MANILA — Original members of the iconic Filipino rock band from the ’90s, Rivermaya, have exciting news for their fans.
A reunion concert is on the horizon, set to take place on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Live Nation, the concert promoter, has officially announced the event, featuring Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon coming together for “Rivermaya: The Reunion.”
Live Nation Philippines made the historic event even more thrilling by sharing, “Be a part of history as Live Nation Philippines stages its first-ever OPM show with Bamboo, Mark, Nathan, and Rico – finally together in the country’s most coveted reunion.” Tickets for this highly-anticipated concert will be available for purchase starting on November 17 at 3 p.m. through http://smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets.
Rivermaya, with its classic lineup formed in 1994, holds a significant place in Philippine music history, having achieved remarkable success and popularizing hit songs like “214,” “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” “Kisapmata,” “Elesi,” “Umaaraw, Umuulan,” “Himala,” and “Awit Ng Kabataan,” among others. Their discography includes albums such as “Rivermaya” (1994), “Trip” (1996), and “Atomic Bomb” (1997).
The band’s journey took a turn when they embarked on a US and Canada tour in 1998, during which Bamboo Mañalac chose to remain in the US to be with his family and complete his studies. Rivermaya pressed on, with Rico Blanco assuming the lead.
On May 24, 2007, Blanco announced his departure from the group for personal reasons and pursued a solo career. Subsequently, Rivermaya underwent several lineup changes over the years. The current members of the band include the original Escueta on drums and vocals, Azarcon on bass, and additional members Mike Elgar on lead guitar and Aiman Borres on keyboard, serving as a touring member.
(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)