xxxRock: 80s Rock: The Dawn

First feature, yay! 80s Rock acts seemed like a good place to start xxxRock with, seeing as the brain behind it (me) was born the year they were formed. Heh. Anyway, in the spirit of starting off somewhere close to my beginnings, here's an 80s band whose career seemed to grow alongside my life.

Career Run
1985-1995, 1997-present

Current Lineup
Jett Pangan - lead vocals and rhythm guitar
JB Leonor - drums
Buddy Zabala - bass guitar, back-up vocals
Francis Reyes- guitar, back-up vocals

Band History

"The Dawn" came from a cross given by The Sisters of The Holy Spirit to founding guitarist Teddy Diaz. 'Dawn' had a positive, hopeful vibe that is easily picked up from the bands' songs.
The Dawn's first gig was at Roxy's, a small restaurant along Kalayaan Ave., Makati. It was held on a weekday.
At the height of their popularity, Teddy Diaz was murdered in front of his girlfriend's house by two bystanders under the influence of drugs and alcohol. While he spent only a short time with the soon-to-be-legendary band, his mark as a prolific musician and visionary would be felt through the many young artists that flourished in the Pinoy rock scene. (i.e. Perfecto Diaz - former guitarist of Rivermaya, Chuck Isidro - former AfterImage guitarist and founding lead guitarist of 6Cycle Mind, 90s rock sensation INTRoVOYS; to name a few)
The guitarist void that Teddy Diaz left was filled by two more guitarists - "Zorro"/Noel Mendes and Atsushi Matsuura, respectively - before the band settled with Francis Reyes (a.k.a. Francis Brew of local radio station NU107 Rock).
Likewise, the bass spot has also been replaced thrice after founding bassist Clay Luna left the band for the US. Replacement Carlos Balcells (Cicada Band) first played with The Dawn in a concert at Mondragon Ballroom Makati. In 2003, Wolfgang bassist Mon Legaspi replaced Carlos after the latter left to perform his duties as city councilor for Talisay City. Two years later, Mon left amicably to work in Hong Kong. Former Eraserheads bassist Buddy Zabala was then offered the spot and has been playing with them since.
The Dawn disbanded in 1995. Jett Pangan went on becoming a recording company executive, and later released a solo album (Spell) and formed a new eponymous act: the Jett Pangan Group.
In 1997, The Dawn held a sold-out concert at the ULTRA basketball stadium. This concert brought not just a much-awaited reunion concert onstage, but also a first-time moment where the band jammed with two guitarists: Francis Reyes and Atsushi Matsuura at the same time.
In 1999, the members finally decided to take The Dawn back on the road.
The release of the album Prodigal Sun in 2000 ushered in their official return to the music scene; very much like the parable of The Prodigal Son from which it is believed to have been named after.
By 2001, The Dawn was back in the live circuit.They went on an 8-city US Tour after the 9/11 Tragedy, and has since then been regularly releasing singles as well as albums to the a very hungry public.

Discography

1987: The Dawn
1988: I Stand With You
1989: Beyond the Bend
1989: The Dawn - Live
1990: Heart's Thunder
1990: The Dawn (Compilation)
1990: Iisang Bangka Greatest Hits
1992: Abot Kamay
1994: Puno't Dulo
1997: The Dawn: OPM Timeless Collection (Gold Series Compilation)
2000: Prodigal Sun
2004: Harapin
2006: Tulad ng Dati
2008: The Later Half of Day

Band Anthems

Enveloped Ideas (1987) - Listen | Lyrics
Salamat (1989) - Listen | Lyrics
Tulad ng Dati (2000) - Listen | Lyrics

Spiffy Things Every The Dawn Fan Must Know:,

The Dawn is considered one of three bands that shaped Philippine rock music. The other two being the Juan de la Cruz Band ("The Godfathers of Pinoy Rock" in the 70s) and the Eraserheads ("The Beatles of the Philippines" in the 90s).
Founding members Teddy Diaz, JB Leonor and Clay Luna originally wanted a female vocalist. Jett Pangan was only in the audition premises to accompany his friend, but bagged the trio's unanimous nod after he sung on request.
Carlos Balcells reportedly showed up for his bass slot audition in a business suit.
The album Prodigal Sun contains a track of Sushi Matsuura snoring. This is also dedicated to the memory of Teddy Diaz.
Founding member Teddy Diaz has showbiz roots. His father was legendary actor Vic Diaz (Sampaguita Pictures), and his godfather is the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr.
Vocalist Jett Pangan also has his share of the limelight. He has voiced Saitou Ken'ichi from the anime BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad and Draco from Voltes V, respectively in their locally-dubbed versions. He has also been nominated for Best Actor for the docu-movie Tulad ng Dati in Gawad Urian (considered the Filipino OSCARS) and for Best Breakthrough Actor for the same movie at the ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards.
The Dawn supports Greenpeace.

Related Media
*Tulad ng Dati (2006)