Washed up performers
Over the years, I have noticed time and time again that the Philippines seems to be a lingering stage for washed up performers. Time and again, bands that were popular 25, 30, even 50 years ago tour in the Philippines, and often to sold out audiences! I mean, we are talking about people who were popular in the States back in the 60’s, even in the 50’s. We are talking about bands and singers from the USA, Australia and other places in the world. These people were famous in their home countries, or even worldwide in their day, but sadly their day seems to have passed. Many of these performers would have a hard time drawing much of a crowd back home in the USA, yet they play to sold-out audiences here in Davao, and in other Cities in the Philippines like Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
Of course, most of these people play in Manila, but more and more they are venturing south. With the latest troubles in Mindanao, I can’t be certain that they will continue this trend, but in the past couple of years this has been the case.
One thing that I have a hard time understanding is how people can afford tickets for these events. Tickets for such events here in Davao often go for as much as P3,000 (about $70 or so), and this is at fairly large venues that can hold thousands of people! Often, even the lowest priced tickets are a minimum of P500 or so, which would seem to be totally out of reach of even middle class families here. I mean, P500 is about $12 or so, and the average salary here is only around P4,000 to P6,000 per month. That is as much as 1/8 of a month’s salary! Wow!
What do you think? Does it surprise you that these seemingly washed up performers can still rake in a few bucks here in the Philippines?
Hi mia – I was aware that a lot of those stars went to perform to Filipinos in the USA, but I was not aware of the seat cost! Wow… that is indeed quite high. It would be hard to bring your whole family to an event like that.
To Joe Parisi,
Journey just played here in West Palm Beach..with in the last two weeks..to sold out shows…and yes there new lead singer is a filipino..and is amazing that he sounds just like Steve Perry..there original singer. He is a very talented singer.
Journey has been touring with Cheap Trick, and Heart…good 70’s-80’s music. I was lucky enough to see Journey back in 1981 in Washington, DC..was a great concert.
Good day to you all,
Danny
Mr. Martin! What the heck is this reference to ‘washed up’? I’ll have you know I resemble that remark. LoL.
serioulsy, Bob, I do note a lot of ancient acts coming here, but I doubt the Philippines is much more of a popular venue than is say, japan, which is also a place where many acts go in later years … and too much higher ticket proces I might add … those who think those prices in Davao are expsnsive probably haven’t seen what things cost in the US lately
.
One hting that would attract any group here is the fact that themusic tendsto be at least 40 or 50 years old … almost every radio station or TV karaoke channel is ‘old enough to be your daddy’
. So the bands see that their old fans have retired and oved to Miami or Manila.
But it’s hardly unique to the Philippines … last night I watched Letterman’s show (the “leader in late night TV”) and who d you think was the feature musical guest? Little Anthony and the Imperials … their first release was a mega-hit, “Tears on My Pillow”, released in 1958 … I was 12 when itcame out. So I am not really sure that touring ‘washed up’ performers are unique to the Philippines.
To Danny,
I still like some of that old 70’s rock. I saw Cheap Trick back in 1978. They put on a real good show. I would still go to see bands like the Roliing Stones, or a Led Zeppelin reunion. However, I start to lose interest when there are only one or two members of the original band left. When I go to see a a band like that it always seems like a cover band that is just trying to make money on past glories.
Hi Danny – Glad to hear that the new lead singer sounds good!
Hi Dave Starr – Sometimes, when writing titles… you gotta go for the controversial sounding one to get the most buzz out of your post!
Yes, I agree that such acts are not unique to the Philippines, if I implied that they were, that was not my intention. I do find it interesting that such acts are very common here, though, and that they seem to “pack the house” when they play.
Hi Joe Parisi – I’m like you…. when it is mostly new performers, it hardly seems right to even use the same band name any longer! Seems almost like false advertising to me.
hi bob,
if the “washed-up” performer is something like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh_c9CQjeOc&feature=related
the lettermen, it is really worth to pay high price, this group tried their very best to sing filipino songs, their accent are almost perfect, you would not think they are americans. this i say is worth to see when they perform again.
Hi dans – If you make it to their show, I hope you enjoy it greatly!
Hi Bob,
I just read somewhere that Gary Lewis and the Playboys are coming to Davao! OMG! Have you heard of them? I didn’t think they were still around! I was just a kid when they came to Manila. The big buzz at that time was Gary fell in love and married a Filipina, Jinky Suzara. Hmmmm, I wonder if they’re still together. I think he’s Jerry Lewis’ (the comedian) son. So Bob, if you missed them then, now is the chance to see them!
See, it’s one thing about touring performers who have been relatively active and have still produced music from time to time. But, if you hear of a performer coming to town who hasn’t had a music released in decades, makes you wonder what they sound like and if it’s worth your money to go see them… 
To all Americans out there, have a good Labor Day weekend!!!
Hi Tina – I have heard of Gary Lewis and the Playboys, but I know nothing about them.. afraid they are from before my time!
Not saying anything about your age, Tina… I promise! 
Happy Labor Day!
Don’t miss their show! Your chance of a lifetime!!!
I have to admit I know most of their songs and I’m sure a lot of Filipinos do – the younger generation just doesn’t know who the original singer is.
Check the link below, you may know their songs too
http://www.garylewisandtheplayboys.com/
Hi Bob. I too won’t call them washed ups
. In fact, they used to be just black and white:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vATh0br3_kM&feature=related
now they are colored:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQPzkbXXYYo
Yeah, those were the days when ‘woke up this morning feeling fine’ was a song….used to be romantic but a bit cheesy now yet still entertains.
I’m sure these old bands are having the time of their lives
.
For Filipinos $70 is worth it …for old times’ sake so to speak.
Indeed the American oldies has started this trend in touring the third world….the British for sure won’t be far behind.
Wow – I can’t believe the number of responses to this article – kudos Bob!!
I’d like to compare the $70 ticket price in the Philippines to see a washed-up performer vs. the $8 admission to the county fair. Sure, at face value the county fair seems like a bargain, but $8, plus $5 parking, is just admission. Once inside the fair goers are a captive market. Let’s consider the $6.50 cokes, $7 hotdogs and the rigged carny games the kids must play in hopes of winning a stuffed animal. Then you’ve got the $30 t-shirts and other souvenirs, more overpriced junk food and (phew) by this time dad’s got to drink a warm, flat beer served in a wax cup for $9 – no, make that a large for $11.
There is also the little matter of currency. With the exception of admission and parking, none of this wonderful experience is paid for with US currency. Everything is priced in “fair tickets”. You get to stand in line to buy these fair tickets at the rate of 9 for $14. All the above prices are based on that exchange rate, and the calculations in your head start to get a little fuzzy after that large beer, and pretty soon you just give up calculating since you know you’re getting gouged anyway.
Then at the end of the night, when you’re ready to go home, with the songs of the washed-up performer still playing in your head, you realize you have 3 fair tickets left in your pocket. All you can think of at this point is (sigh) $70 sure seems like a bargain
free parking at the store where I caught the bus to the fair gate for $1. round trip. Two people to get in $16. One taco salad at the 4 H both for $3.50. $4 for two irce creams. No beer at the show. Free food at the booth for the store where we parked. Five hours of looking at all the fair animals and 4 H projects. Also the other free shows going on all day for free. All the fun priceless
Filipinos in general are not only MUSIC crazy but also FOOD crazy. Here in US, the ordinary citizens perceived that filipinos are poor and hungry,( Philippines is still a 3rd world country) but if you are in Manila, the restaurants are full to capacity, the movie houses are also full and people shop like there is no tomorrow. I always believe there is an underground economy in the Philippines. Any one want to comment about the underground economy in the Philippines?
i haven’t perused the comments but to me it’s fairly easy to see why these past prime performers are doing well in the philippines.
i wouldn’t use the county fair comparison because living in the US, we get used to having acts tour & watch them. it’s easy to take for granted to seeing REM, U2, Pearl Jam or older acts like Brian Wilson & Neil Young.
in the Philippines, it might be a once in lifetime thing.
Heck, you could find a recognizable “has been” in a nearby casino, maybe motown acts in nearby vegas. or $15 weekend gig for a nearby 90s one hit wonder in a nearby bar.
pinoys don’t have that luxury. and never in their lives do they expect to see the original acts perform live. it is a major treat for them. this is the same feeling they have when NBA stars come over for promotional tours.
& if these performers make it to their city, its “wow, they ‘re coming all the way here?!”. that must be a big deal.
the american labelling of performers as “has beens” is not that common in the philippines. so that is another way to look at it.
Here in the US, the tables are also turned & Filipino celebrities tour the US & make a killing. Even movie actors & B -list tv stars who don’t sing come over & put up a concert. The ticket prices compare to American pop stars all the way to the $100+ range. And they sell out! not only in small venues but large arenas. I see their posters & my first though is “wha? they sing? and people pay that?”.
i also get a chuckle over the how these old guys are treated like the stars they were 3 decades ago. but that’s how pinoys luuurve their music.
on the ticket prices & cell phones, i’ve already given up on figuring out how they do it. hey, it brings smiles to their faces.
Hi Tina – My goodness…. I thought I had you on that one! You got me back, though!
Hi Dr. Sponk Long – Oh, I think that the Brits are already on the bandwagon. Look at the Stones, and other such bands!
Hi Gary – Like you, I am quite shocked at the number of comments on this post! I was kind of having a hard time coming up with a topic to write about (which is unusual) when I wrote this one, and I didn’t think it would get many comments.
I hear what you are saying on the money angle!
Hi don – I guess the fair prices vary from State to State!
Hi David B Katague – I have to agree on this one…. food is a big draw here. I have no doubt about an underground economy here.
Hi macky – Smiles are priceless! Or at least you don’t want to think about what the price was!
Thanks for your insight.
Bob, as you may remeber I get an old-fashioned ‘dead tree’ newspaper twice a week … Saturdays and Sundays … just to remind Mita and I how things used to be
I had to laugh this morning because the two big headlines in the Entertainment section (one of the 12 sections of the 16 secrion Sunday paper themed on ‘Entertainment’ … was two ‘really big’ shows coming to the Philippines for September. Petula Clark (I first saw her in concert in Coventry, England in _1968_) … seems like yesterday … and Paul Anka, who already was a top selling performer 10 years earlier than Pet Clark.
As you mentioned, I have no doubt these folks will sell out … talk about living in the ’50s … wow.
Hi Dave Starr – I saw a TV ad for Petula Clark yesterday. When I saw it, I debated whether to make a follow up post, announcing this “hot” concert coming up! I decided it wasn’t worth the effort!
Hey, I am sure that she has fans, though…. especially here in the Philippines!
I don’t know if I would really refer to some of these performers as ” washed up ” if they are still packing in the crowds ( and the gate money ) at these venues regardless of where in the world they are playing. The acts mentioned in this post are all from a prior generation of todays top acts that are high in demand in more affluent parts of the world and command a performance fee that may be prohibitive in many parts of the Philippines today.
Traditionally for the past 3 or more generations, each has it’s own style of music they can call their own and for the most part discard the musical trends of their parents and grandparents generatrion. There are some exceptions to this but I am making this comparison on a mass market basis. Could many people in the Philippines have had the money it would have cost to see Paul Anka perform there in his peak years of the late 50’s or early 60’s ot The Osmonds in the 70’s when they were one of the hottest acts going ? Probably not so those with the memories of those eras may be able to afford to save up ahead of time ( a few peso in the cookie jar each week ) to enjoy a live performance of them now. Obviously these performers may not look the same or sound exactly the same as they did on their hit records but for the audience watching them today, the memories of a bygone era are still there.
Speaking for myself, I never really cared for live performances by a lot of the hit recording artists or groups then, or now. I bought the Hit Singles of the day when they were on the charts and still have them all too. If you play a recording enough you kind of memorize the sound and that is what I bought the record for, basically, the sound. It just dosn’t sound the same at a live performance. It may sound better than the record but it is still not the same sound that attracted me to buying it in the first place. Occasionally there are still programs on TV ( primarily these days on PBS Stations ) featuring top acts of the 50’s of the doo wop era. When I see the performers it kind of makes me feel older than I really want to feel so I don’t often watch them.
I think it’s great that these more ” mature ” acts continue to perform for audiences world wide, it keeps the music alive, it brings a lot of fond memories back to those in the audience, it can be a boost to local economies and provide local jobs where the performing venues are located.
There does seem to be a lot of music in the Philippines and I have listened to some of their home grown talent since learning about the Philippines. Although todays ” Rock ” Heavy Metal, Punk and other types of music that appeal to todays youth are there it has also been nice to discover performers doing their own original material to appeal to a ” slightly ” older audience as well.
Hi Bob New York – Thanks for sharing your thoughts about music acts touring the Philippines. It seems like we have a lot of fans on the site of these “more mature” bands…..
Tid bits:
Ringo Starr (with Paul McCarthy -Larry King Live) said that it’s not the money anymore but the satisfaction of performing, “That’s what we do”.
——————
This is not the oldies only. ‘Beyonce’ makes her money touring around the world. She has no market in the U.S.
Celine Dion is not an oldie yet but she closed Las Vegas. I’m sure she’ll tour the world including the Philippines soon.
——————-
For Paul Anka and Petula Clark—perhaps nobody goes to Branson. MO anymore. $70 is better than $10-20 in Branson.
——————–
The recording industry is in flux. It’s not making any money. Artists are better off getting 40-50% of the gross in live shows than getting .01% with Steve Jobs ( itunes/ipod). None— with ones’ songs and performances already available in youtube for free.
———————
Karaoke makes it possible for these oldies in high demand.
———————
Cheers!
Hi Dr. Sponk Long – One comment you made really surprised me – about Beyonce. I am shocked that she has no following in the States any longer!
Regarding Ringo and Paul – they are in a little different class than many of the people we see touring here. They have all the money they could ever want or need, so I perfectly understand how they would do it ofr the satisfaction.
Hi Bob- I think the vetern of veterns must be Brian Wilson between botox and formaldahyde he still manages to climb on to the stage but he is so bad he is embarrassing.On the otherhand I would watch the plastic surgeons dream, Mick and the Stones all day every day.
I’m giving away my age now lol.
Regards.
Jim.
i’m not a pop fan. but i have to respectfully disagree with the beyonce comment. she’s still pretty popular here. she & her beau (jay-z) are huge in the R&B/hiphop market. they sell out arenas & she’s all over the tube with endorsements.
ugh, i feel dirty now. sorry for the entertainment update.
Hi Jim Cunningham – From what I’ve heard about Brian Wilson, I think he is the only member of the group who is still performing, isn’t he? Mick and the Stones… I can still take them, but not with much excitement!
Hi macky – Yeah, I believe that Beyonce can still pack in an audience too.