The Filipino indie rock scene has lost a cherished icon as Ang Bandang Shirley, the group responsible for anthems such as ‘Nakauwi Na‘ and ‘Umaapaw,’ announced their black disbandment never to come again. The news sent shockwaves across the Philippines as fans gathered the news via a heartfelt statement released on their social media. The tattoo was coinciding with fresh allegations leveled against their ex-member Emmanuel or Ean Aguila.
The band’s message, however, was very straightforward: they would not condone Aguila’s actions. While the specifics of the allegations were not disclosed, the statement hinted that new information might come in January that could change everything for the band members. This was not the first time Aguila had to answer to such accusations in the past. It was first heard in 2017, and at that time, the band said no but acknowledged to be contributing to a toxic culture. However, the gravity of the situation seems to have forced the band into action this time.
Ang Bandang Shirley has been around since 2003 and for the last 20-plus years has hitched quite a few Filipino hearts along the way. Theme songs, Tama Na Ang Drama, and Favorite will be staples in the local indie scene. Could it be that its uniqueness in sound and profound lyrics is what made their divide all the more painful for the Philippine music scene?
The circumstances surrounding the split thus left a shroud on the band’s legacy. While fans grieve the death of Ang Bandang Shirley, the situation, in one sense passes itself into larger questions of accountability and what a clear speaking out about such things does to an artist in an industry
The news for the fans is bittersweet.
