UK band to perform in Manila on April 9

Agencies/Manila London-based pop band Lawson is coming to the Philippines  on April 7, local record firm MCA Music said in a statement. The group has confirmed that they’re scheduled to perform at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Libis, Quezon City, on April 9 at 8pm. Although the gig may be a private affair, the organaisers expect fans to flock to the venue. “It is a dream come true to do a couple of shows in Philippines. We want to go to as many places as we can. We heard the Philippines is a very good scene, music-wise,” said 22-year-old lead guitarist Joel Peat. The “especially-for-Filipino-fans” show on April 9 is known locally as “Araw Ng Kagitingan,” which commemorates the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country and suffered in the infamous “Death March” at the hands of enemy soldiers during the darkest days of World War II. For Lawson fans here, the day could also mean a moment when they will be able to meet their heroes in flesh. Lawson, its name paying tribute to a real-life doctor who saved the life of their vocalist Andy Brown, scored hit singles recently, namely, When She Was Mine,” (which became the highest rated on YouTube in just a week after being posted) Taking Over Me, and Standing In The Dark. Completing the band roster is bassist Ryan Fletcher, who has been jamming with Joel since they were 14, and drummer Adam Pitts. “I think the band is working under a perfect system where we got individual roles to fulfill and we’re not bothered by it. It’s cool that Andy is our singer-songwriter and he is the eldest,” said Fletcher. Lawson’s album Chapman Square is currently high on the album charts, climbing the iTunes charts too in UK and Asia. The band’s singles Taking Over Me and Standing in the Dark are now certified hits and have both reached the Number 1 spot on Philippine Radio and Music Channels.