Side-by-side in good times and bad times

Friendship is the foundation of a good and lasting relationship. Proof of this is Side A’s time-tested rapport on and off stage.

Sixteen years of constant togetherness and countless awards have made the five band members consider themselves as family.

Side A is composed of Joey Generoso or Joey G (lead vocalist), Naldy Gonzalez, (band leader and keyboardist) Joey Benin or Joey B (bass guitarist), Kelly Badon (lead guitarist) and Ernie Severino, drummer. The members say that part of their success lies in their friendship built on mutual trust, respect, genuine love for music and caring for one another.

"Even without the band we would still be friends. That’s a given. Hindi na yun mawawala," Ernie and Naldy chorus.

"We love what we do, enjoy each other’s company and our audience supports us. Seeing these guys makes your day," Joey Generoso adds.

More than the recognition and the perks of being the country’s leading pop/ R&B band that gave us songs like Eva Marie, Hold On, Will I Ever and Forevermore, Side A values camaraderie.

"Our bonding style is listening to music, playing billiards, working out, and kwentuhan during our out-of-town gigs", Naldy and Kelly relate. "Our wives and children are close too. We go on family outings together. (The Side A wives are called the Side B and their children the Sidekicks.) Kami ni Kelly, we share tips on child rearing," shares Joey B.

The group describes Naldy as the best leader any band can have.

"He has the foresight, the concepts and even the directorial skills which are very vital," says Joey Benin.

"Pag trabaho, trabaho yan kay Naldy. Pag fun, fun talaga," Joey Generoso adds.

"It is I who relate to Naldy the most because we write the songs," says Joey Benin.

Kelly B. on the other hand is the resident clown.

"There is no dull moment with Kelly," says Naldy.

"Makulit yan," echoes Ernie.

"If you need someone to talk to it’s Kelly for you," says Joey Benin. "Matagal siya mag-low bat, laging naka-fully charged," says Joey Generoso.

Joey B. as he is often called is the techy of the group. He is also the chief composer.

"Iba ang humor ni Joey, "intellectual". He’s always smiling and is very good in arranging music," says Naldy.

"If I have to buy anything computer-related he is the guy to approach," says Ernie.

"When it comes to family matters, kami ang magka-jam," says Kelly.

Side A’s unity is so evident even in the way they answer questions from the press. Their motto is "One for all, all for one", "Kahihiyan ng isa kahihiyan ng lahat, achievement ng isa achievement ng lahat. As a band we are one," say Joey G and Naldy.

"There is no rivalry nor jealousy among us. We believe each of us has an important role to play and each role is as important as the others. We have accepted the fact that Joey G as our lead vocalist gets most of the attention. Kami ang support," relates Naldy.

The group sees no problem with their lead vocalist going solo as long as the management is informed and Side A is still Joey G.’s priority.

Joey G. is full of surprises. "Magugulat ka na lang. He’s very intense and sensitive. Kainuman ko siya noon when we used to drink pa," says Naldy.

"Joey G. is very focused and dedicated to his craft, something I admire in him. Kasama ko yan sa work out," says Joey B.

"Masarap siya kumain," says Kelly.

"Kahit lola napapasayaw," says Ernie.

Ernie Severino, ironically is slow in everything he does except when it comes to his drums.

"Respected ko yan even way back in school. I almost had his autograph nga. When you ask him about anything he tries his best to give you an in-depth answer. Talagang pinagiisipan," quips Joey B.

"Very quiet and soft-spoken," Kelly further describes Ernie.

One thing that keeps the Side A band consistently on top is their discipline and professionalism. They don’t let personal problems get in the way of their work.

"If you wake up on the wrong side of bed, or if you have a problem, keep it to yourself. Don’t bring it to work," Kelly stresses.

"We share our problems pero pag trabaho, trabaho.," adds Naldy.

The glitter and glamour is something they enjoy but with it comes hard work. Before the men come up with their choice of songs for either a concert (Side A Going on 17 slated for Dec. 15 2001) or an album they hold a series of casual meetings and brainstorming sessions. "We have to give them a lot of time," states Naldy.

The band recently signed up for a two-year, two-album minimum contract with MCA Universal as their new record label. Asked why they transferred and chose MCA Universal among the many offers they’ve had, the members chorus, "We had a good time with Warner Music (the band’s previous record label). But we’ve been there for many years and we feel we need the change. So we opted for MCA. Plus it gave us the best offer," explains Joey B.

Side A is gathering materials for their first album under Poly East MCA Universal that will come out on the first quarter of 2002. The band is looking forward to many music videos, better sound and good music resources. "Actually we don’t dwell too much on what we can gain but what we can give MCA in return," says Joey G.

Do the members ever argue or fight? "Yes. We argue on what kind of repertoire we will have. This happens when we brainstorm," answers Naldy.

Music to Side A is a form of therapy which helps them stop arguing.

"On a personal level pag nagkainisan na kami, pinalilipas na lang muna. Then we talk about it after a while,"states Joey B.

An abiding faith in God and a lot of prayers also help them keep their career and friendship intact. "Minsan we forget the words of our song or have our fears. As a group as we pray about it and ask God to take charge and it helps," says Joey G.

Even with money matters, the guys are on equal footing. "Walang seniority sa amin when it comes to pay checks. Whatever the amount is it’s all divided by five," explains Naldy.

If there’s one thing these men still desire it’s not for themselves but for their children. They want their kids to maintain their friendship and be musically inclined as well.

Hopefully, the Sidekicks will be the next generation of Side A to entertain the music lovers in the future.