A Trip Down Memory Lane: Pinoy Rock History

Pinoy Rock made history indeed, and it continues to do so. For those who of you who always likes to “Rock on!”, you might find it intriguing as to how Pinoy Rock became the widespread anthem of Pinoy music that it is today. And it definitely goes a long way....

It was a teen thing-- always was, and always will

Teen idol Eddie Mesa began this long journey. His much-acclaimed song Hahabol Habol was one of the very first rock songs that rocked the boats of the music industry. At the time when rock was just starting out, Pinoy rock bands were called “combos”, a term which you will still hear the oldies utter today when they hear head-banging fun at its finest. 

Culture Begins in the 60's

Much of Pinoy rock emanated from Western influence. The Pinoy rock culture sprang out of a need to set a Pinoy identity by means of rock music. Rock music was just one of the avenues where Pinoy pride and culture is being expressed. The likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Joe Cocker were making waves at the time, and their culture of rock music gave way to the Pinoy counterparts who gave it a Pinoy twist:  Circus Band, Isang Kilo Band, and Anakaraw being prime examples. Of course, no one would forget the famous Juan de la Cruz band, as well, who flourished in this time. 

For the Love of 'Pinas

When rock music in the Philippines entered mainstream in the previous decade, most of the songs were in English and was aimed at introducing rock music as an offshoot of Western influence. The the term “Pinoy” in Pinoy rock was given more meaning and intensity in the ushering of the 1970's, where the themes of rock songs were geared on politics and nationalism. Take the ultra-awarded Apo Hiking Society and Pinoy rock moguls such as Hotdog and Mike Hanopol. The term “Manila Sound” was also used for Taglish (Tagalog + English) songs made by these bands. Folk also made itself known, with the names Freddie Aguilar, Florante and Asin becoming household names that continue to be revered until today.
 

The pioneers in the 60's like the Juan de la Cruz Band, consisting of Mike Hanopol, Pepe Smith and Wally Gonzalez, continued to thrive in the 70's. Their Tagalog rock songs like “Balong Malalim” became so popular and respected for the way its has instigated Pinoy pride in every line. Clearly different from the rock music that we listen to today, many people label these two previous earliest decades as the Classical Rock period, which also contained the “Golden Age of Pinoy Rock”. 

More Aggression Begins Here: The 80's

Protests were all placed in lines and lines of rock music during the 1980's. The rising of rock stars such as Joey Ayala, Gary Granada, Buklod, Cocojam, ushered the mixture of reggae and ethnic tunes to the already diverse pool of Pinoy rock music. In this decade, The Dawn was one of the most popular bands, who were somehow thriving with hints of New Wave in their songs. The bands Introvoys and Afterimage were also able to start their careers at this period and continued to endure the ebbs and tides of the rock music scene for a considerable amount of time. 

Youth of the Nation Address: the 90's

In the 90's came younger bands, more radical tunes that were evolving with the needs of the times. The names Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Yano, Wolfgang, Razoback, P.O.T., and Parokya ni Edgar made waves. This is really the time where various styles flourished, and demarcated rock music as something only for the young at heart. More acclaim is also attached to rock, with the emergence of the NU Rock Music Awards, which still continues to tap new rock talents annually. Rock really entered mainstream at this period, and then there was also the increase in number of the underground rock music communities in the Philippines. Following the success of Limp Bizkit were the local equivalents to Pinoy Rock: Chicosci, Greyhoundz, Cheese and Slapshock.

2000s: Expanding its Branches

These days, you will find it normal to hear rock music being blended with R&B, acoustic and hiphop music. The bands from the previous decade evolved in their sounds while maintaining their star status. In the year 2004 emerged another group of young rock bands, fresh blood to the continuing heritage of Pinoy rock in the country. Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Kjwan and Bamboo were just some of the names that made it big in the already big rock industry.

Also, there have been regional uprising of bands that      made Pinoy rock more accepted and lauded in regions like Cebu. Add a mixture of pop into the widening scope of rock music and you will find the names Sponge Cola, Orange and Lemons, Callalily, Hale, Cueshe and 6CycleMind. 

At no any other time in the history of Pinoy Rock that bars and radio stations have been solidly in support of rock music than in this decade. Almost every radio station and night life bar in town supports rock music as the anthem that defines Philippine history, good time and evolution of time in a single package. 

Recently, the young rock musicians gave a tribute to APO Hiking Society, one of the biggest pillars of Pinoy Rock music. They now have two albums celebrating the roots of rock music.

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