One of my favorite bands of all time (see above photo) will be gracing Manila’s shores for the third time this coming July 28…and being the ardent fan that I am, I already secured my tickets 2 months in advance! But this story isn’t so much about the band..or the concert..but rather on a particular incident which highlights the ridiculous stereotype some people still have over rock music.
One of my younger friends–literally “younger” as she’s 13 years my junior–Maknae Zoe, was originally supposed to join me and my concert partner Ava to the show. She’s a huge Incubus fan but when the band first came to Manila in 2004, she was 14 years old and was too young to be allowed by her parents to go…plus she didn’t have anybody to go with either.
Fast forward to 2 months ago, she excitedly tells me “YES!” when I asked her if she’d like to watch the concert with us. She happily added, “Hindi na ako bata!” (I’m no longer a kid). So I quickly bought our Upper Box A seats to avail of the early bird discount.
Not 2 weeks later, I received a text message from her saying that she’s sorry because she can no longer go. I asked her why and she said she didn’t want to have a long argument with her parents. Uh…ooookay. I initially thought she was referring to going out on a weekday (the show is on a thursday) or perhaps not having someone pick her up after the concert. When I finally got to talk to her at work she dejectedly said, “I didn’t want to explain anymore to my parents.” I asked, “Explain what?!” ROCK MUSIC.
Say whuuuut???
Apparently, someone texted her father (coincidence or not) what “Incubus” literally meant which is “a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women and hence, a nightmare”. And that was it. I don’t know if it’s because of their religious beliefs, or because he’s strict…either way, she’s forbidden to go.
I know I don’t have any right to meddle in their affairs but…for crying out loud! Seriously?! Do people actually think that on July 28 fans will convene at the Araneta Coliseum to worship a demon? People are going there for the music! It’s always been about the music. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that Incubus puts out some of the most beautiful, inspiring and positive songs out there…songs like Drive, Warning, Make Yourself, A Certain Shade of Green, Redefine–I could go on you know. They sing about love, believing in yourself and non conformity. They love music and art and poetry. Guitarist Mike Einzinger is even a student at Harvard! Honestly, it’s ridiculous to me how people who don’t know them (not that I do personally, but you know what I mean) can judge them or their music just because of their band name.
I’ve been listening to rock music for a long time–rock, alternative, emo, metal…whatever you want to call it…anything and everything from The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Smiths, Morrissey, Nirvana, Faith No More, Soundgarden, Guns & Roses, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, Incubus, Weezer, Linkin Park, Slipknot…and I’m happy to say that I’m doing just fine, thank you very much! Last time I checked I still don’t have any urges to build an altar in a darkened room where I would offer sacrifices, drink blood and kneel down in front of a goat-like figure.
The music has gotten louder…but despite this, apparently some people are still not listening.
photos not my property
Oh no, I heard that we’d also be killing goats and eating their hearts.
We will also strip naked, smear our body with melted chocolate, then jiggy to the dance of the seven veils…After all, we are in the presence of all hail thee Incubus, you sleeping-women-boinkers
F, I wish people would look beyond the name before they judge. They’re missing out big time.
And oh, I also miss you
And PS: so you have an extra ticket? can i buy it?