The Eraserheads in Dubai on December 7, 2024. EXPAT MEDIA

More than a decade after their first performance in Dubai, iconic Filipino rock band Eraserheads is back to settle the score—and this time, they mean business. Calling it their “revenge show,” the concert at Expo City Dubai on Sunday (December 8) promises fans a night to remember, celebrating the Eraserheads' unparalleled legacy and continuing their story with fans, old and new. In an exclusive interview with Expat Media, band members Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raimund Marasigan opened up about their excitement, lessons learned, and what makes this show special. Reflecting on their 2013 reunion concert at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Marasigan didn’t mince words, calling it “a disaster” due to technical glitches that marred the event. “We had massive technical problems,” he told Expat Media, “This is the revenge show. Now, we are very ready.” The first Dubai reunion concert was a landmark event, attracting over 12,000 fans, but challenges arose. The concert was delayed by a few hours, which organizers at the time blamed on “late arrivals” of fans still trying to get into the venue. However, the 27-song setlist that Eraserheads put out was worth the wait for many.

Evolving music, timeless hits

When asked about the evolution of their music, Marcus likened it to aging gracefully. “Sometimes the song ages. You can dress it up or take off a jacket. You can play less or add more, depending on what fits,” he told Expat Media in Filipino. Ely echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their embrace of modern technology to enhance live performances while staying true to their original sound. The Eraserheads’ career has been marked by monumental milestones. Their debut album, ultraelectromagneticpop! in 1993 sold 300,000 copies, earning six platinum awards. Subsequent albums, like Cutterpillow in 1995, cemented their legacy with hits like Ang Huling El Bimbo, Overdrive, and Alapaap. The latter holds a special place for Ely, as it became the center of controversy in 1994, criticized by a Philippine senator for allegedly promoting drug use—an allegation the band firmly denied. For the Eraserheads, their songs are more than just music; they are bridges between generations. Raimund highlighted this unique connection: “It resonates across generations. You’ll see the grandmother and her grandchild singing together.” For Buddy, playing Huling El Bimbo signals the end of one show but promises another, symbolizing the band’s enduring presence. Here's our exclusive Q&A:

What new things have you discovered about each other since your 2013 Dubai concert?

Raimund: Patience. Ely: I’ve learned how to meditate. Buddy: I’ve learned that playing less is actually playing more. Marcus: I’ve learned to never stop learning because we never stop being students.

What has been the biggest evolution in your music?

Raimund: That’s a good question. Ely (quips): Grabe naman yung mga tanong mo, mapapaisip tuloy ako! It is hard. Marcus: As a guitarist, parang tumatanda rin yung kanta. Minsan pwede mong bihisan, minsan pwede mong tanggalan ng jacket. Like what he’s saying, you can play less or you can add more kasi mamaya yung damit na ‘yan di na bagay. Ely: We’ve also learned to use modern technology now. We did before. We tried to, yung di pa uso ang samplers. Right now, it’s just to complement the show, not to add music or whatever to the arrangement. Raimund: We have TikTok now!

Which Eraserheads song is the most memorable to you and why?

Raimund: Right now it’s 68 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue. I don’t know what it means but I really like how it sounds and it sounds like us. Ely: Probably Alapaap because we went to the Senate for that. Marcus: Nag re-resonate sa generational yung magkatabi yung lola at apo. Buddy: Ako, yung Huling El Bimbo. Para sa akin pag kinanta na ni Ely, pag tinugtog na ang Huling El Bimbo ibig sabihin usually patapos na yung show but for me it means there’s another show that’s coming. Every time I play the Huling El Bimbo I look forward to the next show. PIA/Expat Media
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