MANILA, Philippines — Rock fans have marked Feb. 19 on their calendars as gothic rock band Evanescence performs at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The one-night gig mounted by Ovation Productions and titled “Evanescence Live In Manila!” also features British alternative rocker Bush as special guest.

The two-in-one musical presentation brings to the concert scene two of the hottest groups in rock music during the past two decades.

Evanescence, acclaimed for its extraordinary sound that has been identified with a variety of genres, bring to Manila its hits “Bring Me To Life,” “Going Under,” “My Immortal,” “Everybody’s Fool,” and many more.

Evanescence rose to prominence in 2003 with the release on Wind-Up Records of its first full-length studio album, “Fallen,” which sold more than 17 million copies worldwide and won for the group two Grammy Awards.

The band’s major-label debut single, “Bring Me To Life,” featuring guest vocals from Paul McCoy of 12 Stones, became an international hit and reached No. 5 on the American Billboard Hot 100.

Evanescence traces its roots to Little Rock, Arkansas, where it was founded in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody.

With Amy Lee on the vocals, keyboards and harp, other members of Evanescence are Terry Balsamo – leader guitar (2003-present), Troy McLawhorn – rhythm guitar (2007-2011-present), Tim McCord – bass (2006-present), Will Hunt – drums (2007-present).

Bush, on the other hand, emerged as one of the biggest and most commercially successful rock acts in the 1990s with an impressive record that began when its debut album, “Sixteen Stone,” released in 1994, turned into a hit and was certified six times multi-platinum by the RIAA.

It scored numerous Top Ten singles on the Billboard rock charts and one No. 1 album from “Razorblade Suitcase,” its 1996 second album.

Present line-up is composed of Gavin Rossdale, lead vocals, guitar (1992-2002; 2010-present); Robin Goodridge-drums, percussion (1992-2002; 2010-present); Chris Taylor, guitar (2002; 2010-present); and Corey Britz, bass guitar (2010-present).

“Evanescence Live In Manila!” is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with ETC, 2nd Avenue, Universal Channel and Jack TV.

It is also supported by The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Manila Bulletin, Talk TV, Diva Universal, Basketball TV, Solar Sports, 97.9 Home Radio, ABS CBN, Mellow 94.7, Monster Radio RX 93.1, MYX, Edsa Shangri-La Manila and OptimaSignsolutions.

(Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets, at SM Department Stores and at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum ticket office.)

REtroSPECT in send-off gig

Fans of The REtroSPECT can catch them again in the repeat of their successful send-off party gig at Seventh High The Lounge, 7th Avenue, Global City, Taguig today, Jan 28 at 9:30 p.m. onwards.

The REtroSPECT members; Goldie, Ogie and J. Martin together with their backing musicians (Elmer Dalumpines on 1st keyboards, Rex G. on 2nd keyboards, flute and saxophones and Marlon Balagot on drums) are excited to dish out their repertoire of a ’70s dance medley, ’80s new wave, OPM disco songs.

“The REtroSPECT Live at Seventh High” is a Godspeed Music and JARO Productions presentation in cooperation with Seventh High, 357 Boracay and Gold’s Gym.

Visit www.retrospect.ph and www.facebook/theretrospect and www.twitter.com/retrospectmusic for more information.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 28, also go to Ms. Josie Trinidad-Lichauco, Atty. Oscar Orbos, Jacob Dionisio of ABS-CBN, US-based actor Bernardo Bernardo, Susan Paredes, Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rogelio “JB” Bangsil Jr., Ric Jumasa, Nelson Rosario, Buddy Tan, Sandy Javier, Manuel Silva, Regina Yui-Dee, Jules Lopez, Miguel D.C. Alegre, Helen Banaria of New Jersey, USA, Deeda Tanopo, and my sister, New York-based Ching M. Schriener… Happy wedding anniversary to Oliver and Jane Buenaflor; and Oscar and Sally Maliuanag…