South Border vocalists reunite in bar show
Looking at them together at the Cowboy Grill (Quezon City) stage was a heart-pounding sight for fans.
That Thursday night (September 26), people aching to see South Border (SB) play again came in droves. Former lead singers Luke Mejares, Duncan Ramos, and Vince Alaras reunited on stage with mainstay Jay Durias and the current back-up musicians who keep the group active.
"It's a wonderful night to see these guys performing with the band. Kulang na lang si Brix," Jay told the crowd in one of the set breaks.
Brix Ferraris, the band's original singer, who is reportedly living abroad, is the voice behind its breakthrough hit "Kahit Kailan." The song was even the theme of his wedding to TV personality Amy Perez many years back (the couple is estranged).
Memory lane
Luke, now a solo act and affiliated with all-star acoustic group Sabado Four, felt nostalgic throughout the performance.
"We're gonna take you back in time."
The band did. The set list includes most of their hits, along with occasional R&B covers that made them a fan favorite live act in the gig circuit. At one point, everybody rested save for Luke who sang alone with Jay accompanying him on keyboards.
Luke reacted with one word after their performance, "Sarap!"
Vince performed his version of a popular Paramore song while reiterating his respect for the "SB Brotherhood."
"Once a South Border, always a South Border," added Duncan, himself carrying on a solo career.
The reunion concert was the band's idea of celebrating its 20th year in mainstream music scene. Some of the band’s other hits are "May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya," "Love Of My Life" and "Rainbow."
Luke, Duncan and Vince have always looked up to Jay Durias, the group's chief songwriter whom they dubbed as the "main man."
In one of the sequences, they knelt before the keyboard-playing Jay, who is acknowledged as the group's lead singer.
He wasted no time in showing appreciation to his former "soldiers."
"I would like to personally thank all members of South Border, past and present, for sharing their music."
One of South Border's avid fans, top anesthesiologist Dr.James Monje, summed up the bar show in one meaningful line.
"This is a night to remember."
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