The love for comfort in familiarity assures Aegis of their audience's allegiance through the ages.
Much like adobo or lechon manok being perennial favorites despite the rise of the takoyakis and the smash burgers of Gen Z, the country-rock band never grows old because they were never about style anyway, but about niche.
Remember that in the '90s, they came out when hip hop and R&B were kings. Yet Aegis did their thing: sisters with vocals that go so high like hair was on fire when others were into melismas; leather pants and maong jackets both de rigueur for stadium rock music to make Bon Jovi and Skid Row proud while the rest were into baggy pants and sweaters; and musical arrangement that sound dated even as the world was fascinated with offering fresh.
So, it's no surprise that Aegis packed Newport Performing Arts Theater last March 4, 2023. The pandemic may have changed some of our habits but not their fans' predilection for the band's stuff. As the live music scene returns with a vengeance, the fans of Aegis yet again want to hear live the band's anthems including "Basang-Basa Sa Ulan," "Halik," "Sayang Na Sayang," "Luha," and "Sinta." Had they sung "Christmas Bonus" that summer night, it would not have been out of place.
There was no need for "updated" Aegis sound, no need for musical narrative or concept, no need for dancing or lavish production design---heck, it's Aegis we're talking about here. People just want Aegis the way they've always enjoyed them undistilled all these years. We dare to think that had Aegis deviated from the formula, people would have walked away scratching their heads and mumbling "Ano yun...?" Why fix what ain't broke, right?
It's obvious with the rapport between Aegis and the audience that they are family. That the concert was a family reunion where you just come as you are because you just wanted to feel the love, have a good time and have a slice or two of Mango Bravo, no more and no less. Everbody knew exactly when not to blink unless you miss hearing the vocal highlight; what intro of which song is playing; the jokes that would be made about getting older and aging rockers. It's predictable---and thank God for that!
We only regret not being able to record on cam Aegis' version of Miley Cyrus' "Flowers." We would've liked to show it to our Gen Z friends and watch their faces drop in shock.
One of them will ask, "Kaya pala nilang maging hip???"
Yes, child. But they are far better than that. (Jojo Panaligan)
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