The stars were shining really bright that night.
The brightest star shone as soon as I entered the open field. Video clips started to roll on screens positioned in strategic areas of the venue. The place was jam packed. It was a mixture of excitement, agitation and discomfort –this after we missed the chance to be at the VIP section. (My partner and I were three minutes late. Blame it on long queue at Reyes Barbeque. Our colleagues made it through the coveted section though).
After the video footages from Eraserheads’s glory days, lights dimmed. Everyone set their eyes on stage; obviously, it was a sign that the group will be coming out soon. There was no countdown. The crowd held their breaths for a moment, curious about the dramatic entrance the group might have prepared.
There were the fireworks, then their silhouette images. This stirred up the crowd. I was beaming with excitement! This is the first time that I’m going to see them perform live.
“Magasin” was the first song they performed, after which, Ely Buendia – to everyone’s delight, uttered “Name that tune!” as if implying “let’s see how well you still remember our songs.” They proceeded on performing songs in succession: “Walang Nagbago,” “Maling Akala,” “Maskara.”
A change in stage lights gave Ely the opportunity to take off his black jacket– revealing his familiar Pupil get up. After “Maskara,” Ely asked the crowd “Kumusta kayo?” and proceeded to play “Poor Man’s Grave” and “Waiting for the Bus.”
As soon as the song ended, Marcus Adoro took off his leather jacket. It was his turn to sing “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong” – reggae version. Raimund Marasigan, substituted by Jazz of Itchyworms in drums, danced gamely while playing the shaker. This was one of the highlights of the concert. It was a sight to behold. Ely was obviously interacting not just with the crowd but with his former band mates as well. I was too far from to stage to get a close glimpse of the person Ely addressed: “Ang bait mo!”
Then, it was Raimund’s turn to perform. He sang “Alkohol,” “Insomnia,” and “Slo Mo.” The crowd even cheered Raimund and Ely when the former went to the latter’s side and they did a funny antic.
The crowd didn’t fail to notice that Marcus changed his electric guitar to a cute pink Hello Kitty one.
“Torpedo” – performed by Ely – completed their first set.
The second set was composed of “Julie Tearjerky,” “Tikman,” “Wishing Wells,” and “Fine Time.” Eraserheads was in a more relaxed set-up. Ely was sitting comfortably in a sofa. Beside him was Marcus, Buddy was wearing a cool red shirt, and Raimund was wearing shades this time.
They went on to play their popular songs: “Pare Ko,” “Kailan,” “Back 2 Me,” “Trip to Jerusalem,” “Spoliarium,” and “Overdrive.”
Ely said goodbye to the crowd jokingly. After a few moments, the band played Superproxy with Ely requesting the crowd to shout for Francis Magalona. It was obviously a tribute for Francis M. Ely did the part Francis was supposed to perform.
When the band sang “Minsan,” everyone thought they would shed tears. They did not.
Then they played “Alapaap.”
Eheads did the chorus of “Kaleidoscope World” – this was how they did their tribute for Francis M. Obviously, they weren’t able to prepare a special tribute. It was understandable as Francis died a day before the concert.
When Huling El Bimbo reverberated through the air, it was a signal the concert is about to end. Emotions were so high that everyone would not have wanted it to end that fast. But, as everyone else had guessed, it was the last song. Fireworks spiced up the sky alongside stars that were shining even brighter. It definitely was a night to remember.
They closed the event with Ely thoroughly drenching the top of his old piano, which was used in their Sticker Happy album. He set it on fire, played the last few keys on it and officially bid the instrument goodbye after wrenching it into pieces.
The group gathered at the center of the stage and did their final bow.
When everyone has already accepted it was all over, the crowd, though wanting more of Eheads’s songs, lined up to the exit.
There were so many people outside the field. People just can’t get enough of the band. Some stereo cars were even playing Eheads’s songs.
Then Buddy went back on stage announcing “Di na ‘to kasama sa set.” Then they were all on stage once again.
THREE FOR THE ROAD. This really touched the crowd. The night wouldn’t end without them playing some of their most popular songs. They played “Ligaya,” “Sembreak,” and “Toyang.”
Then, it was really over.
It was a night worth remembering. This I will share with my nieces and with my future children.
I, myself, grew up playing some of their songs in my guitar when I was around 15 years old, I know, Eraserheads’s music will forever be a staple on my music playlist.
Now I know why my parents still continue to listen to songs by Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Nat King Cole.
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