MANILA, Philippines - Those who are familiar with Beatles tunes will easily associate the band’s name with the world-famous Fab Four from Liverpool, England.
The Glass Onion, whose name was taken after the Beatles song of the same title (minus “the”), was formed more than two years ago, with all the members coming from different bands, grouping together for their common love for The Beatles.
Roy Marinduque plays lead guitar, Rolly Roldan takes on the bass, Carlo Gaa on keyboards, Benjie Santos on drums, Boy Mendez on second guitar and vocals. They are all sought-after session musicians who have been in the industry for quite some time now.
Rolly played with The Electromaniacs and Rockin’ Revival, while Roy was with Area One with Bert de Leon, Cash Manalang and John Lesaca. Both Rolly and Roy also played with different foreign artists such as Peter and Gordon, Joe Lamont, Bobby Kimball and The Cascades, among others.
It was Roy who initiated to form a new band after a gig, where Rolly jammed with them in a repertoire of Beatles songs. “I had an idea that we could group together to play the hits of the Beatles which we are all familiar with,” Roy shares. “It wasn’t too tough to gather everyone. After all, we all love playing Beatles tunes.”
The Glass Onion takes centerstage at Merk’s Place, where every Wednesday has been re-christened Beatles night (from the usual jazz night). It’s business as usual for the popular restaurant-bar and music lounge, which recently moved to a new address at the second floor of Colbella Building, 910 Pasay Road, Makati (in front of Greenbelt Residences).
Jazz prince Richard Merk, who owns Merk’s Place with his wife Roni Tapia-Merk, will jam with The Glass Onion today.
“I really looked for this band to perform at Merk’s Place,” discloses Richard, who also informs that the venue will soon have a formal opening early next year with a Beatles night. “They’re really good and they have their own following. I enjoy performing with them.”
The Glass Onion captures the authentic Beatles sound onstage. It is not therefore surprising that the group has gained a loyal following in most of their gigs. They also perform in private parties. Most of those in the audience who watch the band are Beatles fanatics who, up to this day, collect memorabilia of the popular pop quartet.
“We make the sound of The Beatles cater even to today’s generation,” says Rolly. “We don’t make an effort to make the songs modern. The authentic Beatles sound is still there when we perform.”
Aside from doing covers of The Beatles, however, The Glass Onion also plays the hits of other popular artists such as The Eagles, Rolling Stones, America and Billy Joel.
When asked if they think that the Beatles sound is old, Roy insists, “The Beatles’ tunes transcend generations. Their songs will never grow old.”