The music lives on

The Philippines is one of the preferred destinations of some of the greatest music stars of all time, especially those who shone brightest in the 1960s, that single greatest decade in the history of all music.

Maybe this is because the generation who belonged to that wonderful era are now at the peak of their careers and could very well afford the luxury of paying their way to these revival concerts.

There have been some derisive comments about bringing back these music legends to do the gigs they used to do now that they are in the twilight of their years. These comments are unfair and do not take into account that it is the music that really matters and not the stars.

The music of the 1960s is the greatest music of all time. It has been the platform from which later genres would spring from. Perhaps no piece of music has been written since then that does not trace some influence back to the 1960s.

Anyone can go to any music store in the Philippines and still find music from the 1960s being sold, not only in their original forms and by the original bands, but in the numerous covers and remakes that they have inspired.

And that is more than can be said of any other decade as far as music is concerned. It is the music that has not only provided listening pleasure but has actually defined real life directions for the whole world.

Of course it is easy and tempting to make fun of the “pathetic” sight of music legends, now in their sixties, still doing their best to gyrate and approximate the spry movements they used to make in their prime.

But instead of being derided, they should be applauded and cheered on, for carrying on with the music that never dies. Music is so much a part of life that it is never limited by any physical shortcoming.

One recent Philippine visitor was Gary Lewis, who still calls his touring group The Playboys even if none of them belonged to the original group of Americans who, for a while, tried to match the popularity and prolific genius of the incomparable Beatles and other Brits.

Gary Lewis had a one-night gig at the Cebu International Convention Center and the response of Cebuanos was terrific despite the limited advance notice of the concert. The 22 songs performed that night gave the crowd a most welcome refreshment.

One of the most touching sights at the concert was seeing entire families come. Fathers and mothers who belong to the baby-boomer generation were seen bringing along their children, perhaps as part of their lessons on what the music was when their parents were growing up.

Another very touching sight was seeing the audience tap their feet on the floor to the beat of the music, the only thing they can physically do under the circumstances. In younger days, they would be up on their feet jumping and waving their arms, just as the young do now.

But strenuous physical activity was already a near-impossibility. So just tapping the feet on the floor and a little nodding here and there was enough to show solidarity with the music that never dies.

That concert will probably serve as a goodbye as well. Not to wish ill on anyone, but many will probably not see Gary Lewis anymore ever again if there is still an occasion for him to return.

Actually, many have never seen the singers behind some of the greatest music the world has ever heard because not every individual or group had been privileged to go off on a world tour or even visit selected countries. But the music is enough company for a life well lived.