“God exists 360 degrees” – “Agent Orange” by Slapshock. 4th Degree Burn. 1999.
A hush settles over the crowd at a concert whenever heavy metal kings Slapshock were about to go on. Concertgoers who were hanging out at the back would jostle for their space at the very front in anticipation. Backstage, even musicians from other bands would stare up at the stage, waiting for them to start.
For the past 23 years, Slapshock has been the biggest draw at any metal or rock concert, here in Manila and all over the Philippines. To be a successful metal band in the Philippines, with decades of touring and performing under its belt, seems like an impossible notion – it somewhat defies logic, what with the country’s tendency to support lighter musical fare. But there Slapshock were. Lording it over the rock music scene since the early 2000s like the kings they had become.
Truth be told, fans were drawn in by one thing – one man in fact. The band’s music is amazing, heavy and loud and brash, and knows just how to delight music fans. Each of the members brought something that made this musical quintet so popular. However, it cannot be denied that everyone in the crowd and even backstage was there for this man.
He approaches the stage as if like a magnet. People gravitate towards him, wanting to shake his hand, and patting his back. Everyone paid their respects. It wasn’t hard to imagine why he would need his very own Bouncers or security personnel as the years went by. He was THE main attraction. Jamir Garcia. “Idol” people would call him. Rock Star, Rock God. The GOAT. But most importantly, one of the best human beings to walk this earth.
“Bawat lungkot bumabalot ang iyong tuwa. Napapawi ang lumbay, dahil sa’yo, dahil sa’yo.” – “Misterio” by Slapshock. Novena. 2004.
You didn’t have to be Jamir’s friend to know he was a good person. He always wanted the audience to have a good time. He gave it his all onstage, to give the fans what they want. When you attened one of his shows, you could expect a total rock experience for everyone. Drenched in sweat at the end, screaming at the top of his lungs, jumping up and down to rev up the energy. He would call out fans who made banners declaring their names and location. “Slap Army ng Rizal” “Carino Brutal ng Caloocan” and “Misterio ng Camarin” were just some of the names fans painted on home made banners, just to get a moment of his time onstage. And he would call them all out.
He admonished everyone to take care of each other during the show. Slapshock’s music drove people in a frenzy, and more often than not, someone would get hurt. He didn’t want that. He wanted everyone to go crazy and move to the music, but never forget the person beside them. One time a fellow musician jumped off the stage into the crowd and lost a shoe. Jamir asked the crowd to throw the shoe back onstage. About 10 pairs of shoes went flying. None of them was the right one though. They just really wanted to do what Jamir asked.
Here was this King of the stage who evoked a strong and angry persona. But he was loved by his crew. Strong onstage and gentle in real life, he was called. I had never seen anyone go onstage, have a loose shoelace, step on a speaker in the front, and have a muscle-bound Bouncer tie his shoelace gently and diligently.
Many dressed up like Jamir. The baggy pants, the colored hair, and the tattoos. Years later that would turn into red pants, white shirts and chains. He made trucker hats work – only he could do that. He was a trendsetter not only in music but also in swagger. And fans went crazy for it. I have seen many tattoos of famous persons on other people’s bodies. But these were mostly of global giants like Elvis or Marilyn Monroe. Locally, I can confidently say Jamir’s face has been tattooed on the bodies of fans more times than any other celebrity or musician, or perhaps anyone since.
He was Jamir, he went by a one-name moniker, he was THE man.
“Ito and pagkakataon, upang galit ay itapon. Wala ng pipigil ngayon, umpisa na ang pag-ahon.” “Ngayon Na” by Slapshock. Kinse Kalibre. 2011.
Such has been the success of Slapshock that they have been welcomed by the music industry not only here but all around the world. If the idea of a successful metal band in the Philippines was hard enough to imagine, more so a touring metal band. Each week Slapshock would be off in a different locale in the Philippines, attracting thousands in provinces were there was only one central square. But they also got out to other countries like the US, Australia, Qatar, to name a few to share their music. And were praised for it. Slapshock were the first Asian band to play in the Dubai Rock Fest, alongside such giants as Korn, Killswitch Engage and Muse.
They were unstoppable. They were admired for their unbelievable success, even scoring two long-standing brand sponsorships with a beer brand and a clothing brand. The success of the band was only eclipsed by the growing love for Jamir as he worked with the likes of apl.de.ap, Southeast Asia band Project E.A.R. and being front and center of large billboards in Metro Manila. Even mainstream showbiz stars could not claim to such feats. That this heavily tattooed man would be so admired could be attributed to his persona; and he was nothing like his physical image projected. Interviews showed him as a thoughtful, funny and charismatic person. And fans just gobbled up his every article, video and more recently social media post.
It seemed nothing could stand in Slapshock and Jamir’s way. They were unbreakable, unshakeable. They were brothers.
Alas, the events of recent days have shown that not everything lasts forever – however much we want them to.
“Iniwan ka sa pag idlip. Ako’y di na magbabalik. Paalam na sayo.” “Adios” by Slapshock. Silence. 2006.
In the afternoon of November 26, 2020, fans and national media were stunned by the news. Jamir Garcia, 42, beloved frontman of the band Slapshock, had left this earth. He leaves behind family, friends, and millions of fans who loved him dearly. He also leaves behind a strong legacy, perhaps stronger than it has ever been despite the challenges this pandemic year has brought the music industry. Everyone who knew him is heartbroken, the pieces of which may never heal or be replaced by anyone else.
In loving memory of Vladimir “Jamir” S. Garcia. As he says at the end of every event, may Peace, Love and Music rule your lives.
To Jamir: “Pagtila ng ulan, Ika’y di na luluha. Pagsikat ng araw, Ika’y di na luluha.” “Pagtila” by Slapshock. Silence. 2006.