Karl: The spirit of Pinoy rock

MANILA, Philippines - It would seem to most people that when forming a rock band, playing any part besides the frontman would be getting the short end of the stick and the late, great Karl Roy appeared to be proof of that. Though he shared the stage with great musicians like Ian Umali, Harley Alarcon, Ira Cruz, Nathan Azracon, and at one point, the legendary Louie Talan, no one can deny that as he jumped around like a maniac, all the attention was on him. It was his infectious energy and charisma that drew a crowd and made them dance — a gift that not many vocalists have been given. That’s what separates real rock stars from mere frontmen who at most, can get a crowd to sing and pump their fists in the air. But Karl? He got people to drop their inhibitions and groove the way he did — at the expense of their dignity, yes, but with Karl leading them, they just can’t be bothered to give a flying f***.

Take a look around. Not another frontman like Karl has arrived since and now, he’s left a gaping hole in the music scene. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone, especially when he was so alive when we was still here, despite being paralyzed on his right side after a stroke. In his last major interview, with Rogue in 2008, he promised his fans he would come back. That’s alright, Karl. Even the toughest rock stars have to take a break at some point.   — Cai Subijano

 “Dad was truly amazing. He was such a good father to me. Every night Dad would text me ‘Good night’ and random quotes. It’s still too surreal. I can’t believe he’s gone. There are still so many things I wanted to do with my dad. He was always there for me and he always will be — it’s just different this time. I always knew he wanted to be with me every day, and now he is. I love you, Dad.” —Arianna Roy, daughter

“As a kid, I always thought it was so damn cool being related to Karl. Back then it was because he was the rock star. But today, the relationship is something to be proud of. He shaped the music scene. And the music that he made is something we can all take pride in as Filipinos.” — Sansan, niece

 “If I ever see your face again, I’ll ask you why so soon. And in your grand debut from death reborn again to life, I pray.

I hate to see you haunting or in your private hell.

I hope you make it.

This prayer’s for you.”  — Prayer by Kapatid, originally written for deceased guitarist Chico Molina

In truth, I did not like Karl Roy very much when I was a child. He was relentless in his teasing and I would always end up red-faced and growling, “Stop it!” He did, however, give me the most precious gift when I was older: He would take me to gigs, even to those where he was a spectator and not a performer. He unknowingly changed my life forever when he introduced me to jazz music. He also got me my first tattoo, although I’m fairly certain that my mom disapproved of that kind of “support' from him. More than anything, it’s the overwhelming support from others that tells us how he lived his life." —Krystal Roy, sister

 “The moment I saw Karl strut his stuff with Advent Call in Club Dredd in 1990, I knew he was going to be big. Onstage and off he was a photographer’s delight. His moves and ink made sure of that. My camera will miss him.” — Eddie Boy Escudero, photographer

“Karl was an inspiration. Seeing Karl at 13 years old made me want to be him. Karl was The Man. I so wanted to be him. He asked me to be myself… and I did. I learned my rasp from him. I learned some moves from him, to his dismay.” — Kevin Roy, brother and lead vocalist of Razorback