Perfecto De Castro on Quitting Rivermaya

Perf De Castro was the original guitar player of one of the most popular bands the Philippines has ever seen, Rivermaya. A few years into their incredible career, he quit the band but never revealed his reasons why...until now!

When we heard his reasons, we immediately realized that we too would quit if we were put in his position. You're a good man Perf, thanks for opening up to us!

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[dokserato]

Perf is a musician with true passion for his talent and artistry. Yan ang kelanman di maiintindihan ng mga bashers dito. Habang may lalim ang pang-unawa ng mga musikong may paninidigan sa passion nila tulad ni Perf, hanggang panlalait lang ang magagawa ng mga mabababaw ang pang-unawa.

[kennygo]

Idol talaga kita sir Perf, leaving a band to collaborate and diversify is for me a matured and sound decision for a maestro like you. :) peace

[allencruise]

Rivermaya was created by Chito Rono (same as Streetboys) as Universal's answer to The Youth, Ereaserheads and Yano (who were lording the airwaves that time). Only Perf and Nathan had the street cred to the music scene that time. Bamboo's roots is RnB, Rico Blanco and Mark Escueta were still untested. Even with Perf and Nathan, they were a complete newbie to the scene. They were often booed during pocket concerts, Club Dredd gigs and concerts in Amoranto stadium (well even Eraserheads and FrancisM were booed and harassed). Even in NU 107 rock awards 96, where they performed Hilo (even The Breed's Charlie Ysmael was caught smirking). They were booed and heckled. Maybe because musicians and true rock aficionados know they don't have the credentials, especially after Perf left them. I know because I was there.

Also band members who have side-projects (just what like Perf did) was normal. This was to express what they cannot do in their main band (e.g. Raymund Marasigan's Planet Garapata, Dominic "Papadom" Gamboa's Runaway Boys, Buwi Meneses' Franco etc). But because Rivermaya was a manufactured-from-showbiz entities band, they (the management) don't understand how a musician feel. Perf leaving Rivermaya, for me, was a very sound decision.

I agree to Andrew Corvera's comment. Listen to how Awit ng Kabataan, 214 and even Ulan played vs Perf de Castro less Rivermaya version and you will hear the BIG difference. I saw these 90's bands started, grew and faded. I can say being popular doesn't mean accomplishment as a musician. 

[rixtervidz]

In our own backstage lingo, tunog mama na si Perf para sa knila eh, other than Nathan's on point bass playing. He was on a different level and he needed to quench a thirst for music that he knows he couldn't achieve with the band and its management.

[TheBluesman]

Rivermaya survived even after so many years, recorded 13 albums up to date with or without Perf. That was their destiny. Perf is probably the best Pinoy guitarist.

[pittbulldog]

He wants to explore more and find something he didn't found in the band. Widen his talents until he found happiness and satisfaction. We support you sir.

[rudynize]

Perf de Castro is an icon. I am really happy listening to Rivermaya songs during the 90s but when he oart ways withe band it made be feel bad for one reason. He really brings a lot of energy and songs with his solo lead adlubs really made the song float high above the other bands that time. Without him in the upcoming reunion of Rivermaya will not be perfect without the one who made it perfect in the first place and that"s none other but sir Perf de Castro. More power sir.

[joliekash]

unlike today, bands can collaborate to anyone.. naghihiraman ng members which is actually good.. d katulad dati tali kamay nila s banda, no wonder papalit palit ng myembro.. its really not about the money or fans, they are musicians that needs to grow

[paolo-]

Perf is a passionate guitar virtuoso, can you imagine 214 or Awit ng kabataan without him?.. His works with Francis M and Triaxis speaks volumes that only true musicians who can actually play understands. The problem with the music scene here is we are too much influenced by pop culture, everything has to be radio friendly and that creates division between passionate musicians who work on their craft, who only cares for the music and musicians or i should say people who just wanted to be famous.. No wonder we have guys like Vice Ganda and Daniel Padilla with multi-platinum records. The young generation is poisoned with pop culture, autotune crap, everything is rnb and hip-hop, even pinoy rock ballads like Alamid's "Your Love" were revive, rearrange to be more pop friendly, omitting guitar solos then adding cutie pattootie vocals.

[thomasivangallito]

PDC is right about the whole thing. Marami kasi sa atin mindset kung saan ka sikat dun ka lang. Meron talagang time na kailangan mo umalis sa limelight dahil yung pag bababad sa kasikatan ng sobra ang sisira sa pagkatao ng isang icon. marami na syang nagawa bilang member. ng rivermaya at immortality nya na yun.

[yellowguitars]

Back then, having side projects was like considered a taboo for band musicians. As like as what Maestro Perf said, it was some kind of "threat" wherein it's only an outlet for your own musical creativity. Most musicians, especially in the guitar side, have many influences. You can't always express a certain style to a song composed by musicians who have different musical backgrounds.

[elmerson]

Well, it was all for the best. Perf followed his passion and I salute him for that. But Rivermaya won't be the Rivermaya we know and love if he stayed. Those songs would've been lost to an alternate timeline. And two of the greatest OPM vocalists may not have risen.

[thaddeuses]

Quitting Rivermaya is what he needed and what the band needed as well because even though RB is on the same level as Perf, he was the perfect replacement

[GoDaddyYow]

Di pa kasi uso ang musical fussion noong panahon…pag rock musician ka dapat doon ka lang…ngayon nag evolve ang music…example tanya markova…they collaborated diff genres to put up something that is unique…parokya ni edgar started having rap parts in their songs…international artist did the same…paramore to more techno and pop…glassjaw vocalist to pop rock songs…nowadays a band member has 2 or more groups with diff genres…pero hindi lang naman yun ang dahilan ng pag-alis or disband…attitudes din syempre tao lang tayo

[sss_rvn]

Si Rico Blanco Talaga Ang Pinaka importanteng member Ng Maya . Kahit ilang instrumentalists ipalit mo Basta't nandyan si RB, Rivermaya pa din yan. Majority Ng kanta Ng Maya si RB nag compose. Kahit umalis si Bamboo at Perf nabuhat pa rin nya Ang banda( mas sumikat pa ). Bamboo formed a new band at nag success.. RB pursued a Solo career and still kicking !!

Toxic Lang talaga Yung Music Industry nung araw.

[christianpicardo]

If only they mend their differences they could had made more legendary music, rivermaya(orig 5) probably the most talented musician amongst ALL of their peers at that era .

[RiskPlays]

In the early days of Razorback, they declined an offer due to that recording company wants them to create a rock power ballad song... They said that they have no issue against playing a Power Ballad song but being told to do something with their music is a Hell No for them. This is why their song remains original.

[ogolosric]

How I wish they make an Album with the originals including Perf as their lead guitars . Imagine those classic songs like Elesi, Kisapmata, Himala, and the rest of the songs coming from Atomic, Trip, umuulan-umaaraw.. and so on

[Justmehidden]

Kung ang halaman ay makakapag lalakad, hahanap yan ng lugar kung saan siya lalaki at aalagaan. Nice Sir perf

[leoleorueras]

Sino’ng andito after lumabas ang reunion poster?

Pero sana marketing strategy lang ‘to, lumabas pa’din sana si Perf sa stage.