It was business as usual for Filipino rockstar Bamboo, who gave a powerful performance at Thursday night’s Fluid Jam 2018 concert in Dubai. Thousands of fans gathered at Zabeel Park for the rock and roll event, where the 43-year-old singer-songwriter dished out a combination of classic hits and songs from his newer albums.
“The last time I was here was 2016,” said Bamboo during an interview with Gulf News tabloid! after the Fluid Events production. “It’s a great feeling to be back, a great event — you can just feel the energy from the crowd. It was a great venue. I enjoyed myself. I hope everyone else did. Ang sarap lang (It was a great feeling).”
Bamboo hit the stage around 10pm and the crowd’s intensity quickly rose several notches higher as the Filipino rocker performed iconic hits like Himala, Noypi, Elisi and Awit ng Kabataan. He also sang songs from his 2015 album Bless This Mess, including Fire Power.
For hardcore fans, the hour-long, high-octane performance was nothing unusual, but more of a reaffirmation of the rocker’s showmanship as one of the most enduring personalities in the Philippine music industry. Fans danced and waved flags as Bamboo indulged the crowd, even jumping off stage to sing with his fans and take selfies. At one point, he invited a fan on stage to jam with him.
Bamboo, who is one of the coaches in the reality TV singing competition, The Voice Philippines, said fans can expect a new album and more concert tours in the coming months.
“I never stop,” he said. “Watch out for my new album and of course I’m touring all over. It’s always fun.”
Apart from Bamboo, other Filipino artists who performed during the concert were Barbie Almalbis and rock band Franco. UAE-based Filipino bands Gatilyo, Tsinelas and gde were the show’s opening acts.
