Pinoy music wows London

There they were crossing the famous Abbey Road, just like their inspiration, the Beatles, did some decades ago. I know, they were a few members too many, but what’s to stop them from making one like the iconic photograph. A Pinoy goes to London and you can expect him to take those same steps across Abbey Road. More so, as in this case, if they happen to be rockers, too.

The rockers who made the pilgrimage to Abbey Road were Rey Matoto, Snaffu Rigor, Nitoy Mallillin, Jun Mallillin, Nonoy Tan, Mon Espia and Monet Gaskel. They were once upon a time members of popular local bands. Rey and Nonoy were founding members of Wadab. Snaffu was with the Cinderella and Blackbuster. Nitoy and Jun were with Abrakadabra. Mon was with Labuyo and Monet was with VST&Co.

The London trip was a gig for The 70’s Superband, dubbed as The Ultimate OPM Experience, a group they formed a few years ago just for the thrill of performing again. They had been making the rounds of local joints, wowing crowds with their rendition of Filipino hit songs from the golden era of the Manila Sound in the ’70s. The eternally nostalgic locals loved their shows and they recently made the big step overseas where they did three nights in the UK. 

The band was booked at The Dome Theater in London last April 4; the Epic Studios in Norwich on April 5; and the Britannia Theater in Kent on April 6. They packed every night and had the mostly Pinoy audiences breaking into song and dance with every number they did. Take a look at these words from reviewer Bong Forouzan, which came out in Euradiopinoy last April 7.

“They surely gave Tom Jones a run for his money. Some were in their 20s when they made music hits in the ’70s. In a two and a half hour UK concert…nonstop! They sang over 50 OPM hit song titles. They danced, swayed and strutted on stage. 70’s Superband super-wowed its audience at their first ever concert in London. The first leg of their three-day tour was held last Friday, April 4 at The Dome Theater in Tuffinell Park. A successful concert priced at 15 Pounds, todo sulit talaga, total satisfaction.”

Regrouping for the love of music and memories, the band made its debut in 2010 as 70’s Superband with music director Rey and Mon on electric guitars, Jun on the keyboard, Nitoy on drums, all singing together with vocalists Monet, band leader Nonoy and the ever exuberant “youngest” member, Snaffu. Far from turning 70, the band is again making a success of its  legendary OPM (Original Pilipino Music) compositions and music arrangements.

“They had their audience on their feet, dancing, rocking, swinging, swooning and singing along. Their medley repertoire of pop, ballads, folk and rock hits brought back memories of the golden era. Anak, Rock Baby Rock, Macho Guwapito, Manila, Mr. DJ, Panaginip, Ewan, Kiss Kiss, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, Swing, Maging Sino Ka Man, Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal, Step Yes Step No, Ipagpatawad Mo, Beh Buti Nga, Pag Tumatagal Lalong Tumitibay, Mahal Na Prinsesa, Annie Batumbakal, Parang Ulap, Sumayaw Sumunod, Dahil Mahal Kita, T.L. Ako Sa ‘yo, Bato Sa Buhangin, Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, Ikaw Ang Superstar Ng Buhay Ko, Tuloy Pa Rin and many others. 

“Mindful of the non Filipinos in the audience, Snaffu’s husky bass voice comparatively conquered renditions of What A Wonderful World (Louie Armstrong) and Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan). Nitoy, too, whilst ministering the drums, is not one to be in the background.  He raised the roof on his falsetto tune of Betcha By Golly Wow (Stylistics) and concluded by the band’s My Love Will See You Through (Marco Sison).

“Having our heavyweight Philippine Embassy representative, Consul General Xenen Mangallili, swaying and crooning along was an undeniable zeal of approval on a successful evening of golden hits. After a two hour non-stop performance, 70’s Superband showed no tiredness nor breathlessness or loss of voices. They gladly played encores and featured the Mallillin brothers’ music instruments prowess, Nitoy on drums and Jun on the lead guitar. They were asked their secret for maintaining youthful looks and vigor. They replied, ‘We are all lovers… of music and making love… songs keep us alive and kicking.

“I am sure this will not be last we see of the 70’s Superband. Talks are already underway to see them back soon in the UK coupled with a European tour. We wish them all the best on their future ventures. But for now, we thank 70’s Superband for the lovely evening of entertainment and for making great songs that transcend time and generations.

“Along with the band were our homegrown artists, Doddie Victorino, a Bicentennial Scholarship Fund awardee at Birmingham Conservatoire and former member of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, Aldrin Dagui, First Videoke Challenge Competition champion, Gelo Bernal, first TFCkat UK winner, Norbert Gayanilo, founding member of Nugroovz band and an authentic musikero/rakista who loves original Filipino music, too.”

As often said in this global age of ours, if you are in search of Filipinos anywhere in the world, look for the place where there is good music. Pinoy will surely be there, as they were in London for the 70’s Superband.