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Eraserheads

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The Eraserheads are a highly influential rock band from the Philippines.

UP Diliman Quezon Hall
UP Diliman Quezon Hall

They are often called the "Beatles of the Philippines" because of their massive impact on local music. The group consists of four core members: Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan. They are credited with ushering in a second wave of Philippine rock during the 1990s. Their success changed the landscape of the country's music industry.

The band's history began at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1989.

UP Diliman Quezon Hall
UP Diliman Quezon Hall

Ely Buendia, the lead singer, posted an audition notice on a university message board. Only Raimund, Buddy, and Marcus attended the audition. The group chose their name from the 1977 David Lynch film, *Eraserhead*.

Eraserhead
Eraserhead

In 1991, they recorded a nine-song demo tape in a garage in Candelaria, Quezon. This early music was influenced by ska, reggae, and the band The Cure.

Early professional struggles shaped the band's early identity. Many record labels rejected their initial demo tapes. One label claimed the music was "not pop enough." In response, a professor named Robin Rivera helped them re-record better versions. They named this new demo *Pop-U!* as an irreverent reply to their critics. This helped them earn a spot at Club Dredd, where they eventually built a cult following by writing original material.

The 1990s marked a period of massive commercial success for the group. In 1993, they released their debut album, *Ultraelectromagneticpop!*. It sold 300,000 copies by the end of that year. Their second album, *Circus*, was released in 1994 and eventually reached quintuple platinum status. In 1995, their third album, *Cutterpillow*, became their fastest-selling record. It earned double platinum status after only one week, selling 80,000 copies.

Eraserheads-Credit-WEU-Event-Management-Service-HERO@2000x1270
Eraserheads-Credit-WEU-Event-Management-Service-HERO@2000x1270

As they grew, the band explored diverse musical genres and international stages. They released a Christmas concept album titled *Fruitcake* in 1996. Later, they experimented with electronic and art rock styles on albums like *Sticker Happy*. This era included using various guitar effects and techno elements. In 1997, the band achieved international recognition at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.

Radio City Music Hall Panorama
Radio City Music Hall Panorama

They won the MTV Asia Viewers Choice Award for the "Ang Huling El Bimbo" music video. This made them the only Philippine artist to receive that specific award before the MTV Asia Awards were even created.

The band's lineup changed significantly in March 2002. Ely Buendia decided to leave the group, famously telling the members it was "graduation time." This departure led to the end of the Eraserheads as a primary unit. The remaining members briefly attempted to continue under the name "EHeads" with new vocalist Kris Gorra-Dancel. Later, they renamed themselves "Cambio" with different members before the Eraserheads name ceased. However, the members found individual success as solo artists after the split.

Despite the breakup, the band's legacy remains strong through reunions and tributes. In 2008, the original four members reunited for a major concert at the Bonifacio Global City Open Grounds.

Eraserheads Final Set (cropped)
Eraserheads Final Set (cropped)

They have since made sporadic appearances for touring and promotions both in the Philippines and abroad. A tribute album, *Ultraelectromagneticjam!*, was released in 2005 to honor their work. Their music continues to be studied as a vital part of Philippine cultural history.

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File:UP Diliman Quezon Hall.jpg
UP Diliman Quezon Hall.jpg
File:Eraserhead.jpg
Eraserhead.jpg
File:Radio City Music Hall Panorama.jpg
Radio City Music Hall Panorama.jpg
File:Eraserheads Final Set (cropped).jpg
Eraserheads Final Set (cropped).jpg
File:Eraserheads-Credit-WEU-Event-Management-Service-HERO@2000x1270.jpg
Eraserheads-Credit-WEU-Event-Management-Se...
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