NEWS

Vocalist
and guitarist Rico Blanco has left Rivermaya, a reliable source told
the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), confirming a rumor that has
been circulating for weeks.

"But that's all I am ready to say at
the moment. We are still reeling from the shocks," the source, who is
very close to the group, said.

The group, the source said, is currently in shock.

Final act

The
whispers about the group's disbanding got louder during a gig last May
4 at the Metro Bar, where they played with Sandwich and Pupil.

In
a message posted by The Dawn's drummer, J.B. Leonor, in their web
mailing list, he said that guitarist Francis Reyes got a text message
early in the morning of May 4, saying that Rivermaya was breaking up
and would have their last show later that evening.

Francis went
to Metro Bar that night and texted J.B. after a couple of hours:
"Confirmed! It's Rivermaya's last gig!!! They're breaking up!"

Signs of goodbyes

According
to those present at the show, a nostalgic Rico said that the gig was
memorable because it was held at the same place where an inexperienced
Rivermaya played its first ever gig as an opening act for the legendary
Eraserheads. (Metro Bar was known as Kampo during the '90s.)

Spectators
also noted Rico's happiness that night sharing the bill once more with
former E-heads members Ely Buendia (now with Pupil) and Raimund
Marasigan (now part of Sandwich).

An intense Rico, in the middle of performing "Umaaraw, Umuulan," reportedly shouted, "Isang huling malupit!"

Rivermaya's bassist Japs Sergio then seconded by telling the crowd, "Lakasan n'yo pa, huli na ‘to!"

However,
neither the bar management or any the band members issued a official
statement was validating the split — until recently.

Continue here http://www.gmanews.tv/story/44333/PEP-Exclusive-Rico-B-leaves-Rivermaya