The phenomenon that is Fra Lippo Lippi

MANILA, Philippines -Dom Pierre Perignon who became famous because of his exceptionally great champagne and is now one of the leading champagne brands in the world, Fra Lippo Lippi , the Carmelite monk who was one of the renaissance period’s greatest painters, is not only famous today because of his works but also because a creative Norwegian band named themselves after him.

The Pinoy love affair with Fra Lippo Lippi started in the mid-’80s. The band was organized in the late ’70s but it wasn’t until Per Sorensen joined as lead singer in 1982 that they had a taste of chart success. From a band, Fra Lippo Lippi became a duo composed of founder and bass player Rune Kristoffersen and Sorensen. Worldwide success came in 1986 with the release of the single Everytime I See You.

In 1987, Walter Becker of the Becker Brothers (Sneaking Up Behind You) produced their next album Light And Shade for Virgin Records. From that point on, there was no turning back. When they visited Manila in 1988 for the first time, they sold out six shows at the 8,000 capacity Folk Arts Theater at the CCP complex in Pasay in two weeks.

No other band or performer has done this feat in Philippine music history.

In 2000, Kristoffersen retired from Fra Lippo Lippi after a performance in Cebu. Sorensen continued and carried the legacy of Fra Lippo Lippi. In 2002, the song Later was released and topped the charts. To date, Fra Lippo Lippi has released eight studio albums not including Live and compilation albums and charted 22 singles.

On Feb. 14 at the NBC Tent at The Fort in Taguig, Fra Lippo Lippi will once again charm Pinoy fans with hits like Angel, Stitches & Burns, Light & Shade, Beauty & Madness, Everytime I See You, Shouldn’t Have To Be Like That, The Distance Between Us and Later.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets, SM Tickets, SM Theaters, Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls and National Bookstores. Log on to Ticket World or SM Tickets websites for info. Fra Lippo Lippi’s Greatest Love Songs concert is presented by Steve O’ Neal Productions, The GMA Network, RJ 100.3 FM in collaboration with Hyatt Hotel & Casino the official residence, Zest Air, the official airline, PCSO, Business Mirror,Mossimo Music, Guess Jeans, Hard Rock Cafe, David’s Salon, Baguio Country Club, Albergus Catering, Coffee Republic, Airspeed International Corporation, etc, Jack TV, Basketball TV, 2nd Avenue, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT, JAM 88.3, Wave 89.1, St. Francis Square and Dooyan Enterprises.