Rico Blanco ‘open to the possibility’ of Rivermaya reunion project
Will Pinoy rock fans get a chance to see past members of Rivermaya together again?
Seven years after he left the band, singer-songwriter and former Rivermaya member Rico Blanco is now open to the possibility of doing a reunion concert, if given a chance.
“I haven’t spoken with anyone regarding a reunion, but all these years, siyempre when I left Rivermaya, it was weird for me to be considering a reunion concert right away. But it has been so many years since then, in recent months, I’m more open to the possibility of Rivermaya reunion. If someone can make it happen, if my boys are all interested, why not?,” Rico told reporters in an interview at the press conference of “ICON,” his concert with Yeng Constantino and Gloc-9, on Monday, October 27
Mark Escueta okay, too
Remaining original member Mark Escueta recently told “TV Patrol” that he also likes the idea of reuniting with the former members. Rivermaya, which was formed in 1994, was behind the hit songs “214,” “Himala,” “Ulan,” “Liwanag sa Dilim” and “Balisong.” Former members also include Bamboo and Nathan Azarcon.
“It’s also a kick for all the people who want to be nostalgic,” he said.
While Rico is open to a reunion concert, he admitted that he has a lot on his plate now. He is busy preparing for ICON concert, which will be held on November 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum; and is also working on a new movie “Liwanag sa Dilim.”
Some of the new stuff Rico has been working on include a song he wrote for Valda Pastilles.
The effort of going ‘backwards’
“No offense to Rivermaya, I’m so proud of what the band has accomplished; if not for Rivermaya I wouldn’t be here with you guys today,” Rico said.
“Ang wiring ko lang is I want to create new things I haven’t done yet. I’m excited about collaborating with people I haven’t worked with. I don’t take for granted yung mga opportunities na dumadating sa akin,” he added.
“It’s hard for me to exert so much effort into going backwards. But definitely, there’s always magic when you put those guys together. It’s also exciting,” he added.
Uncomfortable with being called an ‘icon’
Being part of the ICON concert, Rico shared that he feels uncomfortable being called an “icon.” Instead, Rico said that their event is an “icon” in itself, putting him, Yeng and Gloc-9 together.
“It’s a very special collaboration. We prepared the arrangements. We’re excited about this concert because it as if kaming tatlo are part of one act, marami kaming numbers na we all collaborate,” he said.
The three singers love working with each other because of their mutual respect for each other.
“Malaking paghanga ko sa kanila because we believe in the same thing. They’re serious about their music, about how they will be perceived, how honest and sincere their music is, how meticulous they are sa bawa’t detail,” Rico said.
