The Electromaniacs are here to stay

MANILA, Philippines - They call their sound “sweet” music, which, they believe, sets them apart from other bands. They interpret popular covers of Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Earl Klugh, The Beach Boys and Carlos Santana.

When combo was the in-thing during the psychedelic ‘60s, a group called The Electromaniacs lorded it over the airlanes and the live music scene. Originally composed of Lito Toribio on drums, Ernie Delgado on lead guitar and Emile Caballero on bass, the band also became a regular fixture in high-end private parties of the era.

On radio, they were heard on Ang Tindahan ni Aling Pepang. They also appeared on TV shows like Dance-O-Rama.

They hit it big in recording, too. In 1963, the group compiled its singles into a long-playing outing, Lover’s Guitar, the only album that came out of the many bands at that time. The hit song, I Miss You So, penned by Ernie, was even used as the title of a movie that starred Jose Mari Gonzalez (the group’s original manager) and Liberty Ilagan.

Among their memorable career highlights were performing with foreign artists Neil Sedaka and doing the front act for Paul Anka. The group was also the first band to play at Rizal Theater and the Araneta Coliseum.

After several years of singing together, the members of The Electromaniacs went their separate ways. In the early ‘70s, Ernie left for the US, followed by Lito, who later performed in Asia and the Middle East. Emile went to Europe to study music.

However, as fate would have it, the music icons were bound to see each other again. A US-based Filipino psychiatrist, Dr. Norberto Tuazon, an avid Electromaniacs fan, looked for Ernie and Lito and formed the Pinoy Classic Rockers group.

He successfully plucked out from retirement the two Electromaniacs and made them jam with him, albeit only occasionally whenever he was in the country. The sessions inspired Ernie and Lito to revive the band.

In 2007, Lito met Lenny de Jesus, who worked as cabinet secretary and head of the presidential management staff in Malacañang during the terms of Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada. Lenny was then with the band Walking Shadow, but was invited to join The Electromaniacs, an offer she readily accepted.

According to the guys in the group, it was Lenny who made The Electromaniacs’ dream of getting back together materialize. She became the band’s moving spirit and even paved the way for the release of the eponymously titled album, which contains most of the band’s well-loved songs in the ‘60s.

Today, apart from her work at the academe, Lenny finds time to play the flute, keyboards and rhythm guitars for the group. Very graciously, she also offers her posh Makati condo as a place for the band’s regular rehearsals, complete with dinner.

“We try to learn new songs for every gig,” Lenny grants. “We keep practicing so we’ll sound better. Our music is not hard on the ears. It’s between lounge and rock. We choose the pieces for musicality.”

The group tested the waters with its comeback performance in the Yeba Combo Festival in 2008 and its act was the evening’s most applauded. This made the members realize they still have something to offer their audience.

In early 2009, Rolly Roldan joined the band as the new bass player. Boy Camara, best remembered for playing the lead in the 1971 production of Jesus Christ, Superstar, also came in as full-time vocalist and percussionist.

Last year, business tycoon Tony Boy Cojuangco joined The Electromaniacs as rhythm guitarist. It was the group that ignited his passion and love for music, which was why he also studied playing guitar and the keyboards.

Of late, whenever his schedule allows, Tony Boy performs with The Electromaniacs even in regular gigs. His ladylove, Gretchen Barretto, is always on the front row to applaud him.

Since they have their respective jobs that keep them busy, the group doesn’t perform often. Obviously, the members do not sing for the money, but because of their love for music that binds them together. From October to December last year, the group even tirelessly did an SM mall tour.

“It’s not a lucrative job, but regardless of where we play, even in our rehearsals, we get a different kind of enjoyment that’s priceless,” Ernie maintains.

With repertoire lined up by Ernie, Rolly and Boy, The Electromaniacs does regular gigs, although they can’t perform nightly. They sing every second and last Monday of the month at Strumm’s Makati and every other Thursday at Taboo Lounge along Julia Vargas in Pasig.

Tonight and on Feb. 11, The Electromaniacs will hold a show at Merk’s Bar and Bistro in Greenbelt, Makati, upon the invitation of owners Richard and Roni Merk. The group will render retro tunes and even music by Spandau Ballet and Boyz II Men.

They are proud to say that their audience ranges from ages 30 to 70. Some even come in wheelchairs just to watch them perform. They assure, though, that everyone is bound to enjoy their music.

“Our group is still young,” Ernie jests. “It’s the crowd who gets older.”