In the latest edition of iconic comebacks, four of the original members of OPM legend Rivermaya are reuniting for a concert to start 2024 right.
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Even if OPM isn’t one of your top genres, you probably still have listened to at least one song from Rivermaya. With classics such as 214, Kisapmata, Elesi, Ulan, Awit ng Kabataan, Himala, and so much more, Rivermaya has a treasure trove of timeless jams that are still being played decades later. And in a sign of their undeniable impact, four of the original members of the OPM band are set to have one of the most memorable comebacks of the decade with their long-awaited reunion concert.
THE OGs RETURN
Over the past few days, Live Nation Philippines sent netizens guessing after they shared teasers of a concert they’d be holding in February 2024. As fans put the pieces together, it seemed that the impossible was going to happen, a Rivermaya concert featuring members Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, and Rico Blanco. And the impossible became reality as Live Nation PH officially confirmed that the band would be holding a concert called Rivermaya: The Reunion, on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds, the same venue that played host to another iconic OPM reunion, the Eraserheads concert last December.
INSTAGRAM/LIVENATIONPH
Adding to the historic moment is the fact that the concert will serve as Live Nation Philippines’ first concert they produced for a local act. A fitting milestone and one of the best ways to start the new year if we do say so ourselves. Tickets go on sale starting on November 17 at 3 PM via SM Tickets’ website and all of their physical outlets. Ticket prices will set you back P2,550 for bronze, P6,550 for silver, P11,750 for gold, and P14,750 for VIP.
OPM HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Initially formed in 1994 with members Bamboo, Nathan, Mark, Rico, and Perf de Castro, the band quickly rose to fame the same year with the release of their debut album of the same name. Over the years, the band solidified their legacy and made OPM history as one of the most legendary and influential rock bands the local music industry has ever seen, though not without some bumps on the road.
INSTAGRAM/LIVENATIONPH
Perf left the band in 1995 after their first album, with their frontman Bamboo doing the same in 1998 when they were touring America and Canada. Rico ended up taking his place, but he departed Rivermaya in 2007. Since then, the band has remained active with original members Mark and Nathan, along with their longest-serving guitarist Mike Elgar. Their last music release was in 2022 with their single Casino.
So, the fact that Rivermaya is taking the stage once more with four of the core members after decades is a big deal. It’s literally OPM history in the making as the band makes their grand return to live performing as a full set. It’s safe to say then that this concert will be one for the history books. However, whether this will be the start of a new chapter for the band or just a reunion for the fans remains to be seen. Either way, we stay winning, though it would have been nice if Perf was also included in the reunion.
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