Screengrab from Urbandub’s Facebook page
No, it’s not an April Fools’ prank.
After 15 years in the music industry, rock band Urbandub’s original members will perform their last concert on May 9.
In an announcement posted on their Facebook page, Urbandub’s vocalist Gabby Alipe, bass guitarist Lalay Lim, drummer JanJan Mendoza and guitarist John Dinopol said that they could not believe that they lasted 15 years in the industry.
“We in the band, past and present members, still can’t believe we lasted this long. What started out as something we wanted to do just for fun, turned into an amazing career, writing and performing music. We never expected that our little band from Cebu City, happy just performing our songs for our friends and family in our hometown, would be able to take our music outside of our island, on a national scale and even share our music in different countries,” the band said.
They also thanked their fans for their support.
“We know we couldn’t have gotten to this point if it weren’t for the initial people that believed in us and our music and especially the steady growth of fans through the years, The Dubistas. We were grateful to all of them then, even more so now. We couldn’t have achieved anything without all of you. You guys are very much a part of Udub along with the crew and the four members that perform on stage. We are grateful that you allowed us into your lives through our music, our thoughts, our common experiences with pain and joy,” they said.
The band’s last concert on May 9 will also coincide with their 15th anniversary in the business.
“This concert is for everyone that believed in us and allowed us to have this amazing journey. It will also be the LAST time all four members, Lalay, JanJan, John and Gabby will share the stage as Urbandub. We are happy to get to this point but sometimes all great things must come to an end. But we wish to end things on a happy note through this anniversary concert. The band may cease to exist but we are hopeful our music will live on through every single Dubista that enjoyed listening and watched us perform,” the announcement read.
“THANK YOU for all the blessings. Our lives are forever changed for the better because of the support and love you all gave. We are truly grateful. Our songs will play on through you…” the band said.
When sought for comment, the band’s booking manager Carleen Panganiban told INQUIRER.net that the band will disband next year.
“Their last show as original members (will be) on May 9. They’ll disband next year,” she said in a text message.
The band was able to release six studio albums during their 15-year stint and were known for their hit songs “First of Summer,” “Guillotine,” “Evidence” and “The Fight is Over.”