Wolfgang (band) explained

Background:group_or_band
Wolfgang
Origin:Manila, Philippines
Years Active:1992–2002, 2007–present
Spinoffs:Lokomotiv
Current Members:
  • Basti Artadi
  • Manuel Legarda
  • Francis Aquino
Past Members:
  • Leslie Gemora
  • Mon Legaspi

Wolfgang is a Filipino rock band formed in January 1992 in Manila. The group is notable for being the only Filipino rock band to release albums in both Japan and the United States and for realizing Platinum record sales in their home country.[1] After ten years, the original lineup split in 2002. Wolfgang reformed in 2007 with a new drummer.

History

Vocalist Basti Artadi (born Sebastian Artadi) and drummer Wolf Gemora (born Leslie Gemora) began their musical careers with other local bands, while guitarist Manuel Legarda returned to the Philippines from living in Spain.[2] Gemora was inspired to form a band upon frequenting shows by the rock group Razorback. He invited Legarda to join him and eventually, the two found Basti Artadi singing with his band, Sin City. Upon Legarda's invitation, Artadi joined the duo. In their first few months, the group went through a number of bass players. They eventually met Mon Legaspi, who became their permanent bassist. They initially dubbed themselves the Wolfpack[3] and later adopted the name Wolfgang, upon the suggestion of David Aguirre, one of the guitarists of Razorback.[4] They began to play live gigs at Weekends Live! at the Atrium and the now-defunct Kalye Bar in Makati.[5] Their first big break came when they were invited to perform on Channel 29's RJ Junior Jam.

Debut album

Wolfgang submitted demos of two original compositions, "Darkness Fell" and "Left Alone", to local radio stations DWRT 99.5 and DWLA 105.9 in 1994, which generated many listener requests.[6] The band signed with Tone Def, the rock label of local independent Ivory Records. They released their first album, the eponymous Wolfgang, in 1995. The group flexed their artistic skills making the record, with Artadi responsible for the cover art, rendering caricatures of himself and the other band members amidst earthy symbols, beer bottles, and cigarettes, and Legarda using an electric fan to simulate an effect he had in mind for the song "Cast of Clowns".[4] Wolfgang went Platinum in less than a year and got regular airplay on DWLA 105.9 and DWNU 107.5.

At the 1995 NU107 Rock Awards, Manuel Legarda won the Guitarist of the Year award (tied with Mike Villegas of Rizal Underground).[7]

Semenelin

On June 15, 1996, Wolfgang left Tone Def and signed with a major label, Epic Records, under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (SMEP).[8]

The band won many awards at the 1996 NU107 Rock Awards, where Artadi won Vocalist of the Year, Gemora took the Drummer of the Year award, Legaspi won Bassist of the Year, and the band won Artist of the Year and Listener's Choice Award.[9]

Semenelin was released in the United States in an all-English language edition in March 1997, as two songs were originally recorded in Filipino.

Wurm

The band's next album, Wurm, was issued on December 12, 1997.[10] It reached Platinum status (40,000 albums sold).[11] The lower sales figure, however, did nothing to diminish the standard set by Wurm, which was nominated at the 1998 NU107 Rock Awards for Album of the Year.[12] That year also saw Artadi winning his second Vocalist of the Year award, Gemora winning his second Drummer of the Year title. Wolfgang also took honors for Listener's Choice and Artist of the Year.[13]

Wurm, which was recorded entirely in English, was released in early 1998 in Japan, and Wolfgang performed several shows in Osaka and Tokyo to promote the album.[14]

Serve in Silence

Wolfgang's fourth album, Serve in Silence, was released locally on March 21, 1999.[15] Though another critical and commercial success, it did not, however, see international release.

The band won four awards at the 1999 NU Rock Awards, and the record tied for first place in the Album of the Year category with Sandwich's Grip Stand Throw. Serve in Silence also won Best Album Packaging, and Artadi was again honored as Vocalist of the Year, his third overall win in that category. Wolfgang additionally scored the Artist of the Year and Listener's Choice awards.[16]

Black Mantra

Wolfgang's fifth record, Black Mantra, a double album, was released on August 4, 2001, prior to their breakup in 2002. The album also contained singles that became certified hits, including "Bow Unto Thee" and "Idlip". The track "No Falter" was used in the 2001 movie .[17] In 2002, the band released a music video for their next single, "Meckam", directed by Raymond Red.[18] [19]

Years prior to hiatus

In February 2000, the live album Soundcheck: The Live Recordings, featuring Wolfgang and three other rock bands signed to Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, was released. At the 2000 NU107 Rock Awards, all four musicians scored nominations in their respective categories, and Artadi won his fourth title.[20] In late 2000, Wolfgang released a live concert album, Acoustica, on which previously recorded songs were played in an acoustic manner. It included guest artists David Aguirre of Razorback, Radha Cuadrado, and UP Singing Ambassadors. The record reached Gold status. In 2001, the band announced an upcoming US tour.[21]

On April 1, 2001, Volume, a compilation of material culled from the band's first four studio albums, was released in Australia and in Tower Records stores in the US. Artadi's participation in a side project with members of labelmate Razorback culminated in the release on July 14, 2001, of an acoustic rock album titled Brain Salad,[22] which was reissued on vinyl in 2022.[23]

Post-hiatus activities

After Wolfgang broke up in 2002, Legaspi took over bass duties from Carlos Balcells of The Dawn, staying with the band from 2003 until 2005.[24] Gemora was part of the southern California-based rock quartet Lokomotiv, while Artadi became the vocalist for a San Francisco-based group called Kitaan.[25] He later sang for Lokomotiv on their debut album, Rock N' Roll Death Toll. He left the group shortly after and was replaced by Ryan Hudson.[26] [27] [28] Artadi later worked as a coordinator for the corporate operations department of Gap in San Francisco.[29] Legarda formed the band DRT with former Gnash vocalist Jay Ortega, Blue Rats drummer Miguel Ortigas, and bassist Paolo Pacia.[30] Legarda has since left the group and been replaced by Daniel Crilosogo of DC Aftershock. Lokomotiv dissolved in 2007.[31] Gemora went on to play in the band 3 Headed Dog with ex-Razorback guitarist David Aguirre and Lokomotiv bassist Danny Gonzalez.[32] [33]

Reunion and new album

With members of Razorback and Wolfgang used to jamming onstage as the Flaming Hemorrhoids,[34] it was not a surprise when in January 2007, members of both groups got together for a reunion concert at the Music Museum. On hand were Basti Artadi, Tirso Ripoll, Louie Talan, Kevin Roy, Mon Legaspi, Brian Velasco, Miguel Ortigas, and Manuel Legarda, as well as Francis Aquino, who would go on to become Wolfgang's new drummer.[35] Wolf Gemora and David Aguirre, however, were unable to join, as their commitments at the time were with Lokomotiv.[36]

During the gig, Wolfgang played an all-new song and Artadi made a comment about working on a fresh album.[37] The first single from this record, "Deathsquad", hit the airwaves via local rock radio station NU 107 on April 16, 2007.[37] The new album was unique in that digital technology was used for the band members to exchange recorded parts online, since most of them were based overseas.[37] In an interview with Yahoo! Philippines, Artadi was quoted as saying that "Wolfgang never did break up", and circumstances simply led to the band members going along different paths. However, they "always left the door open so that if ever the opportunity arose and we could get some work together, then sure, why not?"[38]

Villains

After a six-year hiatus, in December 2008, Wolfgang released their seventh studio album, titled Villains.[39] The record didn't include any input from longtime drummer Gemora, who was busy with Lokomotiv.[40] Instead, he was replaced by Francis Aquino.

On December 10, 2008, the band launched Villains at The Black Christmas Project, a live performance at Eastwood City Central Plaza.[3]

Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat

In August 2012, the band released a new single and music video, "Sandata", from the EP Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat - Unang Kabanata, released the same year. This was their first album sung entirely in Tagalog.[41]

Artadi's health condition

In 2009, Basti Artadi was diagnosed with a tumor in his head, located on the nerves that control the right side of his face, leading to partial paralysis. He was told by doctors that his condition could cause him to not be able to talk or sing. To date, Artadi has been able to continue in his musical activities despite the tumor.[42] In May 2017, Artadi returned to performing after having a facial tumor operation.[43]

Death of Mon Legaspi

Mon Legaspi, the band's longtime bassist, who had also played with the bands The Dawn and Kontra, died of cardiac arrest on October 3, 2022.[44] [45]

Band members

Current

Past

Discography

TitleDate of release (Philippines)Record label
Wolfgang1995Ivory Music (Formerly Ivory Records)
Semenelin1996Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Wurm1997
Serve in SilenceMarch 1999
Acoustica2000
Black MantraAugust 2001
VillainsDecember 2008Semenelin Music
Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat - Unang KabanataAugust 2012Semenelin Music

Awards and nominations

Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
1995NU Rock AwardsGuitarist of the Year(for Manuel Legarda)
1996NU Rock AwardsArtist of the Year
Vocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Bassist of the Year(for Mon Legaspi)
Drummer of the Year(for Wolf Gemora)
Listener's Choice
1998NU Rock AwardsArtist of the Year
Vocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Drummer of the Year(for Wolf Gemora)
Listener's Choice
Song of the Year"Sanctified", "Hell Looks", "I.O.U", "Emperor Worm"
Album of the YearWurm
Best Album PackagingWurm
Producer of the Year(Dennis Cham for Wurm)
Guitarist of the Year(for Manuel Legarda)
Bassist of the Year(for Mon Legaspi)
1999NU Rock AwardsAlbum of the Year Serve in Silence
Vocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Best Album PackagingService in Silence
Listener's Choice
2000Awit AwardsBest Rock Recording"Atomica"[46]
MTV Pilipinas Music AwardsFavorite Group Video"Atomica"[47]
NU Rock AwardsVocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Guitarist of the Year(for Manuel Legarda)[48]
Bassist of the Year(for Mon Legaspi)
Drummer of the Year(for Wolf Gemora)
20017th Katha AwardsRock Vocal Performance"Center of the Sun"[49]
NU Rock AwardsGuitarist of the Year(for Manuel Legarda)[50]
Artist of the Year[51]
Song of the Year"No Falter"
Album of the YearAcoustica
Best Album PackagingAcoustica
Vocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Bassist of the Year(for Mon Legaspi)
Drummer of the Year(for Wolf Gemora)
200215th Awit AwardsBest Rock Recording"No Falter"[52]
MTV Pilipinas Music AwardBest Group"Meckam"[53]
8th Katha AwardsRock Vocal Performance"No Falter" & "Revolution Now"[54]
Best Rock Song"No Falter" & "Revolution Now"
2009NU Rock AwardsVocalist of the Year(for Basti Artadi)
Best Rock Group(for Francis Aquino)
2010Asia Voice Indie Music AwardsBest Rock Vocalist(for Basti Artadi)[55]
Best Rock Group[56]
2012Yahoo OMG! AwardsBand of the Year[57]
2013Myx Music Awards 2013Favorite Rock Video"Sandata"[58]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: De Mesa . Karl R. . Cry Havoc... The Sons of Anarchy are Back . March 18, 2009.
  2. Web site: How they formed... . June 27, 2024 . wolfgang.ph.tripod.com.
  3. News: Caruncho . Eric S. . Black with a Vengeance . Inquirer.net . December 7, 2008 . March 18, 2009.
  4. Wolfgang: Wolfgang, Liner notes, 2001
  5. Web site: de Leon . Yna . August 3, 2017 . 5 Gig Places in the '90s that Shaped Filipino Music Today . June 27, 2024 . Esquire Magazine PH.
  6. Web site: May 9, 2011 . Agimat: Profile – Wolfgang ... . June 27, 2024 . agimat.net.
  7. News: Sabato Nights . August 9, 2022 . December 1, 1995.
  8. News: Wolfgang & Razorback: Rockin for a Reason . August 29, 2022 . October 7, 1996.
  9. News: The Year of the Wolf . August 3, 2022 . Barbara Marchadesch . November 19, 1996.
  10. News: Make Way for the Kings . August 3, 2022 . December 13, 1997.
  11. News: Randovan . Jill Tan . If you love Wolfgang, help Basti . January 30, 2022 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . June 24, 2016.
  12. Web site: THE 1998 NU 107 ROCK AWARDS... And the nominees are.... . https://web.archive.org/web/20060325035241/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/1998/11/110298_nu/index.htm . March 25, 2006 . philmusic.com . Philmusic . March 25, 2006.
  13. Web site: NU Rock Awards '98 - And the Winners are... . https://web.archive.org/web/20060325035542/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/1998/11/111498_rockwinners/index.htm . March 25, 2006 . philmusic.com . Jim Ayson . March 25, 2006.
  14. Book: Billboard . May 16, 1998 . Nielsen Business Media, Inc. . 15 . January 30, 2022 . en.
  15. Web site: Wolfgang launches "Serve in Silence" amidst midnight hoopla . https://web.archive.org/web/20060629015026/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/1999/03/033199_wolfgang/ . June 29, 2006 . philmusic.com . Philmusic . June 29, 2006.
  16. Web site: The 1999 NU107 Rock Awards . https://web.archive.org/web/20030220014922/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/1999/10/102699_rockawards/ . February 20, 2003 . philmusic.com . Jesamyn M. Go . February 20, 2003.
  17. Web site: Wolfgang on Final Fantasy . https://web.archive.org/web/20060905193603/http://mtvasia.com/News/200107/19005028.html . September 5, 2006 . mtvasia.com . September 5, 2006 . August 4, 2022.
  18. Web site: The Making of "Meckam" . https://web.archive.org/web/20060903221844/http://mtvasia.com/News/200205/20004266.html . September 3, 2006 . mtvasia.com . Clara Enriquez . August 9, 2022.
  19. News: Wolfgang Picks Red to make new music video . August 9, 2022 . June 17, 2002.
  20. News: NU Rock Awards 2000 on ABC. Manila Standard. October 18, 2016.
  21. Web site: Wolfgang: New Album Out, US Tour Announced . https://web.archive.org/web/20060325071600/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2000/11/112100_acoustica/ . March 25, 2006 . philmusic.com . Jim Ayson . March 25, 2006.
  22. Web site: What Is a Brain Salad? . www.philstar.com . Karl R. de Mesa . November 18, 2001.
  23. Web site: Discover hidden Pinoy rock gem in Brain Salad on vinyl . news.abs-cbn.com . Rick Olivares . June 6, 2022.
  24. Web site: Going from 'Heavy Metal' to 'New Wave' Proves No Problem for Mon Legaspi . onemusic.ph . OneMusicPH Team . September 6, 2016.
  25. Web site: Still sanctified, Basti Artadi returns . news.abs-cbn.com . TOTEL DE JESUS . November 28, 2008.
  26. Web site: Basti Artadi: One last howl . philstar.com . Samantha Echavez . October 21, 2006.
  27. Web site: With New Vocalist on Board, Lokomotiv Is Back to Rock . https://web.archive.org/web/20070125155249/http://www.filipinoexpress.com/20/38_entertainment.html . January 25, 2007 . Sheryl Garcia . January 25, 2007.
  28. Web site: Lokomotiv: Life After Wolfgang . https://web.archive.org/web/20060206064621/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2003/09/092303_lokomotiv/index.shtml . February 6, 2006 . philmusic.com . Jim Ayson . February 6, 2006.
  29. News: Pulse.ph . Wolfgang and Razorback Are Alive: The Reunion Concert 2007 . Joelle Jacinto . January 11, 2007 . January 24, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070224054738/http://www.pulse.ph/CMS/ViewPage.php?PostingId=56 . February 24, 2007.
  30. Web site: Atilano . Joseph R. . August 2, 2016 . My thoughts on Basti Artadi . June 27, 2024 . INQUIRER.net.
  31. Web site: web.archive.org . https://web.archive.org/web/20090906230706/http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/861/ . September 6, 2009 . odysseylive.net . Miggy . November 28, 2008.
  32. Web site: 8 things you need to know about the 3 Headed Dog . sg.style.yahoo.com . Lou Albano . January 15, 2014.
  33. Web site: Why is there no Filipino-American music scene in Orange County? . ocweekly.com . LILLEDESHAN BOSE . December 18, 2013.
  34. News: FHM.com.ph . Rock N' Roll Death Toll by Lokomotiv . 2006 . January 24, 2006.
  35. Web site: A Look Back at Alive 2007: The houses of the holy . philstar.com . Mike Litton . August 29, 2009.
  36. News: Pulse.ph . The Wolfgang and Razorback Reunion Concert 2007 . 2006 . January 24, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070509025643/http://www.pulse.ph/reunion/ . May 9, 2007.
  37. Web site: Wolfgang is back and working on a new studio album . https://web.archive.org/web/20081021051020/http://philmusic.com/main/content/view/104/1/ . October 21, 2008 . philmusic.com . Jim Ayson . October 21, 2008.
  38. News: PhilMusic.com . Wolfgang's Sixth: "Villains" due on December 2008 . Jim Ayson . August 9, 2008 . November 14, 2008.
  39. Web site: Wolfgang's "Villain" Basti Artadi Interview . odysseylive.net . October 22, 2008 . November 27, 2008.
  40. Web site: Wolf Gemora: A couple of questions. . odysseylive.net . November 24, 2008 . November 27, 2008.
  41. Web site: Radiorepublic.ph .
  42. Web site: Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi opens up about tumor, facial paralysis. Rappler. June 21, 2016. August 22, 2016.
  43. Web site: Basti Artadi returns to performing after facial tumor operation . /interaksyon.philstar.com . May 9, 2017 . Interaksyon . May 9, 2017.
  44. News: Mon Legaspi, bassist for The Dawn and Wolfgang, dies . news.abs-cbn.com . October 4, 2022 . October 3, 2022.
  45. News: Bassist Extraordinaire Mon Legaspi Passes Away . onemusic.ph . October 3, 2022 . October 3, 2022.
  46. Web site: 13th Awit Awards Results . May 8, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060302210436/http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=7 . March 2, 2006 .
  47. News: 2000 MTV Pilipinas Music Award Nominees . August 24, 2022 . April 15, 2000.
  48. News: Nominees for Rock Awards announced . January 24, 2022 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . October 25, 2000.
  49. Web site: Cynthia Alexander is Katha's choice . www.philstar.com . Baby A. Gil . September 20, 2002.
  50. Web site: RockAwards 2001: And the winners are..... https://web.archive.org/web/20060325072730/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2001/12/120801_rawinners/. March 25, 2006. May 8, 2006.
  51. Web site: NU107 Rock Awards 2001: The Official List of Nominees . https://web.archive.org/web/20060325075510/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2001/11/111301_rockawards/index.shtml . March 25, 2006 . Philmusic . November 13, 2001.
  52. Web site: Aiza tops Awit Awards . www.philstar.com . Baby A. Gil . September 25, 2002.
  53. News: 2002 MTV Pilipinas Music Award Nominees . September 5, 2022 . May 15, 2002.
  54. Web site: The Katha nominees . philstar.com . Baby A. Gil . October 23, 2002.
  55. Web site: Wolfgang nominado sa Asia Voice Indie Music Awards . philstar.com . PSN SHOWBIZ . May 3, 2010.
  56. Web site: 20/20: Wolfgang's 20 great moments in 20 years . sg.style.yahoo.com . Tony Maghirang . November 26, 2012.
  57. Web site: Yahoo releases OMG Awards nominations . news.abs-cbn.com . June 5, 2012.
  58. Web site: 2013 MYX Music Awards Signals Changing Of The Guard . ph.news.yahoo.com . February 19, 2013.