Wally@70

Wally Gonzalez’s name is synonymous to  guitar-playing. Being a  member of Juan Dela Cruz and pioneering act in Pinoy Rock, Wally have many reasons to thank his friends, fans and family.
That is why, a fete scheduled on Dec.27, 2019 was conceived by Dudee Alfonso and Nel Gonzalez (wife of Wally) at 19East with an all-star ensemble entitled “WALLY GONZALEZ THANKSGIVING GIG – UP IN ARMS”.
“ I will be 70 years old, can you imagine that? God willing, bonus na ito to reach 70 diba. Kaya it’s something to celebrate talaga”, exclaimed Wally on a recent interview. And to help celebrate this soiree, Wally hand-picked his chosen artist to celebrate the night with him. Kat Agarado, Basti Artadi, Ado Bantula, Rommel Dela Cruz, Dave Deaño, Wendell Garcia, Pigdog, Wowee Posadas, Bea Lao, Kowboy Santos, Jay Ortega, Joko Reantaso, Louie Talan, Charlie Ysmael, Peter Lambengco, Martin de Leon, Doc Ted Nicoloff, Janno Quayquep, Evy and Erwin Rodriguez, Relli De Vera, Calle Victoria, Khristine Virtucio and John Zuñiga. Plus other surprise guests.
It also noteworthy to notice that Pepe Smith’s birthday is 2 days shy of Wally’s birthday. “Oo nga December 25 si Pyaps, sayang nga, sabay sana kame mag celebrate. Anyway, kasama naman natin sya parati in spirits. Nakaka miss din si Pyaps”, admits Wally.
His friends Louie Talan and Bea Lao hinted to Wally that it has been 42 years ago since he last came out with an album. “It’s time na daw gumawa ng new recording. My last album was ‘On The Road’ 1977 pa, grabe iba na panahon ngayon nag daan na tayo sa mga iba't ibang klaseng royalty issues and piracy na charge it to experience and work of love parin .. at least ngayon may indie na. Hawak mo yun recording nyo, may mga gusto pa kame invite na mag session musician kaya dpa talaga tapos yun album relax lang take time lang walang pressure hopefully by December 2019 may mailabas kame 1 or 2 songs from the album”, reveals Wally.
Wally won’t reveal yet the musicians behind this project, citing that, it might pre-empt the hype. The album is being recorded at Southbay Studio of Bea Lao and Wombworks of Louie Talan. “The album art was designed by my son John Gonzalez”, says Wally. Yes, Wally is planning to release it by vinyl. “Ganun na nga, vinyl ang plan in releasing the album. Medyo mas mahirap i-pirate ang vinyl. Syempre wala ka naman lusot sa downloading pag lumabas na yan digitally”, admits Wally with a sneer.
Asked if the album launching will coincide with the Thanksgiving Gig on Dec.27. “We’ll see. That would be a blast if aabot sa date na yan. Walang kaseng pressing plant for vinyl sa Pinipinas, kaya medyo mahal. We still have a few recording sessions scheduled. The album’s genre is Blues Rock. And hopefully, people would like it”, hopes Wally.
“I hope to see all of you out there on Dec.27 at 19East and let’s celebrate my birthday with a bang! Mabuhay ang Pinoy Rock”, finishes Wally.