Arnel Dayrit

Arnel Dayrit A Pinoy Rock Gem

“Pag gising sa umaga, hanap mo'y almusal….

Kape na may asukal, gatas at pandesal..

Tugtog na Rock n Roll ay lagi kong kasabay..

Kumpleto na ang araw at tayo na't magsaya..

Mag rock n roll..Rock n roll..Rock n roll…mag

Rock n Roll sa umaga…mag

Rock n Roll araw araw.”

-ROCK N ROLL ARAW ARAW

Nope, this is not an oldie song. This is a brand new song.  It may appear like a song from Juan Dela Cruz or Maria Cafra, because of the pure Tagalog lyrics, but I assure you, this is brand new…many would think this style of writing is outdated because nowadays songs sounds mushy, or it sounds Korean!

It’s a good thing there are still local artists out there that composes songs in Tagalog. Moreover, Pinoy Rock N Roll! Our Pinoy Rock n Roll world ended when Juan dela Cruz band disbanded decades ago. Not to disrespect a handful of Pinoy Rock Icons like Resty Fabunan, Lolita Carbon, Gary Perez, Heber Bartolome, and a lot more, who have contributed significantly in the genre. But the fact that, there is a miniscule percentage of artists and composers that would venture into the realm if writing songs in Tagalog and in a genre that is slowly dying… PINOY ROCK.

Before the Millennials forget what PINOY ROCK is enters Arnel Dayrit, who is born and raised in Angeles City, Pampanga. Angeles City is where the groove at in the early days.

For the past 30 years Arnel Dayrit's name isn't exclusive locally, but internationally as well. This seasoned veteran started playing at age of 18. Not as a hobby, but professionally. He has entertained US Troops in Okinawa and other parts of Japan. Not to mention his performance in Europe, the Mediterranean, Brazil and Las Vegas-where he has been a long-time favorite. He has also toured The Islands with the Royal Carribean Cruise Line-a world-class cruise ship who caters only to the affluent and the elite.

Notably, he worked with Mike Hanapol in the BUHAY AMERIKA in the 90’s in Miami,Florida- where he resides whenever he has an engagement in US.

His interactive style in playing his guitar, blends well in Classic Rock, Blues, Latin, Country-Western, Oldies, Pop and into any musical genre that everyone enjoys. Whether Arnel is performing for a crowd of thousands or to a number of beach army ( which he is renowned to throw an impromptu performance in Santa Catarina-Brazil), Arnel is fully equipped and very versatile with an extensive number of cover tunes plus some originals as well.

Currently working in his (first and overdue) album, with his inspiring powerful voice to boot, Arnel Dayrit's ensemble of cover songs number to the hundreds, from Santana to Satriani; from Van Morrison to Van Halen; from ACDC to ZZTop.

Now in the Philippines on a semi-permanent basis, Arnel Dayrit is ready to take his repertoire to the local entertainment scene and rock our socks off! Another of his composition is the comically titled "WASAK, WARAT, SABOG ANG PUSO KO". The title took me by surprise. Arnel explains what is it all about…

“Nagpunta sa Saudi, pag balik niya nangaliwa ang asawa at ibinenta ang lahat ng gamit nila. Yan ang story. Matatawa ka sa pamagat, pero nasa kanta ang story”. 

Currently, Arnel boasts of his very own band with his moniker- aptly called ARNEL DAYRIT AND THE BOYZ, consisting of Boyet Magbag on drums, Bong Magbag on percussions and vocals, Barry Cinco on bass guitar, Daryl Gustilo on vocals, and of course Arnel Dayrit on Lead Guitar and vocals. Prior to this band, he was a member of STEELERS BAND, FRICTION BAND, SAVAGE BAND and a lot more.

His recording studio in his posh house in Angeles City is where he is recording his long overdue album. When asked, what is the message he is imparting with the current songs he is recording.. Arnel quips..."Pinoy Rock is still alive, although it has age a bit, in a good way , that is. Madaming kabataan nowadays na akala wala ng Pinoy Rock. Pero andito pa din kami to propagate the genre." He explains further.... "...malaking influence sakin si Pareng Resty Fabuban of Maria Cafra, who is the forefront of Pinoy Rock in Angeles City. Resty took to liking my compostions. His name is even a part of one my songs."

GENRE: CLASSIC ROCK, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, BLUES, LATIN, COUNTRY-WESTERN

INFLUENCES: CARLOS SANTANA/JEFF BECK

COUNTRIES/STATES VISITED AND HAVE PERFORMED: JAPAN, CANADA, HAWAII, ALASKA, LAS VEGAS,CARRIBEAN, MEXICAN RIVIERRA, BRAZIL

Sample Repertoire:

DEEP PURPLE/SMOKE ON THE WATER

JOHN COUGAR/HURTS SO GOOD

JOE SATRIANI/TEN WORDS

ACDC/ALL NIGHT LONG/HIGHWAY TO HELL

JAMES BROWN/I FEEL GOOD

SANTANA/SMOOTH/BLACK MAGIC WOMAN/FLOR D' LUNA

LYNYRD SKYNYRD/SWEET HOME ALABAMA

ZZ TOP/TUSH/LE GRANGE

VAN HALEN/PRETTY WOMAN

JEFF BECK/CAUSE WE'VE ENDED AS LOVERS

LOVER BOY/WORKIN FOR THE WEEKEND

ROBIN TOWER/DAY OF THE EAGLE

CHUCK BERRY/JOHNNY B GOODE

BEATLES/COM TOGETHER

STEPHEN WOLFE/BORN TO BE WILD

LED ZEPELLIN/IMMIGRANT SONG

BRIAN ADAMS/SUMMER OF 69

BILLY JOEL/YOU MAY BE RIGHT

DOOBIE BROTHERS/LONG TRAIN RUNNIN'

THE EAGLES/HOTEL CALIFORNIA

4NONE BLONDE/WHAT'S UP

ERIC CLAPTON/COCAINE/WONDERFUL TONIGHT

LOUIE ARMSTRONG/WHAT A AWONDERFUL WORLD