BACKDRAFT was formed October of 1992, when four students of the Ateneo De Manila High School, decided to get together and jam some metal covers. The group’s big break came unexpectedly, during a rather formal affair—- an acoustic set for a posh dinner party. Included in that acoustic repertoire was a rendition of the Filipino rock classic, “Himig Natin”. After the set, the band was approached by a top executive of a local recording company. Eventually, they were invited to record an album. After completing the original materials, the band recorded their 10 song debut album under Neo Records, a division of Viva Records. This album includes 9 original songs and a remake of “Himig Natin” and was certified as GOLD. Backdraft was then composed of Benedict Verzosa on vocals, Mirt Togle and Ferdie Aquino on guitars, Tyrone Borromeo on bass, and Jigs De Belen on drums.
On October 1995, tragedy struck the group during a concert in Cebu as Ferdie Aquino, the guitarist, was rushed to the hospital due to an unchecked genetic heart disease. Sadly, he became unable to continue with the band, as he slipped into a coma as a result of this heart disorder. As of the moment, he is still on his recovery.
With a heavy heart, Anton Yap, a good friend of the band replaced, Ferdie on guitars. They began composing new material for a second album. The second album, entitled “The Shadowland Deep” was recorded during the latter parts of 1996. It included 12 new songs; all original material.
The Shadowland Tour lasted from 1996 to early 1997. This brought the band to new heights, with more campus, bar and provincial tours. 1997 was also the year that most of Backdraft’s members would be graduating from college. This is when the band decided to put an end to a short, but colourful voyage into the Filipino rock music scene, and allowed its members to focus on their own personal journeys.
15 years later, the planets align, and the universe brings the 5 members back to the Philippines, for a limited time. They will be performing for one night only, at B-Side, and dedicate this reunion to their former band mate and long time friend, Ferdie Aquino.
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