12 rockin' photos of 2012
- 1/12
Queso Reunion. This was one of the much awaited events of the year. Queso reunited in a sold out show in Amoranto Stadium with all the band's performance matching the crowd’s energy. Never before have I seen someone sustain a crowd surf for as long as Ian Tayao did as seen in the photo. The crowd didn't stop singing along throughout the concert, but they sang the loudest during the song 'Mottaka.' The crowd response was so intense, the demand to get the band to play again so extreme, Queso has agreed to perform again in 2013. (29 November 2012)
- 2/12
The beginning of Peso Movement. We’ve heard about this superband that was started by Japs Sergio (former bassist of Rivermaya) with Francis Brew Reyes, former Dawn sessionist Macky Macaventa and drummer Kurt Floresca. All veterans of the scene, they’ve created and brought a new sound that Japs calls 'dirty rock' in small bars around the metro although their sound is worthy of an arena. A lot of heads turned when they played their first few gigs and their career is now on a steady climb—definitely, one of the bands to watch out for this 2013.
- 3/12
M83 at Laneway Festival in Singapore. When the band played after midnight, it was the perfect time. People were stoked from the day's events and pumped for M83 to play their hit single, 'Midnight City.' Among all the bands, M83 had the best light set up and the best sound and played a hypnotic set that was truly memorable. (12 February 2012)
- 4/12
Razorback in Cebu. It was the first time I would be in Cebu to shoot a gig, Razorback’s album launch at Outpost in Sinulog. The place was packed and I found myself having trouble taking photos. I ended up standing on the side, inches away from the band members. Then I ended up by the back of the stage and found myself being lifted up by some in the audience who wanted me to take a better shot. Eventually, I went around the venue to take more shots and realized that because the energy that night was so great, all the photos looked great, even this one taken from afar with vocalist Kevin Roy thanking the audience for their support. (14 January 2012)
- 5/12
Kasabian Live in Singapore. I have seen Kasabian once before it made me a fan. Their set in Malaysia in 2009 blew me away but it was a short set since it was a multi-band event. So three years later when I heard they were playing in Singapore, I had to go. It was the first time I actually moshed with the crowd, sang my heart out and danced with strangers and didn’t care about the rest of the world. (8 February 2012)
- 6/12
The last time I saw Karl Roy perform was at a Rogue Magazine event at B-Side. He jammed with guitarist Jun Lopito and performed as if they were in an arena, despite the small stage. The camera loved him and there will never be another Karl Roy. He died less than a month after this event. Rest in peace, Karl. (19 February 2012)
- 7/12
Death Cab for Cutie, the hipster event of the year. That was what we joked about. Following news that frontman Ben Gibbard and quirky actress Zooey Deschanel had broken up, DCFC’s concert in Manila became one of the much-awaited events to start the year. During the sold-out show, Gibbard said that Manila was one of the wildest and loudest crowds they’ve ever played for. “I think we’re going to have a long and beautiful friendship,” he said.
- 8/12
Cynthia Alexander’s farewell gig. There was an online storm when people first heard the news of Cynthia Alexander’s migration to the U.S. People were saddened that locals would no longer be able to see such a great artist. However, in one of her final gigs, Cynthia said that she would be back for sure and hopes the people will receive her the same way they said farewell, which was to come out in droves. (16 June 2012)
- 9/12
Radiohead at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. Nothing can compare to saying that I. Have. Seen. Radiohead. During the last of the three-day festival at the Naeba Ski Resort in Japan, Radiohead played the longest set among all the three headliners. It was the best memory to leave Japan with and basically, my best memory of the year. (29 July 2012)
- 10/12
Smashing Pumpkins Oceania Tour Manila. The night before the concert date, non-stop rains had flooded Manila. The organizers had no choice but to move the concert date to the following day based on the clamor of fans and at the suggestion of the band to ensure everyone’s safety. There were a lot of people who never made it, and for those braved the still chancy weather to see the band, Billy Corgan and company played an extra-long set to thank the hardcore faithful. (8 August 2012)
- 11/12
Garlic at the Silent Film Festival. Garlic, Francis Brew’s band with Zach Lucero and Louie Talan, did a live score for the 1915 Italian film “La Signora delle Camelie.” It was a bittersweet love story that made a lot of people cry. Because Garlic played a primarily an impromptu performance, the experience was memorable and lasting. (26 August 2012)
- 12/12
Chronic Wheeze event at B-Side. Another one of those occasions where the devotion of fans was in full evidence. Featuring Razorback, KJWAN, WilaBaliw, Greyhoundz and Slapshock, the lineup got fans flocking to Malugay Street in Makati even if the place was nearly knee-deep in floodwaters before the gig. Kevin Roy arrived carrying his slippers. I managed to slip through by pressing through a narrow part on higher ground. It was one of the best things What’s best about this is the fact that people are crazy enough to risk their safety just to get to a gig, myself included. (20 September 2012)