Once more, as performers

Positive reactions greeted the debut performance of the ‘70s Superband at 19 East in Parañaque a few months ago. And what better way to react to that then by doing another show. And that is just what these music industry veterans are doing. So if you missed the first gig, you will now get a chance to watch them live at Hard Rock Café Manila on July 27.

Then after that, who knows, there might be another and another and another. The third one is already in the works. We can clearly see what is happening here. The ‘70s Superband started out as a hobby for friends who just wanted to perform. But because they proved to be so good, this hobby is now turning into a full-time gig.

The ‘70s Superband is called such because it is made up of members of popular bands from the ‘70s era, the time considered the golden days of Filipino pop music. They were once part of those groups who came up with some of the most enduring examples of the Manila Sound.

Those bands do not exist anymore. A lot of the members have retired from performing. But not these guys, who have opted to stay in the music business as songwriters, producers, arrangers and others, and now as part of the ‘70s Superband, once more as performers.

The ‘70s Superband is made up of Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto of Wadab (Pag Tumatagal Lalong Tumitibay); Monet Gaskell of VST & Company (Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko); Snafu Rigor of Cinderella (Bato Sa Buhangin); Mon Espia of Labuyo (Tuloy Pa Rin); and brothers Jun and Nitoy Mallilin of Abrakadabra (Bote Diyaryo).

Nonoy Tan was the lead singer and chief songwriter of Wadab. His song Kahit Lalala, Pwede Na was the grand prize winner of the Fifth Metro Manila Popular Song Festival. He also wrote It’s Just A Make Believe and My Love Will See You Through for Marco Sison. He continues to produce albums and is the chairman of the board of trustees of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also father to Champ Liu Pio, frontman of Hale.

Rey Magtoto, who sang lead and played bass for Wadab, is the musical director of the ‘70s Superband. He is now an arranger, producer and also a musical director for films and television. Monet, a former model, played guitar and sang vocals for VST & Company.

Snaffu composed Bato Sa Buhangin and T.L. Ako Sa ‘yo for Cinderella, Gusto Kita for Gino Padilla and the Third Metropop Music Festival grand prize winner Bulag, Pipi at Bingi for Freddie Aguilar. He is also a record producer and well-known drummer.

Singer and guitarist Mon Espia started out singing James Taylor songs and then came into his own as lead vocalist of the acoustic band Labuyo and as a songwriter. He composed the big hit Everyday by Agot Isidro.

Jun was the leader of the rock band Abrakadabra. He is also a drummer, producer and composer. Among his many hits is the Boyfriends biggest sellers Dahil Mahal Kita and Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal. His brother Nitoy was also a member of Abrakadabra.

Now while each of the members of the band excels in his own kind of music, think pop, ballads, folk or rock, they now come together under the umbrella of Original Pilipino Music. At a time when the local music industry is in the doldrums and we are still in search of the next big thing after so many years, it feels great to watch this Superband and recall those glory days.

Besides being the veteran performers they have become, the members of the ‘70s Superband know how to give their audience a good time. So all those who will watch can count on a lot of rocking and dancing and swooning over all those memories.

Remember, the date is Tuesday, July 27 for A Party To Remember At The Hard Rock Café with the ‘70s Superband. Call Nonoy Tan who is also selling the tickets at 0919-3010585 or send e-mail to [email protected]