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HOLLYWOOD INSIDER
Martin Nievera to celebrate his 40th anniversary in showbiz at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
By JANET SUSAN R. NEPALESLOS ANGELES — It was in 1982 when I first saw this 20-year-old guy being introduced to viewers as his debut performance on Philippine television. As soon as he started singing, the young lad impressed us with his deep velvety powerful voice that reminded us of a young Sinatra. It was Martin Nievera.
We didn't lose time to contact the station to interview Nievera. And we were right about him because after that performance, Nievera simply became the latest musical discovery in the country.
Now after four decades in the industry, 18 platinum, five double platinum, three triple platinum and one quadruple platinum albums, Nievera, dubbed as the "Concert King" of the country, has proven to the musical world that he has staying power and not just a one-hit wonder.
In fact, from singing, Nievera has also displayed his wit, humor and intelligence as a TV host and has also branched out to film and TV shows aside from doing his albums and concert tours.
Now 60 years old, the boyish-looking Nievera is getting ready to celebrate his 40 years in the business with a bang in a concert dubbed as "M4D" (Martin 4 Decades) at no less than the prestigious Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles on August 28. The event will showcase Nievera's all-time favorite songs and more.
Born Martin Ramon Razon Nievera in Manila, Philippines, the debonaire singer reflected on his career and journey. Below are excerpts of our interview with him via email.
Congratulations on your 40th anniversary! That means I have known you that long and have followed your illustrious career for all those years since day one when I was the first journalist to interview you. Can you talk about that journey and reflect on it? What were the highs and lows and what have you learned so far?
Thank you for always being there. If it wasn't for people like you, people like me would not be celebrating 40 years. Thank you for being a big part of my 40 years.
Highs and Lows?
Hmmm how much time do you have? I think I have been in this business long enough to not know anymore the difference between the two.
It was August 20, 1983, at the Folk Arts Theater. I think it was that day or rather that night where I got to experience my first "high" point in my life and career.
Remember my father, Bert Nievera, was a singer too and after years of growing up as his roadie and caddie all this was always and only just a dream for me.
To follow in his footsteps, that's all I dreamed of as a kid. I mean, if he was a carpenter or rocket scientist that's what I would be today.
So, on that day in front of a sold-out crowd of close to 9,000 people, a young boy's dream came true. The moment I stepped on that stage; I knew that I could do this for the rest of my life.
But there is nothing higher than that of becoming a father for the very first time. And in my 40 years in this crazy business, I was blessed with this feeling three times.
The "lows," on the other hand, I feel at the end of every performance. When the lights go dim and the silence of an empty stage become deafening, that for me is the lowest of lows. I guess what I mean is when the curtain goes down, that's definitely a low point for any performer.
I will mention some shows/people. Please share your memorable experiences.
The Penthouse Live!
One of the best decisions I have ever made in my career. If it wasn’t for this TV show and Tito Fritz Infante, the late Elvira Manahan and Ronnie Henares, I would not have found my "television wings." This show taught me to love and embrace something that was never part of my childhood dream and that's the magic of television.
Pops Fernández
My co-host on Penthouse Live!, my co-star in many concerts all over the Philippines and the world, and my on screen and off "love team" who blessed me with two beautiful young men—Robin and Ram.
Her name is the name I proudly reveal when asked the question, "Who do you work best with on stage?"
Martin and Pops Twogether
A concert tour that started in the 80's and was repeated in 2004, and then repeated again 2020.
Society of Seven
A singing group I grew up watching and learning from. A show band where my father sang and spent some of the best years of his life with.
My professors in the performing arts! All seven of them were my second fathers.
Lani Misalucha
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One of the most beautiful voices the world will ever know and one of my dear friends/singing partners.
Rage Band
The band that shared my first football field concert in 1984, performing for almost 50,000 people. They taught me how to rock!
Your parents – Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon
The conductors of my symphony.
Your twin sister Victoria and younger sister Rachel
The rainbow connection I have to my childhood.
Gary Valenciano
One of the artists I admire most.
Your children
My forever.
What keeps you going and motivated?
I never go to bed without something to look forward to the next day.
In all my 40 years, a lot has changed. But the only thing that has not is my love and passion for what I do. I love my job! It's the best and most fun job ever. It is so emotionally rewarding.
Do you have any regrets?
My only regret is that I have too many, but not enough to kill my spirit and fascination with what tomorrow may bring.
What would you say is your biggest achievement in your 40-year career?
My biggest achievement in the last 40 years is being remembered. Period. To be remembered, not honored, not praised.
If you did something for someone like sing a song that moved them to tears, you will be remembered as the singer who sang the song that made that person remember; so much so that it brought that person to tears.
Nothing sucks more than to be forgotten. But to be remembered is quite an achievement.
Do you have other dreams?
My dreams are no longer for myself. They are all now for my boys. Maybe my dream is more of a hope or prayer that I live long enough to see each son realize their own dreams.
If you were given a chance to talk to your younger self, what would you say?
"Hey you! The guy who thinks this ride will never end! Listen carefully. There is no forever in fame and fortune..."
—MGP, GMA News