Rico Blanco shares opinion on artists who flake out on gigs

FILE: “Its 2019 I like my suits loose. Kick off your sunday shoes.” (Photo: @ricoblanco100/Instagram)

Forty-six-year-old former lead singer of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band Rivermaya Rico Blanco took to social media to speak out about celebrities and their management team who cancel last minute on work commitments.

The singer/songwriter posted on his Twitter account last Monday, March 25 addressing “artists and managers,” saying that he believes there should always be “honor” when it comes to a commitment. “When you confirm a gig, no matter how small, you have a responsibility to honor your commitment even if another gig comes along later on. It’s a very small scene,” he states, “Ditching a small gig for a bigger one is very unprofessional and makes you look really cheap.”

In a reply to the post, the hitmaker elaborates, “I gave up the opportunity of touring the United States and the United Kingdom and recording with [American rock band] Wheatus in 2005 to come home and do one Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gig. Yes, it was painfully hard to fathom and accept, but I did it anyway. I have not yet flaked on a single gig/guesting twenty-six years and counting.” In conclusion, Rico exclaims, “It’s about principles.”

The artist received a lot of positive feedback on his opinion, one follower stating, “Exactly. Word of honor is very important. It reflects on one’s professionalism,” while another shares, “This is why [Rico] has been my idol ever since. He knows how to value things. He’s so supportive, even to new faces in the singing industry,” adding, “Keep it up, idol! I agree with you.”

Hailing from San Pedro, Laguna, Rico, who is also known as “The Music Genuis,” began to make a name for himself in the local music industry as the vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and main songwriter for Filipino rock band Rivermaya in 1994. He went solo in 2007.