THE ERASERHEADS

[SQUiDnine]

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musta na's Ely?

[reygie]

eheads forever!

[awan]

na ayo na c ely?

[SQUiDnine]

from Manila Bulletin, January 27, 2007!

Bands to gather for Ely
By YUGEL LOSORATA

Early this month the industry was jolted with news of a near-fatal heart ailment suffered by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ely Buendia. The heartbreaking news didn’t end with the saddest possibility. Fans of the so-called John Lennon of the Philippines rejoiced after hearing that their idol is out of danger, and will be able to continue playing his music after a much-needed long rest.


Some of these fans happen to be active in the rock arena as well, having made names for themselves via their own respective bands. Their acts, in truth, are heavily influenced by the group Eraserheads which Ely led as frontman during the 90s. That’s why it is logical that they’re now celebrating the good news that Ely has survived in a most tuneful way—a pool of bands’ concert dedicated to one of the most influential Filipino musicians of all time.

The concert for a cause, entitled "Lively: A Fundraising Concert for the Benefit of Ely Buendia," will be held at the Eastwood Central Plaza tomorrow starting at 4 pm. It will feature more than ten of the top bands today, including Eraserheads’ contemporary Rivermaya, Parokya Ni Edgar, and True Faith, as well as newer big-name acts like Kamikazee, Itchyworms, Spongecola and Dicta License. The objective is to raise funds for Ely through cash donations.

"Apart from being a fund-raising celebration for Ely, this event is an expression of the unity of artists’ community," reflected award–winning screenwriter Ricky Lee who has been a long time friend of the multi–talented rocker way back during the latter’s days as a film enthusiast. Ely illustrated for Lee’s bestselling "Trip To Quiapo" book.

According to the scriptwriter, Ely, during his pre-fame years, once worked as his assistant and spent many days hanging out with him. He became friends with other film aficionados whose names are now heralded in the movie industry, as much as he is the music scene.

This group of friends comprising of elite figures such as Lee, film director Joyce Bernal, creative minds Chris Pablo and Ann Angala, who was a manager of Eraserheads before, pushed their collective concern for their friend to come up with this noble project of putting big bands together as a homage for Ely.

Lee added, "Ely is a huge force in the music scene kaya we owe him a lot."

Ely was rushed to Asian hospital after a gig in Laguna on the first Saturday of the year. He underwent two major operations which fixed the clog in his heart’s arteries. An insider from Pupil said that the rock star will have to rest for a month before he could perform again.

As chief vocalist and tunesmith of Eraserheads, Ely became an icon through the band’s numerous hits such as "Ang Huling El Bimbo," "With A Smile" and "Pare Ko." He left the group reportedly because of business reasons and formed his own group Mongols. With a minor line-up change, the Mongols became Pupil which scored a hit song called "Nasaan Ka."

Having observed Ely during his struggling years as an artist, Lee, a notable film teacher himself, happily shared, "Madalas tumambay si Ely noon sa place ko sa UP Village. Marami siyang talent pero hindi niya alam ang gusto niya talagang gawin at that time. Pinaparinig niya sa amin ‘yung mga songs niya noon kahit hindi maayos ang pagkarecord. He was a brilliant student and very interested in film-making too."

"We were shocked when we heard the bad news. But I was positive he would make it. He’s a survivor," Lee, now the creative consultant of Star Cinema and creative manager of ABS-CBN’s soaps, assesed.

Will the other three Eraserheads members appear in the said fund–raising concert? That would happen if The Dawn and Sandwich perform since both bands include an ex–Eraserhead in their line-up. Or will the performing bands sing Ely’s most famous compositions? This has yet to be seen. But one thing’s sure, the beauty of camaraderie, generosity, and artistry will definitely be present — all for Ely.

[janjerell]

Gi-interview man c Ely gahapon sa Startalk, wa sad klaro mo interview c Richard oi...

[giovanni]

cute kaau ang anak ni ely.hehehehe

[reygie]

Iya pud wife....cute!

[joeyx2000]

Way to go Ely Boy

[jerx d great]

pumatapatak na naman ang ulan!

[francoise07]

"minsan sa may kalayaan
tayoy nagkatagpuan
may mga sariling gimik
at kanya kanyang hangad sa buhay"