MANILA - Brian Velasco, drummer of iconic Filipino rock band Razorback, has died in an apparent suicide.
His death this Wednesday morning was confirmed by his group on Facebook with a message that read: "Today we lost our brother and our hearts are broken. We love you and we will always miss you Bri."
Velasco joined Razorback in 1996, replacing original drummer Miguel Ortigas, and helped the band become a household name after the release of their second album, "Beggar's Moon."
Tributes were quick to arrive from fellow musicians and his fans on social media following the news.
Razorback's last album, "Acoustic ng Ina Mo," a compilation of acoustic versions of their hits, was released in 2015.
Last year marked their 28th anniversary as a group and saw them drop a new single, "Stargazer," featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi.
Velasco's death came more than a week after Razorback headlined a benefit gig for OPM legend Wally Gonzalez, a founding member of the influential rock act Juan Dela Cruz Band.
Editor's note:
A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.
The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.
These are their hotline numbers:
(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917 558 HOPE (4673)
2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers)
source: news.abs-cbn.com
