Heads No More

Final Set is E-Heads’ last performance?

I used to drown in Ligaya and hum With a Smile with my Pare Koys as we listen to Ang Huling El Bimbo of the Eraserheads Minsan in a Fine Time during Sembreak some years ago. The band was a phenomenon, paving the way for OPM renaissance that gained further momentum when new bands inspired by the E’heads emerged and infused equally catchy, witty, and poetic songs into the local music scene.

The E’heads, however, got tired too soon; probably thinking they had already reached elite status and had nothing more to prove together. So they went their separate ways and formed bands of their own. And the E’heads was no more.

After a successful tribute album of their hit songs by various artists, the E’heads is now busy regrouping at least for one-night concerts to delight fans. The first attempt was almost completely successful had not Ely stressed himself much preparing for the reunion concert that led to his collapse in the middle of the performance due to fatigue. It being an unfinished business, another one is set to happen soon.

Though I’m a certified E’heads fan, I’m not that excited, say uninterested, about this reunion gig. For me, the band is already done. Their songs are just happy tunes of yesteryears. I can listen to E’heads songs in my MP3 player and it’s the same as seeing them in reunion concerts. There is nothing new about them.

In a way, I felt cheated as a fan when the E’heads suddenly broke up. They had more productive years ahead of them, yet they chose to put to waste their combined talents. They allowed their personality clashes to kill the band. Or was it personal ambitions?

Legends in the music industry are so-called because of their continued success despite their longevity in the business – think of the Rolling Stones or Journey. The E’heads was probably barely halfway through its expected career-span when the band members decided to split and left their fans hanging (translation: naiwan sa ere).

I’m still a fan though.

Lift your head, baby don’t be scared…(humming)

Lost in Revolution

23 YEARS AGO
‘A people crucified, risen, empowered’

I was only seven when the so-called EDSA revolution happened. I didn’t exactly know what was happening then, but I felt the jubilation of many. It was years later when I began to understand the significance of the event. By that time, however, all its meaning was lost... because the system hardly changed under the regime of democracy.

In EDSA II, I was there right at the heart of the action – fully knowing what’s at stake. I wanted to be part of a repeat of history. Indeed, it was a repeat. The government never gained back any respect. The same old political battle cry persists.

So.

We do not need to be always reminded of EDSA. We are aware of it.

We do not need another revolution. We are tired of it.

We just need to come to our senses and become responsible citizens. Because our country will not change if we ourselves will not change.