Eraserheads reclaim their story in 'Combo on the Run' documentary

The iconic Filipino rock band took center stage once again at the official press conference of Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, their upcoming documentary film. This highly anticipated cinematic event promises to reveal the untold story of the band’s rise, fall, and reconciliation that left a lasting impact on Filipino music and culture.

For the first time, the Eraserheads are reclaiming their narrative, shattering decades of speculation and urban legends surrounding their breakup and reunion.

A glimpse into the film

The press conference on Tuesday was attended by Eraserheads’ frontman Ely Buendia, award-winning director Maria Diane Ventura, Warner Bros. Philippines head of distribution Rico Gonzales, and producer Francis Lumen. Each of them provided an intimate look at the challenges and significance of bringing this documentary to life.

Director Diane Ventura spoke candidly about the film’s depth, emphasizing its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the band.

“The things that we’ve heard about the band were mostly speculations. Nobody really knows what happened during the breakup or why it happened. This is the guys reclaiming their narrative.”

She assured fans that, “this is a no-holds-barred depiction of their story, and nothing is swept under the rug.”

Ventura also expressed the difficulty of maintaining objectivity while telling such a complex story but stressed her commitment to honoring the truth.

Producer Francis Lumen reflected on the logistical challenges of bringing the band together, given their busy individual careers.

“Patience. You really have to be patient. Before we could even take a step forward, we had to coordinate with three managers to make sure we were all on the same page.” Despite the difficulties, he emphasized that, “Nothing is sanitized. What you will see is the Eheads in their ups and downs. Their desire to heal and reconcile is there, too.”

Ely Buendia, the band’s enigmatic frontman, addressed a long-standing question: Why have the Eraserheads always been so vague about their personal lives?

“Time has passed. I guess the boys and I like mystery and keeping things vague, but there comes a time when that works against you, creating misconceptions and urban legends. This time, we chose a different path—it’s high time, like what Diane said, to reclaim our narrative.”

When asked why the other members, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan, were not present, Ely clarified,

“We’ve decided that four talking heads is a bit much. To stop the confusion, I’ll be representing the band for now.”

A story beyond music

The film chronicles the band’s journey from their humble beginnings in 1989 to their meteoric rise in the ’90s and the controversial breakup that left fans searching for answers. Combo on the Run takes its name from their 1993 song, a track from their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop!, which contained timeless hits like Pare Ko, Toyang, Ligaya, and Maling Akala —songs still belted out in karaoke sessions across the Philippines today.

Ely Buendia reflected on the band’s enduring legacy, stating,

“From the start, we wanted to create something relatable and timeless. That was no accident. We wanted our music to transcend generations and inspire not just musicians but artists in general.”

One of the most hotly debated urban legends about the band was once again addressed: the claim that Spoliarium was about the controversial Pepsi Paloma case.

Ely dismissed this myth once and for all: “Spoliarium is not about TVJ (Tito, Vic, and Joey). It is a sad thing. I was really heartbroken when that rumor came out because I was such a huge fan. They were my heroes, and I wouldn’t dream of writing a song to tarnish my heroes. It’s not about them, it’s not about Pepsi.”

The documentary also delves into their 2022 reunion concert, an event that came at a time of political and societal uncertainty in the Philippines. What many fans didn’t realize was that, in bringing comfort to the nation, the band themselves found an opportunity for healing. Combo on the Run captures this deeply personal and transformative journey.

A limited but grand release

The film will only be screened in theaters for one weekend, from 21 to 23 March. Warner Bros. Philippines’ Rico Gonzales explained this decision,

“We want to make it special. This doesn’t happen every day. This is the Eraserheads.” He likened it to the band’s legendary three-day concert runs.

As a final surprise, the press conference ended with an electrifying tease: At a random screening, the Eraserheads will perform live for an audience, bringing their legendary presence back to the big screen in an unforgettable way.

More than just a documentary

Eraserheads: Combo on the Run is more than a documentary; it is an emotional journey, a tribute to a band that shaped an era, and an invitation for fans — old and new — to finally witness the real story behind the music. This is the Eraserheads, unscripted and unfiltered. This is their truth.