruiser

 "Rasheed Don't like It"

Rasheed Wallace

09.17.1974

Rasheed Abdul Wallace is a former NBA Player. Played16 drafted in 1995. His significant playing years  The Portland Trailblazers (1996 -2004) and Capturing a ring  with The Detroit Pistons (2004-2009) in 2004

A mobile big man at 6'10" ..

May not be as dominant big man as Tim Duncan, but quite a character..and more importantly an effective man at the post that hits a three, hustles a lot and maybe too much verbal and body language crap.

A passionate player and  a colorful character

Wallace holds the single-season record for technical fouls. In the 2000–01 season, Wallace received 41 technical fouls over a span of 80 games, about one technical foul for every two games.

His best playing years is definitely with power house Portland Trailblazers (Along with Brian Grant, Steve Smith , Damon Stoudemire, Scottie Pippen, Bonzi Wells and Jermaine O'Neal) who in 2000, succumbed on a game 7 WCF and squandered a 15 point lead early on the 4th qtr against the eventual Champions, LA Lakers.. .

The breakdown would started changes  and of course Sheed himself would later be traded.  that trade sent him to Detroit (with Ben Wallace) in 2004 and ultimately winning the NBA Championship.

Sheed has beeen pretty much a journey man for much his carrer but has definitely made his own mark in every team that he played in.

Keith Flint : "Fire Starter"

 "Fire Starter"

Keith Flint in Memoriam

09.17.1969 - 03.04.2019

Keith Charle Flint was an english Singer, Dancer, and Motrorcycle racer  best remembered as a member of Techno Dance/Rock Prodigy. Started out as a dancer and later became the co-frontman of the group with Maxim Reality.

Flint performed on the group's two most popular hits "Firestarter" and "Breathe" both released in 1996.

 Keith Flint's other musical venture was with the Punk Rock Band "Flint" which obviously he fronted and released an album titled "Device #1" in 2003. 

He owned a motorcycle racing team, Team Traction Control, which won four Isle of Man TT races throughout 2015 and 2016, and competed in the British Superbike Championship.

Prodigy was an instant hit to me,  Their beat was just compelling. and it wasnt surprising,  i listened to C and C music factory before i got deep into Rock music and heavier stuffs,,., beat box and those break dancing stuffs early in my musical development.

Heck...i even trace this love for this kind of music to one of most fave Beatles song "Tommorow Never Knows"

"The Fat Of The Land" was such a solid album.

And would remain one of the albums i'll never get tired of listening.

The Prodigy describe their style as "electronic punk", being the pioneers in this rhythm, with a punk conceptual expression in many of their albums accompanied by strong and groundbreaking rhythms.

... it was actually my first impression after first hearing "Breathe"  and noticing the similarity of the line "bye... bye .. bye" to The Sex Pistol's "Anarchy In The U.K."..  was it just only me .. but definitely there was a Pistol feel on that.

And i love the overboard connections... and if the Pistol connection was just my imagination.

The Ska and Reggae connection was definitely obvious as The Prodigy worked on a Max Romeo song "Out Of Space" and The Specials' "Ghost Town".

Keith was quite a dark character.. and in the pre internet days, his mysteriousness and peculiarity pulls so much interest that i look around for imported mags and stuffs featuring an article about Prodigy.. that wouldn't come until the advancement of technology that made information available at your very fingertips.

 the music is enough reason though for Prodigy to remain constant on my Playlist.

Boyet Miguel: The Boy and his Legacy

 The Boy and his legacy

Boyet Miguel
Betrayed /The Beauty of Doubt / Ocean Zoo / Ethic Faces / Tame The Tikbalang/ Nonentities

The 80s was an amazing era, at least musically . There was a lot of things happening , as the local airwaves started to get a dose of Seminal Punk and new Wave bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, XTC, The Cars, The B-52’s, Devo, The Police, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, and The Clash.

That music stirred a lot of personalities, it has been a calling of sort, as those who have heed to that call, paved way to our own musical revolution. after it found its way through Legendary DJ "Howlin' Dave's" Dante David Radio Program .

Soon after, history started to unfold , and "Brave New World" concert series became one of the most important event in the local punk rock history , that perhaps it's success paved to something bigger
twas a time where great minds meet, it was a platform of brave ideas that prior to this happening was called radical..

from that pack, there was "Jolt" ( As Boyet was findly called then), Guitarist for the band Zoo,
their music was obviously inspired by what was the revolution that was happening at that time , The Zoo's sound and aesthetics was unique. No other band was like them, originality wise.

However some great things never last, as the band folded shortly after their independently produced ( Insect Dance) EP "Animal Party", Jolt and the Amazing Jack Sikat would Join forces with another Legendary group "The Lost Boys" and that band would become "Ethnic Faces"

Ethnic Faces would join the Pepsi Punk Band Contest, a battle of the bands televised over PTV 4's then-noontime variety show Ito Yun, Ang Galing!,
the band would stormed out the competition and ran away with the trophy, edging other Future significant bands that includes Betrayed, Wuds and Dead Ends.
Ethnic Faces was one the heavily popular among new wave enthusiasts. (and would also make a comeback in the mid90s releasing "Dekada")

Boyet also became a part of the reformed Betrayed

Betrayed released it's self titled debut album
The B-Side lineup includes: Dominic “Papadom” Gamboa (formerly of Absolute Zero) on vocals, and Manny Pagsuyuin (of Ironic Trauma) on drums ( Also known as “Jimmy Jam” ,his Disc Jockey moniker), Buddy Trinidad on guitars is the only remnant of the original Betrayed. as Boyet Played Bass

It's amazing, how he had became an integral part of the scene/ Revolution in such a short span contributing for the bands that would gain significant success and legacy soon after.

like most of his contemporaries, Yetbo would find time away from the scene as slowly faded at the dawn of a new decade (90s)
But the music wouldn't keep him away for long

in 1997, Betrayed Founder Eddie Siojo Betrayed would make a comeback with Boyet on for a ride subsequently releasing an album "Again" . (Buddy Trinidad , wouldn't come back until 2001 and took the lead role and from thereon would remain active since.) The Legendary band recently released a stellar album "why must everything involve politics?" in 2018

Betrayed aside, Boyet would be also part of notable bands which are actively playing on a high level and is still visible putting up great shows.

"Tame The Tikbalang" Who easily made their mark , showing such aggressiveness easily caught my attention in the earliest day i saw them on Junior Jam, the band would rose to prominence and released an album in the early 2000s "Forever Shall Be"

"The Beauty Of Doubt", another amazing Punk/Hardcore outfit which i first saw i believe sometime 2012 at the Ten02 Bar, after college friend Erwin Toledo plays guitar for this band. ( which incidentally supporting TTT's farewell show if i recall it right) - Boyet would join the band soon after.

"No(n)entities"
Another Ron Schandller / Boyet Miguel collaboration which boast heavy melodicly driven guitar and crazy drum parts, With the recently released full album Autonimbus, easily became my most fave album of recent years. The band's unparalleled intensity Literally threw me off the wall. just right off the bat.. the adrenaline was instantaneous.

Boyet , is also one of the amazing people behind Counterflow , a non-profit community /Organizer , which have constantly putting up amazing shows and uses the music/community for admirably great cause, most notably raising funds for individuals or groups in need. perhaps the only pay-what-you can gigs that sets up highly commendable great sound , but also consistently amazing venues

Nothing but Mad respect and admiration

Disclaimer: This is just my personal account to the best of my knowledge. i do not claim to be a music historian.

Skid Row :Reborn

 Skids found a new leash of life with Idol Winner

As a huge Skid Row fan, i was devastated when i learned that Singer Sebastian Bach was fired from the band in 1996. ( I only learned the news around 1998- When "40 Seasons" Greatest Hits album was out... they were my young adolescence Rock Heroes.

Skid Row would remain in hiatus till around 99 and recruited singer Johnny Solinger. however they would  relese a new album , 4 years after. thus, "Thick Skin" on 2003 , with a new sound, which i understood , but incredulously, most fans didn't dig it. 

they would stuck with Solinger though up to 2015 releasing few more records, another full album "Revolutions Per Minute" (2006 )  and a couple of EPs United World Rebellion Chapter 1 and 2 ( 2013, 2014 Respectively). shelved the 3rd chapter and eventually fired Solinger , after maybe realizing that , it does just wasn't working with Solinger, not that he's bad singer , it's just that nothing seemed to be going right and  the music wasnt getting anywhere.

 However The firing of Solinger Sparked the fans, as  fans were already clamoring a reunion with former vocalist Sebastian Bach. However  Rachel Bolan adamantly expressed that they aren't in for it..  

The years went on , they hired Tony Harnell ( former TNT Vox) for a brief period showed potential, however would quit after few months , and was replaced by ZP Heart ( formerly of Dragon Force) who was a great singer but sadly does not fit to the band's style ..  for the longest time, they can't find a replacement singer that matches the intensity of the music that made a name for themselves, they've became a parody of their former selves. The new sound wasn't making any sense.

Musically , Skid Row was lost after Subhuman Race. i was in disbelief since the main songwriters were actually Rachel Bolan, and Dave Sabo.. Who were still the integral part of the band.

Came 30th Anniversary of their debut album "Skid Row" in 2019.  fans has been clamoring again a reunion. After Sebastian Bach was openly enticing for that reunion, and some of their contemporaries made a successful reunion most notably Guns N' Roses, whose members had a much celebrated falling out and hatred but  had buried the hatchet .

I started resenting Rachel Bolan at that time because he was still negatively responding to all the reunion talks.  

thinking, he can't seem to set aside their ego for the fans. or at least to revive the band, because practically for the past 23 years they have become insignificant. 

but later would resign on that idea, thinking maybe he /they had their reasons fans just don't get to see.  

 i read an article Sabo and Bolan talking about it  (rumored reunion)  , saying they wouldn't do such thing  just for the money . 

but i thought they could have done it for the fans.. However most of us fans might forget , first and foremost as a band,  it should be for the love of the music and with the people who you do it with. 

and it would be such a disconnect to be playing with someone who don't meet eye to eye... and that would manifest in the band and would be unfair for the fans

"A reunion [with Sebastian] would have been great for a lot of other people who have wanted to see that happen," Snake said. "But for us, it would not have been pleasurable" - A quote from a Blabbermouth interview

In the couple of years , as  i was resigned to the possibility that Skids would make relevance again,  forward to early this year suddenly dropping ZP and recruit Eric Gronwall, 25 years their junior, - read the news but , never put too much faith on it.. 

i started watching footages of their most recent gigs with Eric  on youtube , well first he's no Sebastian Bach so, to compare is one stupid thing to do.. i just tried to listen without  expectations, and positively he was actually doing a good job.  and the good thing was it wasnt actually him singing the staple hits that did it for me ..  

but the other heavier stuffs that was amazing on the albums

and went "wow.. that was just amazing"  

with all honesty , as much as  i love Sebastian Bach, i wasnt a fan of  his singing live. 

A little background on Eric. He won the Swedish Idol in 2009, Amazingly would you believe auditioned with the Skids Row song "18 and Life" that earned him his ticket into the show.. later he became the lead singer for the band H.E.A.T. and would for sometime played with Skid Row on tour.. 

Shortly after,  the imminent happened, he was asked to join the band early this year.

With Eric Gronwall, ok let's say he wasnt as great as a prime Sebastian Bach ( On record at least )  But seeing these new Skid ROw footages and Gronwall just getting the job done , and maybe in a different way , but he's hitting the high notes differently how Bach did it, with less that vocalizations Bach would usually do ( even today) - and maybe even better. 

 It was a live version of "Livin' On a Chain Gang" with Eric that really got my approval. it was a tough song to sing, it wasnt perfect , but it was great.. and hearing the new stuffs recorded with Gronwall, "The Gang's All Here" and "Tear It Down" . It wasn't their best stuff, but i would say it was atleast their best since 1996 . the good thing about this is they're on the right path musically, and the new sound was promising, Eric is bringing something old but something new at the table and this was the closest they have ever coming up reminiscent to what they were known. and i'm getting that "Skid Row" moving into "Slave to the Grind" .vibes in these new songs

and i have been enjoying the clips over and over. i'm excited with all the news that's coming up with them, as i keep my fingers crossed

Photo:ctto