Side A

Origins and early years

Dubbed as the Philippines' Premiere Band and our answer to Toto, Side A was founded in 1985 by the brothers Rodel and Naldy Gonzalez, with Joey Benin, Kelly Badon, Mar Dizon and Pido Lalimarmo. They released their eponymous debut album in 1989. They are managed by a Christian-oriented artist management company called Artistation Inc., owned by the late Wyngard Tracy.

Current members

Former Members

Biography

In terms of commercial success, no other group in the Philippines was able to match Side A's track record in the '90s. In 1993, the group's third album went triple platinum and in the mid-1990s, Side A garnered two Awit Awards, the Philippines' equivalent of the Grammys.

The debut album

Side A's eponymous debut album included their first hit single "Eva Marie" which paved the way for their illustrious recording career. Classic Side A songs such as "Windows of Our Souls" and "Di Pa Huli" can be found on the album. The upbeat song "Di Pa Huli" catapulted the band into the mainstream and thus capturing a wider audience. This also started the very popular cassette tape trend in which the Side B of the tape says "Side A too".

Shortly after their success of their debut album, Rodel Gonzalez left for Second Wind. Pido Lalimarmo and Mar Dizon left in 1990 to form Artstart. Lalimarmo and Dizon remained with Artstart until 1994 when Lalimarmo united with Eva Marie Poon (sister of Richard Poon) to form Take One and Dizon joining Parliament Syndicate.

The White Album

This much awaited debut under Vicor is the second album of the band which earned them a Double and Triple Platinum Award for its outstanding sales. One of the biggest hits included is "Hold On" featuring new lead vocalist Joey Generoso and new drummer Ernie Severino completing and forming the band's long-running line-up.

The Blue Album

This second album under Vicor awarded them a Double and Triple Platinum award. The album features a cover of Labuyo's "Tuloy Pa Rin Ako" which was recorded live at the Music Hall, one of the premiere lounges in Manila. The song captures the energy and excitement of Side A during their live performances. The band line-up has not been changed until the present. The album cover sports exactly the same design as the White Album with the embossed Side A logo, only this time in blue.

By Your Side

This 1995 album under Warner proved to be the most awarded album so far. Aside from its Gold Record Award, Side A won two Awit Awards, namely Best Performance by a Group for "By Your Side" and Best Jazz Performance with vocals for "True Love Can Always Wait". It was also the only album they released internationally with two additional singles: "Forevermore" and a revival of the Joey Albert hit, "Tell Me". This album also commemorates Side A's 10 years in the music industry.

Side A Live! The 10th Anniversary Concert

Side A's 10th Anniversary concert at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City proved to be a memorable occasion and to top it off this live concert recording earned them a Triple Platinum Award. A soothing collection of foreign and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) love songs with a touch of Side A. It includes the Joey Benin-written Janno Gibbs original "I Believe in Dreams". The album also features the James Taylor classic "Your Smiling Face" in which all of the band members can be heard singing solo.

Year 12

A certified Gold record released in 1997, this long overdue studio album proved to be worth the wait for Side A fans. The album features a collaboration of international songwriters including Sharon Cuneta. It commemorates their 12th year as a band.

Ang Ating Awitin

Side A's offering for the Philippine Centennial Year, this album was released in September 1998. Advance orders of the album guaranteed a gold album award for the group in its 1st week of release. Side A also releases a groovier version of one of the The Hotdogs' hit songs, "Manila", the ode to the capital of the Philippines.

Remember December

Side A's first and only Christmas album in 1999.

Will I Ever

Released in 2000 with the carrier single "Will I Ever". The album proved to be a minor success.

The Platinum Collection

A collection of all their greatest and most known hits from 1985 to 2001. A certified best-seller containing new versions of their old hits.

Gig, All Hits Live and the new Side A

Kelly Badon left the band to form The Kelly Badon Project with former members of Freeverse and was replaced by former Take One guitarist Leevon Cailao (making him the youngest member of the band). His debut with the band features him singing Fra Lippo Lippi's "Later" on their Gig: All Hits Live (at Bagaberde) album. The new live album obtained minimal success.

Joey Benin also left Side A. He currently tends a fish farm and a developing natural organic farmland in Silay, Negros Occidental with his wife and kids. He was replaced by Ned Esguerra, former Freeverse member.

Joey Generoso also left the band to pursue a solo career under the name "Joey G."

EPs and singles