Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Iconic Pinoy rock band The Dawn is full of gratitude as they are about to celebrate their 40 years in the music industry. To make it more special, the group will have an anniversary concert called Almost 40, which will be held at the Music Museum on February 22.

“It's very fulfilling,” said frontman Jett Pangan during a press conference prepared by Ticket 1 last week.

“If I may so, hindi ganun kadali ang magbanda, especially in the Philippines na we have so many challenges. But for us to last this long, to have many albums, and to be blessed with a concert after almost 40 years, it's a blessing for me. I think, I can speak with the rest of the guys na ganun ang pakiramdam namin. So, in a nutshell, we're very thankful.”

For guitarist Rommel Sanchez, the band plays an important role in his daily routine. He said, “It's still the main reason why I get up in the morning. Parang happy place pa rin up to now to be on stage with these guys.”

The Dawn's guitarist, Francis Reyes, was equally grateful since, he said, “I don't think anyone of us imagined na aabot ng four decades yung banda, e.”

He then confessed, “In terms of career, siyempre, it has its ups and downs. Sometime I wonder how we were able to coast through some of the even more calm periods of the band's career. Here we are at almost 40 and we were signed by Sony Music. So, it continues to be an interesting journey. We still have a bunch of new songs. Creative wise, marami pa kaming output in the future.”

Meanwhile, drummer JB Leonor noted that there has been a lot of changes over the past 40 years, especially among members. One example was when they had to find new member when one of the band's original member, Teddy Diaz, died.

He was temporarily replaced by Noel Mendez. However, he later formed his own band called Hayp. To fill in the position left by Mendez, The Dawn welcomed Japanese guitarist Atsushi Matsuura. Then, he was replaced by Francis.

Aside from this, The Dawn disbanded in the early '90s but because of music, they reunited after a couple of years.

JB said, “It's very fulfilling that we last this long. I never thought we would and I've seen so many member changes. We learned a lot from our members. Things change kapag may bagong miyembrong papasok. Their presence, their influence, and their taste in music affect everything that we will play, mag-iiba, e.

Today the band is composed of Jett, Rommel, JB, Francis, and Bim Yance (bass guitar), who is relatively new to the band.

Related gallery: Controversial Pinoy band breakups

While The Dawn is known for being a Pinoy rock band, the group managed to stay in the business by being open to changes.

Jett said, “I think, through the years of having different directions in music, it's always the case of choosing the member who has the most open mind when it comes to music. Kasi, mayroon tayong mga banda na like, purely metal or purely reggae. The Dawn tends to explore and we try to put all genres together to come up with music or songs.

“We're highly influenced by different kinds of music. The roster you see now basically falls into that category of musicians who are open to a lot of sounds and genres. That's why we're here, the output of The Dawn.

“Madaling sabihin na rock band lang kami because we're partly loud and I sing those high notes. But If you listen to more of our songs, you will feel that there's a very diverse influence. So, kung may formula man, 'yon yun, e.

“I think, whenever we invite a member to join the band o kapag may tumagal na miyembro sa banda, that means the openness stays. I guess we're all restless in the band. We need to explore other genres of music, which makes it very exciting.”

The Dawn members (from left) Rommel Sanchez, JB Leonor, Jett Pangan, Bim Yance, and Francis Reyes. Photo by Nherz Almo

Jett also emphasized in the end, “We cater to all audiences. We also like what we hear doon sa mga baguhan. Ang daming mga bagong banda ngayon na they're really coming with a great stuff, na somehow naiimpluwensiyahan din kami.

“It's not to be pretentious na, 'Uy, maki-in tayo.' Then, that's natural to us. But naturally though, naiimpluwensiyahan din kami ng mga bata. With that being said, we like our setlist to be varied din. Kumbaga, kung tutugtog kami sa isang piyesta, ano ba ang mga gusto ng mga taga-doon.

“Aside from our songs, may mga covers din kami na we're hoping na magugustuhan nila, and they would.”

To show variety in their upcoming concert, The Dawn will be joined by fellow music artists such as Ebe Dance, Quest, Aila Santos, and Rayver Cruz. Tickets are available through TicketWorld and Ticket1.