Ebe Dancel honors The Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan

MANILA, Philippines — During a recent concert in Pasig City, Filipino rock icon Ebe Dancel paid tribute to The Cranberries' vocalist Dolores O'Riordan by singing a song made popular by Dolores, who suddenly died of an unknown cause at a London hotel. 

READ: Dolores O'Riordan, voice of The Cranberries, dies at 46

Fifteen years after “Mariposa,” “Telepono,” and “Burnout” became monster hits in 2003, Ebe celebrated the success of Sugarfree's album “Sa Wakas” in 12 Monkeys Bar in Pasig City. The Sugarfree frontman sang about 18 of his band's songs.

During an interview with the media, Ebe recalled the band’s struggle before eventually having an album.

“We’re just excited to record. We were just such a young band tapos wala kaming experience sa professional studio and then we had a producer, we were in the best studio in the country. Very exciting,” Ebe said.

Launched at Freedom Bar on 2003, “Sa Wakas” became the Album of the Year at the NU Rock Awards. Sugarfree also won as the awards Best New Artist and Best Alternative Recording for the song “Burnout.” The album also has a musical version last staged in 2013.

“To be honest, the goal lang talaga is to release the album kasi marami nga siyang dinaanan and for a bunch of kids who wanted to play sa 70's Bistro, Freedom Bar, all the other bars, ang goal lang talaga is to release the album so we could keep playing those bar shows. Hindi namin na-realize 'yung cultural, personal impact niya sa buhay ng mga tao. (I'm) still overwhelmed 'til this day,” Ebe said.

The sold-out show of Ebe proved how people love Sugarfree’s music. For him, the album and the fans changed his life.

“I can’t thank you enough for supporting the band, the album, you guys have changed my life forever. I’m still here because of you. I want you to know that I am really, really grateful. I’ll keep writing songs, keep on performing as long as you want me to be here,” he said.      

After “Sa Wakas,” Sugarfree released “Dramachine” in 2004 and the album includes “Hari ng Sablay,” “Kwarto,” and “Tulog Na.”

This was followed by "Tala-Arawan" in 2006, and the compilation includes “Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin,” “Wag Nang Umiyak.” FInally, “Mornings and Airports," released in 2009, includes the hits “Hangover” and “Feels Good.”

Due to the success of Ebe's concert in 12 Monkeys Bar, the second and final leg of his all-Sugarfree set will be performed on January 27 at 70's Bistro, Quezon City.