Showtime

04/17/2008

Pop goes the ’80s

A decade characterized by funny looking clothes and weird makeup – that’s what most people now think of the 1980s.

How quickly they forget that it was also the decade when some of the local music scene’s best and most enduring artists started their careers. In fact, four of those artists will return to the concert scene via Greatest Hits of the ’80s, a two-night show at the Music Museum on May 16 and 17.

One of those artists is Gino Padilla, whose vocals gave life to the fit singles “Closer You And I,” “I Believe In You” and “Let The Love Begin.” Gino’s most recent projects include an album produced by none other than the Megastar, Sharon Cuneta herself. The album, bannered by the first single Keeping The Memories Alive, is entitled Hands Of Time and is available at all leading record bars.

Louie Heredia also made his mark in the 1980s with songs like “Can’t Find No Reasons,” “Iisang Damdamin,” “Nag-iisang Ikaw” and “Una at Huling Mamahalin.” The many albums he released were met with critical and commercial success, which helped him earn many Gold and Platinum Record awards. Back in the day, he also hosted many TV shows like the phenomenal Lunch Date.

Actor-singer Raymond Lauchengco also rose to prominence in the 1980s, thanks largely in part to his role in the iconic 1980s teen movie Bagets. His hits include “I Need You Back,” “Farewell,” “Saan Darating Ang Umaga” and “So It’s You.” After a brief career hiatus, during which he was sorely missed by the industry, Raymond went back to Viva Arts Agency – the same company that launched his career. The title of Raymond’s latest album that includes a collection of songs from the 1980s rearranged big-band style is Full Circle.

Who can forget Randy Santiago and those shades of his? Randy may be a director now, but back in the day, he was an in-demand singer and dancer. He appeared in several musical variety shows and released several hit singles of his own, including “Hindi Magbabago,” “Para Sa ‘Yo,” “Tuloy Pa Rin” and the ultimate ladies’ man song “Babaero.”

Buy tickets to “Greatest Hits of the ‘80s” at Ticketworld (891-9999). Tickets are at P2,250 (orchestra center), P2,000 (orchestra side) and P1,400 (balcony).

James Blunt engages Manila

After successfully staging local concerts for pop-rock bands My Chemical Romance and Maroon 5, Viva Concerts and Events is back with “James Blunt: Live in Manila,” the long-awaited Manila concert debut of multi-platinum singer-songwriter James Blunt.

Yes, the man behind the acoustic ballad “You’re Beautiful,” which became a worldwide smash, is coming to the Philippines on May 19. The show will be at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ironically, Blunt’s career began with little fanfare. After he left the British Army in 2002 to pursue a career in music, he signed a contract with Twenty-First Artists Management Limited and a publishing deal with EMI. A record deal eluded him until songwriter and producer Linda Perry signed him to her own label, Custard Records, in 2003. His debut album Back To Bedlam was released in the UK in October 2004, bannered by the singles “High” and “Wisemen.”

It was only when his third single—the aforementioned “You’re Beautiful”—was released that his career soared. The song topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and helped make Back To Bedlam, one of the most successful albums in the UK that year. (The album was No. 1 for a remarkable nine weeks!)

Both album and single were equally successful in Asia, particularly in the Philippines. Buoyed by its predecessor’s success in the Philippines, his next single, “Goodbye My Lover” (which is accompanied by a music video featuring Matt Dallas and Mischa Barton of Kyle XY and the O.C., respectively) enjoyed similar success.

After having sold some 11,000,000 copies of Back To Bedlam, Blunt released his second album, All The Lost Souls, in September of last year. It has since gone Platinum in many parts of the world.

Since the beginning of his career, the media has painted a picture of Blunt as being equally engaging live as he is on CD—and thanks to “James Blunt: Live in Manila,” his Filipino fans can finally see it for themselves.

For ticket inquiries to James Blunt’s first Manila concert, call the Ticketnet at 911-5555.

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