Juan Dela Cruz Band

On December 5, 1969, Wally Gonzales convened a powerhouse of a rock n’ roll team with Joey “Pepe” Smith (singer-drummer-composer) and Mike Hanopol (singer-bassist-composer) – collectively known as the Juan Dela Cruz Band.

The ensuing album from this iconic trio unfurled its masterly title track, “Himig Natin” (translated, "Our Hymn"), which went on to become the anthem of Manila's post-hippie culture and underground radio network, particularly on the DZRJ-AM Radio show, "Pinoy Rock 'n' Rhythm" – which spawned modern day Pinoy Rock music. "Himig Natin" famously rallied Pinoy Rock and swelled into a movement that provided indicators of its yet-unrealized commercial fuel. The social impact and innovations of the Juan Dela Cruz Band became the catalyst for the inception of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and effected the emergence of diverse, originally-authored Filipino music.

Juan Dela Cruz Band, with its humble beginnings as a garage and blues rock band, is often credited for ushering in the first rock and roll revolution in the Philippines that lasted from the late '60s to the late '70s (also known as the Golden Age of Pinoy Rock). Considered by many to be the "grandfathers" of Pinoy Rock, they played a large role in re-awakening national pride through their bluesy Tagalog rock music at a time when songs written with English lyrics dominated the scene. During a Woodstock-esque concert in Luneta Park in Manila, the group performed "Himig Natin" live in public for the first time.

Influenced by the counter culture, other bands in the 70's were known to have never been sidelined commercially and sometimes took the center stage by storm. The weekend "Pinoy Rock and Rhythm" radio show hosted by DJ Howlin' Dave (Dante David) on DZRJ-AM provided much support and publicity for Pinoy Rock during this era. Today, music journalists refer to the works of these pioneering artists as Classic Pinoy Rock and The Juan Dela Cruz Band, indisputably, as its founders.

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Catch the one and only Juan Dela Cruz Band with Wally Gonzales, Joey “Pepe” Smith and Mike Hanopol as they reunite for a U.S. Tour this June! Proceeds from their four-leg tour will benefit Bantay Bata. Get your tickets now!

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