By Gerry Plaza
INQUIRER.net
A CO-MANAGER of the band Rivermaya confirmed frontman Rico Blanco’s departure from the group, however, not without expressing disgust over the singer’s statement in his “letter of resignation.”
“We confirm that Mr. Rico Blanco has written us a letter of resignation from Rivermaya. We are unable to give an explanation for this action since Mr. Blanco’s statements are inconsistent with the facts. For the record, Mr. Blanco did not make any announcement of his leaving Rivermaya “as early as 2005”, or in 2004 or 2006, for that matter,” a statement from the band signed by Lizza Nakpil, Rivermaya co-manager, said.
“On the contrary, he actively participated in and benefited from our plans and activities, not to mention the record-breaking number of awards, local and foreign concerts and endorsements during those years,” the statement added.
The statement bewailed Rico’s assertion against his ties with his managers.
“While our artist-management contract was automatically and validly renewed, the same letter contains a bewildering and inaccurate declaration that neither Mr. Chito S. Roño nor I have been his managers since 2003,” the statement said.
“’Inexistent and of no force and effect’ were his words to describe a relationship that has spanned 14 years since the start of his career in the music business,” it added.
According to the statement, Rivermaya had done its best to dissuade Rico from leaving the group.
“…we have done our best to deal with the situation with professionalism and to dissuade Mr. Blanco from pursuing a rash course of action, that would delay if not cost all of us our successful entry into the international market. Unfortunately, and despite our best efforts, Mr. Blanco has decided that he no longer shares our vision of a Rivermaya that can spread its wings into Asia,” the statement read.
The statement further said that Rivermaya management had no idea of Rico’s plans and their course of action after the singer-composer’s departure.
“Mr. Blanco has not made it plain as to what he plans to do next and we have not been able to correctly assess our options or courses of action to take, given his leaving the band,” the statement further said.
Despite Rico’s exit, Rivermaya will not disband, the statement said. However, it would still need to finalize their plans in facing this “monumental” challenge as it said, “No one member of Rivermaya is greater than the whole.”
“Be that as it may, Rivermaya is not ready to turn its back on its fans and the many relationships we have built in the Philippines and in the rest of the region,” the statement stressed.
INQUIRER.net tried to reach Rico but the singer-composer was unavailable for comment.
37 Feedbacks on "Rico Blanco departure from Rivermaya confirmed"
jen
Lizza Nakpil, never known to be pleasant, is once again showing her snooty attitude.
She is dreaming if she thinks Rivermaya will be the same without Rico. She makes it sound like the management made Rivermaya the success that it was.
Yes, Rico benefited, but he should. After all, he supplied the hits and attracted the public attention through his other endeavors and associations.
Lizza is just bummed that she lost her most profitable talent.
HOw unprofessional of her to badmouthed Rico like that. Rico’s statements since his departure were nothing short of polite and civil.
A lot of the other members have left. This is certainly not the first. Why is she fuming over Rico’s decision? If at all, she should thank Rico for carrying the group for as long as he could. Rico is so talented he could have just left a long time ago and formed his own band without having to constantly face the comparison with the former lead vocalist.
Besides, didn’t one of them went with the group to the US for a concert and refused to come home to the Philippines, and eventually caused the group’s revamp? How come Lizza didn’t throw tantrums back then?
The songs made Rivermaya huge. And the songs, as we all know, came from Rico.
Obviously all these negativity from Lizza Nakpil is due to nothing else, but money.
orpheum
good decision from rico!
joel santos
8 years na akong fan ng river maya,and some of my friends also.. gulat nga kami nun nabasa namin un article..that rico’s resign.. ang dami namin tanong..kc nag hihinayang kami ,s mga awards nila na nakuha as a group..saka ang galing talaga nila,,patuloy lang kayo and the fans of river maya will not die..
ian paolo misawa
SANA MAGKAROON NAMAN NG STATEMENT SI RICO. PARA SA MGA FAN NARIN NG RIVER MAYA.. KSI TAGAL RIN SILA SINUBAYBAYAN..MARAMI KASING SAGOT NA HINIHINTAY NG MGA FANS.SAKA ANG DAMI NAG HIHINAYANG TALAGA..SANA KEEP THE RIVER FLOW SA TULAD KUNG FAN…
Marcus
Theyre making it appear as if Rico Blanco gets all the credit and that he’s so full of himself. When Bamboo left the band they didnt say anything negative about that. Everyone knows how the band struggled after he left. We all know how Rico Blanco struggled to fill in but nobody expected the band to have continued success. The strength of the band was never Blancos’ voice. They can easily find better vocalists out there! He was never a great guitar player and I’m sure all the “rockers” out there will agree with that. So why is he so important to the band? Maybe because he wrote 95% of the songs and most if not the biggest hits the band ever put out! Good luck finding a better songwriter to you MS.NAKPIL!! As for Blanco. i dont know what his next plans are but he’s definitely not forming a new band or starting a CAREER IN SHOWBIZ like they want to come out in the press. It just so happened that Rico Blanco is Rivermaya to all those who really know the band. I’m sure theyre gonna cook up all these negative shit about Blanco and some of them might be true, but until they find a way to go on without him i’ll keep on listening to the pre-Blanco albums of the band simply because that’s the best sound they will ever have.
ps i really hate the way Ricky Lo refers to the band as “the Rivermaya” . walang “the” duh!!!
vayz
We should be thankful to what Rico Blanco has contributed, done and sacrificed for the band. I love RM bcoz of Blanco even back then so let us give him some credits. I think it is a very hard and difficult decision for him to leave the band specially now that it is at the height of its successful journey. For a band that is good, nobody is indispensable so give Blanco some peace and leave him be, go on Ms Nakpil and look for a replacement. But please don’t badmouthed Rico Blanco… It’s never a sin to leave your band behind.
micah
i need to know rico blanco’s reason! to be honest, i am kinda pissed and i feel betrayed. i think i don’t only speak for myself but also for other rivermaya fans out there. who am i to feel betrayed by the great rico blanco? i’m no one. i’m just a rivermaya fan. but that’s just it. i am a fan. doesn’t his “resignation” seem to abrupt?? maybe all the fame and fortune got into his head and it’s starting to swell up. maybe, he needs to “grow as an artist”. we’ll never know.. unless he speaks up.
reebermaya
just to set things straight, rico did not write 95% of the songs and he knows it. rico was sort of a dictator. the same reason why most of the other members left. he ruled rivermaya with an iron hand. it always had to be his songs, he always had to be the one in charge. for a while his “marshal law” rule went well. it may even be credited for the bands success. but still… a band is a team. and like ms. nakpil said. no member of the team is greater than the whole. and there is no “i” in the word “team”. i agree rico is a genius of a song writer. but that doesn’t mean he is the “band”. he could barely sing, his keyboard skills were mediocre, and his guitar playing sucks big time.
the remaining members of rivermaya can write songs too. lets give em a chance…
damz
i would gladly if rico will join the pbb celebrity edition…
ayeng68
i think rico just need some time to think and time for his self…does his guitar sucks?i think you’re wrong man(marcus)..’di mo lang siguro alam kunin kung paano n’ya ginawa yun…rockista ka tpos ‘di ka marunong..mag showdown daw kayo ni rico,,tignan natin hanggang saan ka MARCUS!!!
jowel
Lisa Nakpil is a BITTER businesswoman, Rico Blanco is the Artist.. PERIOD
aria
i’ve heard stories from very reliable sources of how much of an ass rico is. he totally screwed bamboo over so he can be the band’s vocalist. his voice is not phenomenal at all. he believes his own press release which partly counts for his arrogance. bottomline is, the chap’s just a wanker.
aria
this whole bullshit thinking rico’s a goddamn artist is just crap and simplifies the discourse into a black/white, good/evil delineation. that’s just dumb. it’s not about “selling out to the establishment” to keep his “artistry” (which he actually doesn’t have). art is about collaboration, compromise and the avoidance of burning bridges. commerce and art, although an incompatible marriage at times, is mutually beneficial. AND last i checked, rico did benefit from the publicity and endorsements.
mark
WTF????????WHY RICO BLANCO DID IT??????RIVERMAYA ARE ABOUT TO ROCK ASIA!!!!…..HE SHOULD NOT LEAVE RIVERMAYA>……………
jeremiah
rico blanco is a genius at songwriting…he don’t need a good voice and hendrix-like guitar wizardry to do that…in rock in roll, the three right chords and the truth is more than enough..lets respect his decision…kudos rico! im waiting for another song from you…peace..
imok
rivermaya is back with thier new vocalist japs sergio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!sayang ka talaga rico astig ka sana kaso pinili mo ang buhay sa likod ng camira!!!!!!!!!
aria
“genius” on whose standards exactly?
Odette
Like most Rivermaya fans I want to know why Rico Blanco left the band. His entry in his blog about his resignation was short and civil, no emotions revealed. Let Rico get the credit for their hits, he wrote most of the songs. Songwriting is so critical, you can get thousands of lead vocals, but there are only few who can pen great hits.
JudasKiss
Rico Blanco! Astig ka pa rin! even though you left rivermaya your one of the best song writer and composer! good luck to your new career! rock n’ roll pa rin!
DEO REBUSTILLO
Well we don’t really know what’s in behind, But for me Why Success still the sting of its own, like Beatles, E-heads etc. Why always turning itself into nothing just Publicity or Mysteries. oh god why those talents are unto them why not to those deserves>>>
hindiakosibatman
if you do not like Rico, then so be it. why you people have negative things about him? Anyways, Rico will be and foreverwillbe the greatest man music industry will ever have. he’s a genius. He could be lined sidebyside with Chris Martin. To Rico…, thank you for the music. The industry will never be the same without you. gudluck!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s.
we assure you of our support whenever you comeback…
youngblood
Ei! hayaan nyo na si rico. its his life not urs. kaya wala kayong karapatan na paratangan siya ng kung ano-ano. He is one of the best song writer in the Philippines and I think no one can deny that. Maybe Rico had enough. The management made money from the members of the band. sila ang nakinabang sa mga pagod at pawis ni Rico and all the members of the band. Sour-graping lang yan Ms. Nakpil! Sorry ka! Rico left the band and I’m sure whatever is his reason talagang pinag isipan nya yun. Hanap kau ng ibang songwriter kung meron man but i doubt it kung mapapantayan niya mga nagawa ni Rico. I salute Rico for his decision. Asstiggg ka talaga!
Bungot
YOU BETTER CHANGE THE BAND NAME NA LANG COZ IM SURE DI MAG KICLICK YAN. RICO BLANCO IS RICO BLANCO DI MO MAPAPANTAYAN YAN. GOOD LUCK NA LANG SA MANAGEMENT…
dyosa
mga tao saan ung blog ni Rico Blanco?
The next
Don’t worry guys.. I will replace Rico..
totoy buang
possible plans for rico : pagkakakitaan nia ang pagiging songwriter, kikita xa ng milyones d2..
the worst scenario : mawawala at babagsak sa music industry ang rivermaya band hanggang sa etoy ma disband..
the big moment : mananahimik muna si rico at gugulatin tayo na meron xang new band at mag hihit at puputok ang song nia sa buong SEA pagkalipas ng 5 taon
darkangel23
Rico is one of biggest contributor in our music industry.. for every music, song he did, all of this touches our life through generation.. as like eraserheads, rivermaya made its unique strategies to be know by all the filipinos, and all the people around the globe.. lets respect what rico’s decision.. even though wala na sya, or makilala sya in other aspect, maipagmamalaki pa rin ntin sya dahil siya ay may dugong pilipino! isang ugat isang dugo.. mabuhay ka tol.. aztig! goodluck in your career bro.. godbless..
arielmusni
why does the rivermaya camp keep lying to the people saying that rico not did not say goodbye and that he turned his back on the fans? the band members admitted rico talked to them as early as march. diba their last gig is may pa? so thats two months to prepare!! so hindi totoong basta umalis nalang siya tulad ng pinapalabas nila. aside from that dati niya pa ito binabanggit sa bandmates niya. even their peers in the music scene know this. also HE NEVER LEFT the fans! so he left rivermaya. but maybe he was forced to leave like what i’ve been hearing lately. he has always been very nice to the fans on and off the stage and is very well loved in his hometown. he even has a very nice message to all his fans on his multiply page where he keeps in touch with his fans up to now. and ang bottomline, kung talagang asshole siya, hindi siya mananahimik at magpapakita ng kahanga hangang pasensya katulad ng pinapakita niya ngayon.
rico blanco, wag kang mag alala, malimot man ng kabanda mo ang kontribusyon mo, hinding hindi ka malilimot ng mga pilipinong nagmamahal at nagpapasalamat sayo.
kiku
rico is great…..xa p din ang rivermaya….remember nung unang ndisband ang rivermaya xa ang nagp2loy….khit umaliz xa s banda ung gnawa nyang tatak s music industry di mwawala khit kelan…..
Ruth
8.25.07
I think we should respect Rico Blanco’s decision. I am pretty sure that he thought about his decision carefully. I mean, who doesn’t want fame and lotsa moolah and recognition and achievements? As a fan, I am also very curious to know his reasons, but we should also leave it at that if Rico decides not to issue a personal statement. Why am i saying this? Well years ago, my best friend decided to resign from the band she was in, just when they were hitting it big. To most people, it would seem so absurd. But one day she just cried &cried on my shoulder. Backstage, away from the applause of the fans and the glare of the limelight, life with the band was very difficult; though she was as talented as the rest of her bandmates.
I learned from a friend, the wife of one of the former E-heads members, that she read a PR in the papers that she resigned because her pastor father didn’t approve of her being a pop band. I laughed because that was so far from the truth. The reason was because she could no longer stand being in the band, for reasons I will no longer elaborate. Even though she was earning big money with the band, my friend decided to resign.
So, we may never learn the real reasons why Rico decided to leave; for very personal reasons, I suspect, but for now let’s leave it at that.
I have been a witness to my friend’s “agony” of being in a band and having your every move scrutinised. So let’s give Rico space. It’s not easy being a subject of endless speculation…. ano pa’t hindi magagandang mga salita ang sasabihin tungkol sa ‘yo.
Galahad
ps. Yes i’m also curious, how come when Bamboo left, there wasnt such a big brouhaha??
Jade Ibarbia
I still love Rico. I believe he has a reason of his actions. I think he knows what’s the best for him. I do love his song You’ll Be Safe Here…. I also know the rest of the Rivermaya will survive without him duh…although that makes a difference but they all have talents and abilities so we don’t have to feel sorry for them. Let’s just support them specially RICO.. my ultimate Papa..
tonette
it’s ok… may bamboo pa naman eh
DEVILAKE
kahit pa maglagay sila ng bagong vocalista o bagong boses jan wala pa rin…
kac hindi man maganda ang boses ni rico gaya ng ibang vocalista pero dun naman sila papatayin sa lyrics at composition ni IDOL RICo…
kasi kahit anong ganda ng boses ng isang vocalista kung ang kanilang kanta eh pilit na pilit lang…
tumabi na lang sila…
malaki ang utang na loob ng rivermaya kay Rico kac kung wala si Rico sisikat kaya ang rivermaya?
nung umalis si Perf De CAstro na dating lead Guitarist ng Rivermaya sikat pa rin ang RIvermaya..
nung umalis si Bamboo ang akala ng lahat malalaos na ang Rivermaya,
nung umalis si Nathan Azarcon na original Basses nila sikat pa rin ang Rivermaya
at anong nangyari naging sikat pa ang Rivermaya hindi lang dito sa Pinas kundi pati sa ibang bansa lalong lalo na sa South East Asia…
kasi kahit gaano kagaling ang ibat-ibang miyembro ng banda kung hindi magaling yung compositor nila wala ring silbi…
ano ba ang mga kantang kinompose ng ibang miyembro ng rivermaya ang sumikat?
kung meron man konti lang…
pero kung tingnan mo ang mga composition ni IDOL Rico talagang naghihit…
ngayon if sisikat pa rin ang Rivermaya na wala si Rico, maniniwala na akong si Marc Escueta na ang pinakamagaling sa Rivermaya mula nung umpisa…
pero hanggat hindi nila napapantayan ang mga composition ni Rico Blanco…
Goodbye Rivermaya….
mas mabuti pang nagdisband na lang ang Rivermaya at gumawa na lang sila ng bagong banda because Rivermaya is Rico Blanco….
sa album na bagong liwanag kung hindi mo alam na Rivermaya ang kumanta aakalain mo itong silent sanctuary o true faith o anong pa mang banda…nawawala na ang trademark nila….
para sa akin mag disband na sila kasi wala ng lasa ang mga bagong kanta sa bagong liwanag na album pilit na pilit na…
at para magawan na rin ng tribute compilation ang Rivermaya kasi gusto kung marinig ang mga bagong banda ngayon na tumutugtug ng kanta ng Rivermaya im sure mag hihit eto gaya ng Kami Napo Muna Album…
because maraming pagpipiliang songs ang mga bagong banda sa Rivermaya…
SANA IDOL RICO GAWA KA PA NG MGA KANTA AT KAHIT SINO PA ANG KUMANTA NG MGA GINAWA MO BIBILI AKO..KASI ALAM KUNG SULIT ANG PERA KO…
PERO NUMBER 1 FAN PA RIN AKO NG RIVERMAYA….
GUD LUCK SA INYO….
ems
gayahin ni rico si ely buendia.. gawa siya ng sarili nyang banda, tawagin nyan LakeMaya. Lake as in lawa..
Igno
Rivermaya sucks now. It isn’t Rivermaya without Rico. He had like, composed almost all of the music. He should’ve just fired the members, he could find new ones easily. But now look who has the band name now. Pfft all for the love of mainstream success.
ZIPPHORA
im sure why ms.nakpil was saying those negative comments bout rico is just because they will never found another rico that will benefit that much in the band so if i were her ….
she better disband the group coz thay just aisting theyre time searching for another RICO!!!!
AM I RIGHT GUYS?!!!
bryan
sayang talaga ng RIVERMAYA..l….
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