Side A (band) | |
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Origin | Manila, Philippines |
Genres | Pop, OPM, Pinoy rock, r&b |
Years active | 1985–present |
Labels |
Ivory Music Vicor Music Warner Music Philippines Viva Records MCA Music Philippines |
Associated acts |
South Border Freeverse The Kelly Badon Project Artstart Anthem Take One Second Wind |
Website | Side A Worldwide |
Members | Naldy Gonzalez Leevon Cailao Ernie Severino Ned Esguerra Yubs Esperat |
Past members | Kelly Badon Joey Benin Pido Lalimarmo Mar Dizon Rodel Gonzalez Joey Generoso |
Side A is a Filipino pop band formed in 1985 who gained recognition in the Filipino music scene in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, best known for their hit single "Forevermore".
Dubbed as the Philippines' Premiere Band and our answer to Toto, Side A was founded in 1985 by the brothers Rodel and Naldy Gonzalez, with Joey Benin, Kelly Badon, Mar Dizon and Pido Lalimarmo. They released their eponymous debut album in 1989. They are managed by a Christian-oriented artist management company called Artistation Inc., owned by the late Wyngard Tracy.
In terms of commercial success, no other group in the Philippines was able to match Side A's track record in the '90s. In 1993, the group's third album went triple platinum and in the mid-1990s, Side A garnered two Awit Awards, the Philippines' equivalent of the Grammys.
Side A's eponymous debut album included their first hit single "Eva Marie" which paved the way for their illustrious recording career. Classic Side A songs such as "Windows of Our Souls" and "Di Pa Huli" can be found on the album. The upbeat song "Di Pa Huli" catapulted the band into the mainstream and thus capturing a wider audience. This also started the very popular cassette tape trend in which the Side B of the tape says "Side A too".
Shortly after their success of their debut album, Rodel Gonzalez left for Second Wind. Pido Lalimarmo and Mar Dizon left in 1990 to form Artstart. Lalimarmo and Dizon remained with Artstart until 1994 when Lalimarmo united with Eva Marie Poon (sister of Richard Poon) to form Take One and Dizon joining Parliament Syndicate.
This much awaited debut under Vicor is the second album of the band which earned them a Double and Triple Platinum Award for its outstanding sales. One of the biggest hits included is "Hold On" featuring new lead vocalist Joey Generoso and new drummer Ernie Severino completing and forming the band's long-running line-up.
This second album under Vicor awarded them a Double and Triple Platinum award. The album features a cover of Labuyo's "Tuloy Pa Rin Ako" which was recorded live at the Music Hall, one of the premiere lounges in Manila. The song captures the energy and excitement of Side A during their live performances. The band line-up has not been changed until the present. The album cover sports exactly the same design as the White Album with the embossed Side A logo, only this time in blue.