When the Music Doesn’t Stop

Have you ever been so attached to a band that their music has become your lifeline, a source of hope when you needed it most? It’s not just about listening—you immerse yourself, letting their melodies and lyrics engulf you in a comforting embrace. But what happens when that band, the one you hold onto so tightly, decides to go their separate ways? (Cue: tears streaming down your cheeks.)

For fans, it feels like the end of an era, a chapter closing too soon. You’re left clinging to the memories, replaying their greatest hits while wondering, “What now?” It’s a valid and deeply relatable heartbreak. But have you ever paused to consider what life looks like for each band member after the split? How they’ve grown as artists or what struggles and reinventions they’ve faced behind the scenes?

Of course, there is no single answer as to why some bands go separate ways. It could be personal reasons, health issues, or a number of other things. But more often than not, it’s the creative differences that slowly creep in, the ones us fans don’t see right away. Let’s dive into how some OPM bands have not only survived the departure of their vocalists, but also evolved, creating new chapters in their journeys.

IV of Spades to solo stardom

Take IV of Spades, for example. This Filipino pop-funk band composed of Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao De Castro was at the peak of its rise when their frontman, Unique, left the group before their debut studio album even dropped. The remaining members pushed forward, with Zild on bass and vocals, Blaster on guitar and vocals as well, and Badjao on drums, releasing “CLAPCLAPCLAP!” and giving fans hope that they’d stay together. But even with their efforts, the band eventually announced an indefinite hiatus in 2020.

Looking at them now though, you can’t help but think, “Oh, everything makes sense.” Each member has carved out their own space in the industry and grown tremendously as artists. Unique has continued his solo career, racking up awards and nominations for his unique sound and vision. Zild has become the face of a new wave of emo rock in the OPM scene, redefining himself with every release. Blaster, on another hand, is now leading the charge for Blaster and the Celestial Klowns, a band with a sound all its own. Meanwhile, Badjao has found a new rhythm with Party Pace, a band that formed almost by accident but now thrives on pure passion.

This is the kind of breakup that, while painful for fans, holds a silver lining. Sure, it stings to see them go their separate ways, and yes, fans still cling to the hope of seeing them perform together again one day. But when you witness them shining and rocking out in their own unique paths, you realize that this evolution is priceless.

UDD without Armi Millare

Another example is Up Dharma Down, now known simply as UDD. With timeless hits like “Tadhana,” “Oo,” “Unti-Unti,” and many more, they’ve created anthems that define a generation of Filipino listeners. Their music resonates deeply, blending genres like rock, electronic, and soul in a way that was uniquely theirs. So, when Armi Millare, their iconic vocalist and keyboardist, left the group in 2021, it was a bittersweet moment for fans. Many mourned her departure, fearing it marked the end of the band’s signature sound.

However, UDD has proven their resilience. The remaining members—Carlos Tañada, Ean Mayor, and Paul Yap—have continued to evolve, exploring a new direction while staying true to the essence of what makes UDD recognizable. There’s still that familiar core when you hear their music, though it’s clear something has shifted. The absence of Armi’s soulful voice and presence leaves a noticeable void, but the band’s artistry and vision remain intact.

As for Armi, she hasn’t stepped away from the music scene either. She’s carving her own path, releasing solo projects that showcase her distinct style and emotional depth. Her recent collaborations with international artists and her continued dedication to music prove that she’s thriving independently, adding new dimensions to her already impressive repertoire.

Rivermaya: Reinventing after loss

Next up is Rivermaya, a band whose songs have become synonymous with OPM classics. From “214” to “Elesi” and “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” their music has left an indelible mark on Filipino pop culture. Over the years, however, Rivermaya experienced a series of significant departures. The first to leave was their guitarist Perf de Castro, followed by their charismatic vocalist Bamboo Mañalac, who would go on to form his own successful band, Bamboo. Despite these changes, Rivermaya adapted, with Rico Blanco stepping into the role of frontman and leading the band into a new era.

But when Rico Blanco eventually left in 2007, many fans felt it marked the end of an era for the band. His departure was a major blow, as he had not only been the frontman but also the primary songwriter and creative force behind some of their biggest hits. While Rivermaya continued with new members and directions, it was clear that the band’s dynamic had forever shifted.

Even so, seeing the individual journeys of these former members is nothing short of inspiring. Bamboo built a successful solo career, becoming one of the most iconic voices in the Philippine music scene. Rico Blanco flourished as a solo artist, showcasing his genius with hits like “Your Universe” and “Antukin,” while continuing to influence OPM with his innovative sound. The legacy of Rivermaya lives on, not just through the band’s enduring catalog but also through the remarkable growth of its former members.

Eraserheads: The legacy never ends

Let’s talk about the quintessential image of OPM rock in the 90s: the Eraserheads. Composed of Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raymund Marasigan, the band defined an era with their massive hits like “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Magasin,” “Spoliarium,” and countless others. Their music became the soundtrack of a generation, echoing deeply with Filipinos from all walks of life.

After the band disbanded in 2002, each member ventured into their own musical journeys. Ely, the iconic frontman, continues to make music as a solo artist, releasing works that showcase his unparalleled songwriting and creative vision. Marcus, the lead guitarist, has remained active in the music scene, engaging in various projects that reflect his versatility. Buddy, the bassist and backing vocalist, transitioned into a successful career as a music producer, leaving a significant mark behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Raymund, the former drummer, has arguably been the busiest, playing in multiple bands, including Sandwich, Pedicab, Squid 9, and Party Pace, all while establishing himself as a top-tier producer.

The band has had its fair share of controversies, such as Ely’s infamous statement in an interview that the members were never really friends. Despite the tensions, fans were thrilled when the Eraserheads reunited for special performances, including international shows, giving nostalgic audiences a chance to relive the magic.

While the members may not have been destined to grow together as a band, their genuine talent and unwavering love for music have allowed them to thrive individually. For fans, seeing them perform in reunion shows is more than enough—a testament to the timelessness of their music and the enduring impact of the Eraserheads on OPM.

The music moves on

All of these bands share a common thread: a solid fanbase and a legacy that cements them as OPM classics. For Filipinos, music is more than just entertainment—it’s a deep part of our identity.

So, why do we get so attached to bands in the first place? Shahram Heshmat, a psychologist, suggests that during uncertain times, people turn to escapism to cope with their woes and troubles. Music serves as a powerful tool for emotion regulation, offering solace and even a sense of purpose. For instance, sad songs allow listeners to disengage from distressing situations like breakups or loss, focusing instead on the beauty of the music. Meanwhile, lyrics that resonate with personal experiences become a voice for feelings we might struggle to articulate ourselves. This is the essence of our connection to the bands we hold dearly.

From the artists’ perspective, there’s an undeniable truth: growth and change are inevitable. These stories aren’t just about disbandments—they’re about transformation and artistic evolution. And this doesn’t apply to just a few; countless bands have faced similar challenges. Growth often means accepting that we may no longer align with the preferences or paths of those we once worked closely with. And yet, the most remarkable thing these artists do is to remain true to their craft, refusing to force their artistry to fit into spaces where it no longer belongs. 

After all, that’s the magic of music—it keeps us connected, even in separation.

It’s a bittersweet truth, not just about these bands but about life itself. The universe constantly reminds us that the true mark of greatness isn’t always in staying together—it’s in the courage to grow apart, thrive independently, and continue creating. And as listeners, we celebrate that growth, even if it means letting go of the past while embracing the future. When the music doesn’t stop, it evolves—just like the artists we continue to support.

Kyla Vivero is the Culture and Community Editor of 4079 Magazine, while rocking her senior year as a BA Journalism student at PUP-Manila. Also a writer at PULP Magazine, she dives headfirst into the sounds, scenes, and stories shaping music and lifestyle.