Serious musicians wouldn’t like to be dubbed as rock stars because of the connotation that it’s too showbiz and critically mocked.
For actor Ian Veneracion who accepts the fact he is “more of an actor than a musician,” he employs a natural mindset when it comes to playing rock star on stage.
“Every boy wants to be a rock star and I’m glad I get to play that role once in a while,” said Ian in his recent press conference to promote his upcoming gig.
His show in Solaire’s The Theatre scheduled this Saturday (December 14), and aptly titled The MusicIAN on Stage, will feature his musical side. He’s doing it not for extra kicks, but rather for some other kind of fulfillment.
Ian admitted, “It’s a different experience for me. There’s no take two, it's very dynamic. It’s always a different thing every gig and I find that interesting.”
Thanks to a resurgent and relevant acting career, he has become a rock star overnight and observers can’t blame him for that. People love multi-talented actors, especially one who has the looks and can really do a rock star act.
In the past, Ian has done sold-out shows featuring him playing music and collaborating with, at times, icons on stage. Ever since he tried out performing with a guitar and covering classic songs, audiences have come out in droves to watch him.
Classic influences
Presented by Topher Entertainment Production and ABS-CBN Events, The MusicIAN on Stage will feature as guests co-actor-singer JM de Guzman and Asia’s Songbird Regine Valasquez-Alcasid.
Ian recalls the first time he sang a duet with Regine, he was worried about hitting flats and sharps. It turned out Regine and her husband, Ogie Alcasid, were very supportive.
“I feel blessed I’m allowed to express myself in another medium. I will share this passion of mine as long as I can and may nanonood,” Ian added.
While most actor-singers end up being mocked by purists in the music community, Ian is someone with an old-soul and approaches the craft like a true blue musician. He grew up listening to the music of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Eric Clapton, and Roy Orbison.
Touring, traveling
Even in the way he plays alongside his band of two years, he recommends following an organic flow of things instead of getting theatrical just to get attention.
He pointed out, “Ang trabaho ko is to urge my bandmates to play as good as they are. Walang usapan kung ilang bars during instrumental. Amuyan na lang. Pagbabalik ko sa mic, bwebwelo na ang drummer.”
The coming year and decade look truly promising for the actor who was a child star in Joey And Son TV series opposite Joey de Leon and became a mature matinee idol in his second wind.
Ian is bent on doing teleseryes and movies. As for music, he’ll definitely jump at every opportunity because it entails traveling.
He is also interested in becoming a director someday.
For his show come Saturday, he’s preparing a largely different set from his previous show last September in Baguio, and those he did abroad.
“We’re doing this again because of that show and we plan to tour. I’m hands on and I can say it’s going to be a different repertoire and arrangements usually differ from what were heard on original recordings.”
(For tickets call 8891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph)