Rico Blanco on artists, managers who ditch small gigs: ‘Unprofessional, cheap’

Image: Rico Blanco, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Singer-songwriter Rico Blanco recently took to social media to give a word of advice to artists and managers, whether young or old.

The former Rivermaya frontman is no stranger in the Philippine music industry and for someone who’s been around for two decades, many would agree that he, of all people, would know what he’s talking about.

“Listen artists and managers. When [you] confirm a gig, no matter how small, [you] have a responsibility to HONOR [your] commitment even if another gig comes along later on,” Blanco wrote via Twitter on March 25.

listen artists and managers. when u confirm a gig, no matter how small, u have a responsibilty to HONOR ur commitment even if a another gig comes along later on. its a very small scene – ditching a small gig 4 a bigger 1 is very unprofessional and makes u look really cheap.

— bestfriend korics (@ricoblanco) March 25, 2019

Blanco added that flaking on a small gig for a bigger one only shows two things: an artist’s unprofessionalism and cheapness.

“It’s a very small scene — ditching a small gig [for] a bigger [one] is very unprofessional and makes [you] look really cheap,” he pointed out.

Blanco’s tweet seemed to echo the sentiments of many fans, as it has garnered around 1,500 favorites on Twitter since the time of posting.

“Tama, kahit Madison Square Garden pa yan, (Correct, even if it’s Madison Square Garden),” said one fan (@reciyrseraphim) in jest. “Ummmm… tama lol #sabayiyak hehe.”

i gave up the opportunity of touring the US & UK and recording with @wheatus in 05 to come home and do one SEA Games gig. yes it was painfully hard to fathom and accept but i did it anyway. i have not flaked on a single gig/guesting 26 yrs and counting. its about principles.

— bestfriend korics (@ricoblanco) March 25, 2019

Blanco replied to the fan and used himself as an example. Blanco apparently gave up the chance to tour the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as record with American rock band Wheatus back in 2005 since he had already said yes to another gig.

“I gave up the opportunity of touring the US & UK and recording with @wheatus in 05 to come home and do one SEA Games gig. It was painfully hard to fathom and accept, but I did it anyway.”

Blanco drove his point home and added, “I have not flaked on a single gig/guesting 26 [years] and counting. It’s about principles.”  /ra

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