Tags: Concerts and Performances, Culture, Music
By Lawrence Casiraya
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – The hair, the clothes and most especially the music. But for hardcore Filipino music fans, the 80s was a special time that went beyond these things combined.
“I think the 80s represented a time of vital change. It represented a time of rebellion. EDSA 1 (People Power) happened during this decade. The underground music scene also burst into life with New Wave and punk,” says Leni Lapitan of the 80s band Identity Crisis.
Formed in 1986, Identity Crisis – with “Cool Carla” Abaya and Buddy Arceo on vocals, Lapitan on keyboards, Resty Cornejo on guitars, Marvin Mendiola on drums, and (the late) Bogs Ambrosio on bass – is considered one of the pioneers of Pinoy alternative music.
The band released two albums – “Tale of Two” in 1987 and “Water Came Running in 1990 both under Dyna Records. Sporting a Gothic look and with songs reminiscent of The Cure and other New Wave bands, they were one of a few local outfits – along with The Dawn – to have hit mainstream.
“People were tired of standard formats and wanted something new. They wanted to be different and the music at that time represented a lot of what the youth wanted to say,” recalls Leni.
But the band called it quits five years later, shortly before Eraserheads and their contemporaries started the 90s alternative movement. Some members built careers abroad; Carla and Leni went on to form Mariya’s Mistress before retiring from the music scene.
Today’s musical icons owe allegiance to this iconic 80s band. Sandwich referenced Identity Crisis in “Betamax”, a song dripping with OPM nostalgia. Rivermaya also remade “My Sanctuary” and “Sumigaw, Umawit Ka” for a tribute album back in 2006.
The remaining members of the band are reuniting for a one-night concert, titled “REBEL YELL”, this September 9 (Friday) at the NBC Tent, with special guests Jett Pangan, Nicole Asensio of General Luna and 80s tribute band Kudos Love 80s.
Aside from the 80s die-hards (at least those old enough to recognize the band), Leni welcomes younger music fans who seek to discover more than just the music.
“I hope they get to discover the lifestyle and attitude that came with the music. The 80s generation were the true ‘emo’ actually, although I bet people might disagree. The music was actually the product of the lifestyle,” she says.
For ticket info for “REQUIEM RISING presents REBEL YELL” , contact Partylinks at 920-0966. Or check out the concert’s teaser video. Band photos courtesy of Leni Lapitan.
Related stories:
Bad Days for Mary remains nostalgic for Nineties music
Musicians collaborate on ‘Rock Rizal’ tribute album
The Rage’s Marissa Buñag wants to share Eighties music to a new generation
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