Pinoy Popdom is in mourning as fate dealt two big blows, one after the other on the local music scene. Karl Roy, acclaimed Filipino rock artist, died of cardiac arrest at 1:15 in the morning of Tuesday, March 13. Barely a few hours later on the same day, there came the news that Bodjie Dasig, the jolly singer/songwriter and frontman of the group Bodgie’s Law of Gravity, died of cancer of the pancreas in the United States. He was only 48 years old. This is really sad news indeed.
Bodgie of the witty turn of phrase and the ready smile, is known for his popular compositions like Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko, Ale Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako, Kamandag, Iba Na’ng Babae Ngayon, Bakit Ba Naman Ngayon Pa Umulan and others. His songs have been recorded by Lani Misalucha, Janno Gibbs, the Bloomfields, Nikki Gil and many others.
He was married to the equally famous Odette Quesada, the writer of modern classics like Farewell, Till I Met You, I Need You Back, To Love Again, Growing Up, Hopeless Romantic and others. Both were not only extraordinary songwriters, they also recorded hits of their own. Then together they later wrote songs and produced albums for other artists, among them Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Rachel Alejandro and Ariel Rivera.
Bodgie and Odette relocated to the US some years ago, but they never stopped making Filipino music. In fact, one of their most recent productions was a still unreleased album of originals that Nora Aunor recorded while she was in California. The CD today earned the distinction of having on record Bodgie’s last compositions.
Meanwhile, Karl Roy is survived by his wife Dena and daughter Arianna. He has had several strokes in the past. He also had heart bypass surgery four years ago. He has since then gotten progressively weaker. In fact, he had just been discharged from the hospital a day before he died. He was only 43 years old.
Karl, whose brother Kevin is a member of the rock band Razorback, truly lived the rock ‘n roll lifestyle. Imagine a head-banging punk and that was how he looked and sounded onstage. A gifted vocalist and songwriter, he also played a big role in the success of three of Pinoy Rock’s best bands.
Karl first sang lead for Advent Call (Memories of Our Dreams). This was followed by a stint with P.O.T., with songs Panaginip, Yugyugan Na and Pieces Of This. And then most recently, he was with the all-star group Kapatid with songs Pagbabalik ng Kuwago, Doon, Luha and Prayer. He also dabbled in acting and was seen in the indie movies Nasaan Si Francis? and Tulad Ng Dati. Incidentally, Kapatid also lost its lead guitarist Chico Molina not so long ago.
At times such as these, our thoughts turn to prayer and fans will doubtless remember how Karl Roy expressed the same sentiments in the song Prayer: “If I ever see you face to face again/ I’ll ask you why so soon/ And in your grand debut from death/ reborn again to life I pray/ I hate to see you haunting or in your private hell/ I hope you make it/ this prayer’s for you…yeah…”
But then knowing how Bodgie’s clever mind worked, I am sure that he would have had a different, absolutely light-hearted take on the same situation. In fact, he must have already received the answers to his famous questions in Ale by this time: “Ale, nasa langit na ba ako/ Mama, kayo ho ba si San Pedro/ Okey lang sa akin kung ako’y deadball na/ basta’t ikaw ang lagi kong kasama, Ale…”
Bodgie and Karl will be sadly missed but because of their songs will always be lovingly remembered. Godspeed to you guys.