MANILA, Philippines — When Side A was the hottest Filipino band across the United States and Canada throughout the ‘90s and the early 2000s, we witnessed how the premier pop and R&B group packed venues in New York City and elsewhere, while its members maintained genuine humility and warmth toward adoring fans.
That was when Joey Generoso was the lead vocalist of Side A — best-known for the monster hits Forevermore, So Many Questions, Hold On, Eva Marie, and the covers Tell Me, Got To Believe In Magic, and Foolish Heart, to mention a few.
But times and music trends changed, and Joey G bade goodbye to the band to go solo in 2013.
“We did the Araneta Coliseum and traveled all over the Philippines and the world, we released best-selling albums, received awards and recognitions… Side A practically did everything and it was time for a new chapter,” Joey said, explaining his departure.
Joey spoke to The STAR at the trendy Historia Boutique Bar in Quezon City, where he regularly performs, in view of his June 22 major concert at The Theatre at Solaire Resort & Casino, with Megastar Sharon Cuneta, no less, as his special guest.
Joey G with his wife Girlie
Exuding the calmness and confidence of an artist who has seen and done it all, Joey G said he’s simply thankful to God he has reached this far — with his distinct, wide vocal range intact, and his legion of followers still coming in droves.
“Thirty years in the business,” he said, almost whispering. “I’m just overwhelmed that I’m still here, still getting gigs here and abroad, and now with a solo concert at Solaire (Joey G Beyond: Three Decades of Music).
“It’s different when you’re solo because you get to sing the songs you love,” he added. “It’s different when you are five in a group, five brains ‘yon. That’s why I’m really enjoying what I have now…even the millennials show up at my gigs and enjoy my music.”
Joey said he’s both excited and jittery (“Yes, I still get nervous”) with his upcoming anniversary concert. Not only is he pressured to fill one of the most popular concert venues in Asia, he’s also pressured to keep up with Sharon’s star power on stage.
The two will have a duet of the ballad All This Time, written by another ex-Side A member, bass guitarist Joey Benin, and which Joey and Sharon recorded in 2001.
“Sharon and I never got to sing it before a live audience,” Joey revealed. “This is the first time we’re going to sing it together on stage and that makes me more nervous ha ha ha.”
Joey said Sharon has been an avid supporter since Side A’s days performing at Hyatt’s Calesa Bar in the mid-late ‘80s, adding that it took him only one text message to make the Megastar say yes to be his Solaire concert’s guest artist.
“She’s closest to my heart because she’s the biggest star who believed in me and in Side A during our early years,” Joey disclosed. “It’s so touching that she even promoted my concert in her social media accounts.”
Joey G’s repertoire will cover decades of great selections from the ‘70s to the present. “I will have medleys and even a Bruno Mars song,” he teased. “Basta, people will be thrilled and surprised.”
Talking to TV news reporters about his upcoming concert
Unknown to many, Joey is a proud dad of a daughter and a son, whose own accomplishments inspire him even more.
His eldest, Czygee, is in the process of obtaining her license as a private pilot, with an eye on becoming an international commercial pilot, Joey said. “She sings very well,” he added.
The second child, JJ, is a junior college at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde taking interior design. JJ is also part of the World Hip Hop Dance Championship winner A Team, which will have a special number at his dad’s June 22 concert.
“I’m so proud of my wife (Girlie, who wisely manages his earnings) and my children, and what life has given me,” said Joey, now finishing his next solo album and preparing for upcoming shows in the US and Canada. “I’m now 56 and I’m proud of it. I think when you’re happy and fulfilled and you reach that age, you’re no longer shy to admit it.”
“I have no idea what the future holds for me, but as long as the people want to listen to my music, as long as they respond to me, I will be here,” he added.
(For tickets to Joey G Beyond, visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999, 0945-7988056 or 0929-9727060.)