Wally Gonzalez

Wally Gonzalez - UP IN ARMS

Like many movement or entity, a sort of meme or slogan is a must for that movement to have a purpose. A goal. A drive.

In the case of Wally Gonzalez (Walter R. Gonzalez in private life), guitarist par excellence of the legendary group JUAN DELA CRUZ, the term UP IN ARMS, has been a journey and a destiny rolled into one. Wally Gonzalez, the guitarist dubbed as the “The Quiet One” of the Juan Dela Cruz, was hospitalized months prior. A considerable sum of money was needed to rectify his well-being. An overwhelming pour of support  ensued, soon after word got out that Wally has in dire need of medical attention. And the operation was a complete success. Pneumonia was the culprit for his suffering., and was in dire need of medical attention during mid-September of this year. His son, John G. Gonzalez initiated a GC in FB to raise awareness for the 68 yo guitarist. Some notable personalities came to heed the call like Resty Fabunan (Maria Cafra),  Dudee Alfonso, Mon Malana, Charlie Soler, Bing Pascual, Emee Fortuno (spouse of Edmund Fortuno), and lots more. Together with Juno Paredes, the Fund-raising Jam was formed.

Incidentally, “UP IN ARMS” is the title of the very first album Juan Dela Cruz had. In 1968, Edmund Fortuno with Bing Labrador, Alex Cruz (father of Ira Cruz) and others, formed the band. Initially called JOHN OF THE CROSS, it was Mike Hanopol (in one if their chance encounters), who suggested to Edmund Fortuno to “Tagalized” the band’s name. Thus, the name JUAN DELA CRUZ BAND. I tried juxtaposing myself into listening to the album, and I could fairly assume, I was listening to BIG BROTHER HOLDING COMPANY with a bit crossover from DEEP PURPLE. “But personally my main influences are Eric Clapton, Moody Blues and Miles Davis…” adds Wally. The album may not be a commercial success (there were no official re-issue of the album locally), but the critically accomplished album -musically, that is- is a must for all Pinoy Rock lovers out there. The seminal album runs only a little over 30 minutes. But those 30 minutes will take you someplace else. The wailing guitar of Wally will be recognized nonchalantly. Of the original JDLC and sessionists who were involved in the recording of this seminal album only Sandy Tagarro, Clifford Ho, ,Rene Suqueco and himself are still around.

Come December 29, 2018, Wally is hosting a party jam in thanking everyone who helped get over his predicament, those who helped tangibly or intangibly, will be treated to a Super Jam with notable artists and bands. Onelia Gonzalez spearheaded this “Thanksgiving Jam”. The Diablong Buang Brothers will be headlining to spur this spectacle. Mon T. Malana the PINOY ROCK AND RHTYHM FB Page guru will be playing as well. Other notable Pinoy Rockers who will be joining the hoopla are; Razorback, Wowee Posadas (who also played for a while for JDLC), Joko Reantaso (Fender Philippines brand endorser), Cowboy Santos (Genaration), Marc Abaya ( formerly of Sandwich and Kjwan), Kat Agarrado (Sinosikat?), Ira Cruz (son of Alex Cruz -Introvoys, Bamboo fame), Louie Talan, and about a dozen more. The event will be hosted by Ms.Kat Maraña. Show starts at 8.30pm. 19East Bar at Sucat will be hosting the event. Tickets are pegged at PhP300 at the entrance. As a special treat to early ticket buyers, the first 100 ticket buyers will receive a commemorative guitar pick from Wally Gonzalez with his name on it, plus they will be qualified to a special raffle with a special prizes up for grabs. Proceeds of the Thanksgiving Jam will be used partly for the continued rehabilitation and medication of one Wally Gonzalez. So come out and pass the hat for this magnificent guitar player of JUAN DELA CRUZ.