MANILA, Philippines—Pinoy rock became an exciting, communal experience with Howlin’ Dave, who for many years was its voice on radio. Last Monday he signed off—permanently.

The popular DJ, whose real name was Dante David—and who was the son of 1960s radio personality Uncle Nick of ABS-CBN’S dzXL—died from a stroke. He reportedly collapsed at home on Saturday and was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. He was only 52, but had been suffering from a host of ailments, including diabetes and hypertension.

Booming voice

At least two generations of local music fans from the 1970s and ’80s recognize David as the big, booming voice of “Pinoy Rock ’n’ Rhythm”—the long-running show on station dzRJ AM, which tirelessly promoted the music of such pioneering artists as The Juan de la Cruz Band, Anak Bayan, Sampaguita, Maria Cafra and dozens more, and inspired a younger generation of aspiring musicians to form their own groups.

The show became legendary for airing demo tapes of songs by then unknown artists. It was the first to play early compositions of The Apo Hiking Society, Florante, Heber Bartolome, among others.

‘Best rock jock’

David was also the first DJ to play punk and new wave records on RJ, courtesy of his former common-law wife, Delilah Aguilar.

Throughout the ’80s, when the Pinoy rock scene was overshadowed by the more commercially successful OPM singers, it was David who kept the fire burning by continuously airing songs by alternative groups like The Jerks, and introducing listeners to a slew of Pinoy punk bands led by The Urban Bandits, Dead Ends and Betrayed.

“Dante was the best rock jock the Philippines ever had,” declared Joey “Pepe” Smith. “He was the counterpart of Allan Freed, who introduced rock ’n’ roll to American radio. If the US had Wolfman Jack, we had Howlin’ Dave. Dante never stopped playing our songs till the end.”

Wally Gonzalez concurred: “Nasa puso ni Howlin’ Dave ang Pinoy rock hanggang sa huling sandali. Napakalaking suporta ang ibinigay niya sa aming mga musicians. Kung walang Howlin’ Dave, baka hindi sumikat nang husto ang Pinoy rock.”

No other role

Radio station owner Ramon Jacinto, who was, until recently, David’s boss on the newly launched RJ sister station UR 105.9, summed up the late announcer’s legacy: “Howlin’ Dave was true to his craft. His contribution to Pinoy rock cannot be measured. He symbolized it. He could not fit in any other role nor in any other station but RJ.”

David, recipient of the 2001 NU 107 Hall of Fame Rock Award, transferred to NU and was hosting the afternoon show “Tapsi Rock” at the time of his demise.

His remains lie at the Cinco Estrella chapel, Quirino Ave., Novaliches, Quezon City.

A tribute concert will be held Wednesday night at My Brother’s Mustache, corner Scouts Tuazon and Madriñan, Quezon City.