MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE 3:30 p.m.) Pinoy rock icon Karl Roy, who passed away early Tuesday morning, will be immediately cremated, said Kevin Roy, Karl's younger brother and frontman of the band Razorback.
He died from complications due to pneumonia, according to Jay Alviar, Roy's ex-drummer for Advent Call, in a text message to InterAksyon.com
Interment will begin on Wednesday at the Mount Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City.
In his Facebook page post, Kevin wrote: "Right now our phones are exploding with messages of sympathy and condolences. Thank you all but our phones are still exploding. Right now we are claiming the body and are prepping for immediate cremation. We will let you know when and where the services and parties will take place... Remember... Karl would've wanted it this way."
Karl Roy, lead vocalist of the band Kapatid and P.O.T., was 44.
Roy's death was announced by his sister, Kathryn Roy, on Facebook. He was said to have passed away in his home surrounded by members of his family, including his daughter Arianna. He is survived by his wife Dena.
Roy is an iconic figure in the Pinoy rock scene and became one of the purveyors of the emerging alternative music scene in the '90s. Whether he was singing a new wave song as he did when he first started out, a funk jazz or reggae piece, or a Pinoy rock song he penned himself, Roy's soulful and intense performances always stood out from the rest.
In an interview with Rogue Magazine in 2009, he said that his grandfather originally wanted him to become a soldier and run for president of the country; but all Karl wanted, he said, was to play and create music.
In the early '90s, he became recognized as the lead vocalist for Advent Call. After it disbanded, he formed P.O.T. and later Kapatid with the scene's heavyweights such as J-Hoon Balbuena on drums, Ira Cruz on guitars, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Chico Molina on guitars, and Paul Zialcita on percussions. The members left the band one at a time until Karl was the only original member left. But with determination to continue with the music, Karl got together new members like Louie Talan on bass, Paolo Rosal on drums, and Anjones Elemos on guitars.
In 2008, a benefit concert was mounted for Roy who had suffered from multiple strokes.
Fans have been inundating a Facebook fan page for Roy with tributes.
Kevin, said their family will be releasing an official statement within the day.
source: interaksyon.com
