Concert King Martin Nievera may have been mostly jolly during his recent “AS 1” concert with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, but the song “Take Me Out Of The Dark” which they performed brought the balladeer to tears.

Rendered as a duet, the lines “I feel I’m not what you might call a worthy Christian after all/And though I love you so, temptation finds its way to me,” which were assigned to Martin, choked up the singer who then cried freely onstage.

Gary took over the song while giving Martin a pat on the back. Martin, who had told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online in a previous interview that he has had a “colorful” life, did not explain his actions.

“Take Me Out Of The Dark” was Gary’s first inspirational song that became a hit single in 1988. The song is about a man who wants to do right in the eyes of God but keeps on committing sins.   

Right after the “AS 1” concert held at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Sept. 19, Martin collapsed from exhaustion and was rushed to the Makati Medical Center.

In a “The Buzz” interview the following day, talent manager Ronnie Henares cited “dehydration” as the culprit behind Martin falling ill.

A report said the singer was supposed to still sing an Earth, Wind & Fire medley for an encore, but begged off after he felt dizzy and threw up in his dressing room.

“AS 1” concert publicist Chuck Gomez told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online on Sept. 21 that Martin is “feeling better” and he is at home with his sons Robin and Ram, recuperating.

Sobra kasing init ng mga spotlights onstage at saka hindi siya nakakain before the show kaya siguro bumigay si Martin, said Gomez.   

“AS 1” marked the first time for perceived rivals Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera to share one stage. Martin, who admittedly is no dancer, performed several dance numbers that night which must have contributed to his exhaustion.

Gomez said the “AS 1” shows abroad will push through. These will be at Pala Casino, San Diego, California, on Oct. 9; Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco, California, on Oct. 10; Arena Theater, Houston, Texas, on Oct. 16; Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 17; Gateway Theater, Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 23; Mark Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Oct. 25; Jubilee Edmonton, Canada, on Nov. 7; and Jubilee Calgary, Canada, on Nov. 8.

Some of the numbers in “AS 1” that OFWs could look forward to are a medley of theme songs that Martin and Gary have contributed to various film and TV soundtracks; Martin’s Broadway medley and Gary’s hit upbeat songs such as “Shout For Joy” and “Eto Na Naman;” and a production number between Robin Rivera and Gabs Valenciano.    

The “AS 1” concert in Manila was attended by many showbiz and political personalities including Ruffa Gutierrez, Boy Abunda, Sharon Cuneta, Sen. Francisco “Kiko”Pangilinan, Zsa  Zsa Padilla, Donita Rose, Jericho Rosales, Karylle, Nikki Gil, Rachelle Ann Go, Toni Gonzaga, and Jinkee Pacquiao.