IT’S all systems go on March 7 for the Eraserheads ‘Final Set’ at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

“This is our way of wrapping things up and say thank you,” said bassist Buddy Zabala.

A press conference on Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, last Jan. 19 confirmed the second coming of the gods that the Eraserheads are. The legendary quartet—Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro—donned wayfarers and bug-eyed visors before a full house of excited press-slash-fans.

Suggest a title

If pulsebeater Marasigan would have his way, he’d prefer to change the title from “Final Set” to “Eraserheads Live.” He said the title is tentative; fans can forward other suggestions to the producers, MTV Philippines and Smart.

The band members said they’re going to start their rehearsals next week. Jazz Nicolas of Itchyworms will join and play the keyboards with them on the big night.

The group intends to perform more than 15 songs. “Maybe 16,” teased Adoro. And yes, there will be group hugs. “Pero audience muna,” said the lead guitar hero. More importantly, “we’re planning to finish this one,” assured frontman Buendia, who collapsed midway through the band’s Aug. 30 concert last year, cutting the show short.

Tickets now out

Ticketworld (http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/ or call 02-891-9999) and Ticketnet (http://www.ticketnet.com.ph/ or call 02-9115555) are ready to serve 70,000 fans, with prices ranging from P5,000 for VIP access, P3,000 for gold tickets, P1,300 for silver space and P300 for bronze admission. This was confirmed by Ronald Esguerra, Marketing and Communications head of MTV Philippines.

The new producers clarified the concert is going to be a whole new set and not just a continuation of the truncated public appearance last year. A few asked, tongue-in-cheek, if those who attended last time could avail of a discount for this set.

“Ask the producers,” replied Buendia.

Days before the big announcement, an ad by fastfood giant McDonalds carried the Eheads’ “Huling El Bimbo,” once more resurrecting nostalgia for the group. The band’s hit albums include UltraElectroMagneticPop! (1993), Circus (1994), Cutterpillow (1995), Fruitcake (1996), Sticker Happy (1997), Natin ’99 (1999) and Carbon Stereoxide (2001).

The Eraserheads phenomenon started in the basement of Kalayaan and Molave residence halls of UP Diliman. Asked why their songs refuse to die after all these years, Buendia said, “Sabi daw nila, our songs speak to the heart.”

Concerns have been raised about Buendia’s health, but he said he is prepared for the overdrive and is confident he will finish the show this time.

‘I’m doing what I can’

“Angioplasty isn’t that serious. Well, it is, but it’s not. [Compared to] What Francis Magalona is experiencing right now—he’s recording an album while undergoing chemotherapy. For me, it’s inspiring. I’m doing what I can,” he said.

Nobody knows if a comeback after March 7 is possible. “Sinabi namin na hindi kami magrereunion, di ba? Pero nangyari din ’to. Wala sa plano. I don’t know,” said Buendia. He suggested that fans buy albums of their current bands instead. Marasigan is now with Sandwich, Zabala with The Dawn, Adoro with Markus Highway and Buendia with Pupil.

As for the much-anticipated reunion concert? “Tugtugan lang. We bring in the music, we bring the noise.”