Forgiveness is key to Eraserheads’ reunion in docu film ‘Combo on the Run’

CEBU, Philippines — Were the Eraserheads really friends, or was it all just business? That’s the lingering question Maria Diane Ventura’s documentary “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” seeks to answer as it chronicles the band’s beginnings up to their once-impossible reunion. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the docu is only showing in theaters this weekend from March 21 to 23.

The nearly two-hour film highlights how certain political events serve as bookends to their journey. The band formed three years after the EDSA People Power Revolution, a time when music could flourish without censorship, while their reunion was sparked by frontman Ely Buendia’s half-joking tweet that they would only get back together if former Vice President Leni Robredo ran for president in the 2022 election.

Throughout the pink rallies, Buendia saw how the band’s songs resonated with audiences of all ages, which may have given him a reason to consider reuniting despite their rocky past.

By showcasing the band’s history, “Combo on the Run” seeks to underscore how massive they were at their peak in the ’90s. It’s clear they remained influential in the OPM rock genre even years after their first breakup.

For die-hard fans, some of the insights may not come as a surprise, but the way it presents the band’s highs and lows is engaging. It serves as both a refresher for longtime fans and a fascinating introduction for casual viewers.

The documentary also addresses major controversies, including abuse allegations against guitarist Marcus Adoro by his daughter, Syd Hartha. This was one of the reasons Buendia was initially hesitant to reunite -- he suggested that Adoro resolve his personal issues first.

While Hartha declined to share her side in the docu, the film does show Adoro expressing regret and attempting to make amends. The issue remains unresolved, but it was enough to convince Buendia that Adoro has changed for the better, stating, “He was humbled by the experience, and he wanted to make things right.”

The docu also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama, including why Buendia left the band in 2002 before their eventual disbandment. Despite their success —winning MTV Asia’s Viewers’ Choice Award at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards and securing numerous endorsement deals — the band had become too popular for the gatekeeping rock fans to appreciate.

Buendia recalled attending a concert where a host called out his name, only for it to be met with boos. To him, this was a sign that he was not welcomed in his own community due to the band’s commercial success.

The film also tackles Buendia’s relationships with bandmates Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan, following his infamous 2021 interview where he stated, “We were never close. We were never friends.”

One pivotal moment it highlights is their 2008 reunion concert, wherein Buendia performed just days after his mother passed away. Midway through the show, he suffered a heart attack, cutting the show short.

The rest of the band continued with a smaller performance at another venue, believing it was what Buendia would have wanted. He later revealed that he was hurt by their decision to carry on while he was in the hospital.

The band members were interviewed separately to give unfiltered perspectives before sitting together as a group ahead of their 2022 reunion concert.

One notable theory that the docu did not delve into was the meaning of “Spoliarium”, which has long been rumored to reference Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Pepsi Paloma. Buendia has denied this urban myth during the docu’s press conference.

The film does revisit the band’s past run-in with Tito Sotto, who criticized their song ”Alapaap” for allegedly glorifying drug use and even summoned them for a highly publicized meeting.

The second half shifts into a mini-concert film, featuring footage from their 2022 reunion concert at the SMDC Festival Grounds -- offering enough to turn the theater into an impromptu karaoke session for fans.

Ultimately, “Combo on the Run” addresses the central question: Were they really friends? It acknowledges that the band members have separate lives, careers, and friend groups that rarely intersect. Yet, the footage also shows them enjoying each other’s company, suggesting that whatever conflicts they had are now water under the bridge. Buendia later admits, “They were never not friends. We just had a falling out.”

This is significant, as Buendia confirmed following the docu’s release that Eraserheads will continue as a band. Their reunion is not a one-off, as they are set to hold another concert this May at the same SMDC venue and may even release new material for the first time in two decades.

Perhaps this docu served as a much-needed healing moment — not just for the band members but also for the fans — reaffirming how deeply loved Eraserheads remain. Through its effective storytelling, the film highlights their enduring popularity across generations, while the lore surrounding their history further cements their iconic status. Four stars out of five. — (FREEMAN)