CEBU, Philippines - Although it will be preceded by a concert featuring a contemporary foreign RnB artist, producers of this 60s hits musical event aren't worried that there might be a minimal crowd left to line up for their show. They have a different target market, after all — those who would love to spend an evening taking a trip down memory lane with the era that started it all.
Produced by DMC Philippines and Clear Channel Events, Cebuanos will be treated to a nostalgic concert dubbed "Timeless" headlined by Gerry and the Pacemakers, a British group prominent during the 1960s and managed by Brian Epstein, the same person who handled the iconic Beatles. It will be held this August 5, 8 pm, at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
According to concert producers Bong Rivera and Jesse Gonzales Cambosa of DMC Philippines, the group was the Beatles' nearest competitors in Britain during the British invasion heyday. They are most remembered for being the first act to reach number one in the UK singles chart with their first three single releases How Do You Do It, You'll Never Walk Alone and I Like It. That 1963 chart-topping feat was said to be not equaled for 20 years, until the mid-80s.
Frontman Gerry Marsden formed the group in the late 50s, calling themselves, The Mars-Bars, with himself on guitar and lead vocals, his brother Fred on drums, Les Chadwick on bass, and Arthur Mack on piano. Marsden wrote much of the band's material, penning most of their subsequent hits, including It's All Right, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey.
Joining Gerry and the Pacemakers in this Cebu leg is The Tremeloes, an English rock and roll band founded in 1958. They enjoyed a hit run from 1967 onwards with Cat Stevens' Here Comes My Baby, Hello World, Suddenly You Love Me, I'm Gonna Try, My Little Lady and Silence is Golden.
Local acts Rockin 60's, Bloomfields and Philippine music industry's own icon, Ramon Jacinto are also featured performers.
As a bonus, VIP and Gold ticket holders are entitled to a free dinner buffet during the concert. Proceeds will be for the benefit of the Senior Citizen's Association and the Philippine Councilor's League-Cebu chapter.
After Cebu, "Timeless" will head to Pasay City on August 6 to perform at the PICC Plenary Hall.
Ticket prices are at P4,000 (VIP), P3,000 (Gold), P1,500 (Silver) and P1,000 for Bronze available at the SM Cinema Ticket Outlet and at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Lobby. For ticket reservations, call (032) 232 6888.