So many things related to music have happened during the last weekend. A sad moment for the entire country especially for those who are attached to the development of Pinoy rap.
On the 6th of March of this year 2009, Mr. Francis Magalona passed away.
It was a sudden news since I have the impression that he was doing good with his treatments against leukemia. It brought shock to the public and his death was such a waste because he is the legend of Pinoy Rap. I was watching his tribute show in Eat Bulaga and suddenly felt nostalgic when an old video of Francis M. played showing his live performance of “Mga Kababayan Ko.” His buzzed haircut and his colorful Muslim-inspired clothing were really really nostalgic. The song itself reminded me so much of my childhood having last-song-syndrome when I was five years old. Before Philippine Nationalism was even identified with Manny Pacquiao, the likes of Francis M. instilled that pride of being Filipino through his infectious easy-to-remember songs.
Would it take a long time for another musician like Francis M. to have that huge influence to incorporate Philippine Nationalism in trends, music, and in the over-all Philippine pop culture?
Rest in Peace Master Rapper!
Francis Magalona: 1964-2009
On the lighter and happier side of life.
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have finally arrived in the Philippines!!!!
AND.
I.WAS.THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hyperventilating mode once again, by the time each of member of the band entered the stage situated in the middle of the activity center… I was in heaven!
Since last year of May I’ve already been hooked by their sound and was desperately praying that they visit the Philippines and perform. Voila! After almost a year they will have consecutive shows in Ayala Malls! I’ve been waiting for this band to come and I really could not afford to miss their show. So I immediately grabbed the chance to snag a seat for their Glorietta stint! Yeah, Yeah…I have to admit…I have a huge huge huge crush on Ronnie Winter (the vox) and to finally see him in the flesh to sing and to SCREAM…it was heaven all over again!
Man…by the time they entered the stage Ronnie was wearing that huge white flashy sunglasses that I’ve seen him wearing during his interviews for Warp Tour. I was a bit disappointed because I couldn’t see his face but his voice was in good condition when he opened the first track of the gig, their latest single “You Better Pray.” The whole band sounds great live! The GUITARS (awww…I really think Duke is so hugely freaking adorable! and Joey is a hottie!), the DRUMMING! (wohoo Jon! you adorable you! you kick ass playing that ensemble!), and Ronnie’s screams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn’t contain my own insanity, as I went nuts when I heard him screaming on the first song!
The thing is, when they have released their new album there aren’t so much screaming like what they had on “Don’t You Fake It.” Maybe because since they’ve decided to change a bit in terms of their music or maybe Ronnie’s health had an influence on the decrease of the screaming parts. That’s why I wasn’t kind of expecting that he will scream!
Oh boy did he scream…A LOT! Everytime he screamed I will either shrieked or be open-mouthed!
MR. WINTER YOUR SCREAMS ARE SOLID & BEAUTIFUL!
It was pure bliss hearing Ronnie scream live! With the whole band in front of me - probably around 15-20 feet away from the stage - my weakening eyes strived to see all of them clearly but my ears did not fail to give me a smooth reception of Ronnie’s screams despite of the teenagers shrieking around me. Ronnie Winter’s screams are pure audio orgasm!
Well, another aspect which made me going nuts during the entire gig…Ronnie is really absolutely HOT. When he took off his sunglasses, I was just staring at him with my mouth hanging open! The long hair is just the way I’ve seen it on YouTube - just a bit darker - beautifully waved and shiny even from afar. The way he held the mic and of course…again…his screams are total HOTNESS! He was absolutely good looking!
Enough of the visual candy….let’s proceed to the performance itself.
They have a new guitarist - although I’m not sure if he is just a tour guitarist or a permanent replacement of Elias - named Matt. I swear he looks like Jack Black! Even the way he played the guitar, it was as manic and awesome like Tenacious D.! He was funny and entertained the crowd during short breaks and of course, showing off his bad-ass guitar skills! Matt seem to blend well together with the band.
As I’ve mentioned, the whole band played really great live! The way the music should sound like, the details of the guitars, I can actually hear them and it sound so good! Ronnie’s voice on the opening track was solid however as the show went on, he started to decline a bit on the higher notes. He moved a lot so I guess, the tiredness was sinking in and he was grasping for breath. I’m not exactly sure regarding the bronchitis he had before - if it has any after effects after the operation - but I was a bit agitated when he was consistently clutching his chest everytime he screams.
I was expecting for The Grim Goodbye to be played but since they are in the Philippines, they prioritized the songs which gained popularity. I really wanted Grim Goodbye and hopefully when they come back here, they can do a one-time full length concert with Grim Goodbye on it!
Over-all….
After all those months of obsessing over Grim Goodbye and the rest of RJA’s songs, I finally get to experience the band themselves! Hopefully, I am really praying that when they come back here they can play Grim Goodbye so I can hear that beautiful scream of Ronnie: “I feel something deep inside me…i feel deep insiiiiiidddeeee!!!!!”
I am satisfied. SO.MUCH. It has been years ever since I felt freedom since I’m the most 100 percent happy and free when I attend a gig.
and I’m proud to say:
I’m not just a fan of THE REDJUMPSUIT APPARATUS…I’m also a huge fangirl of Ronnie Winter’s SCREAMS!!!!
Take care guys! See you when you come back!
p.s.: Please play Grim Goodbye!
jevay \m/
