GONE TOO SOON
Who was Brian Velasco, when did the Razorback drummer die and what was he famous for?
Rock band's drummer live streams suicide in Manila
BRIAN Velasco was the drummer with rock band Razorback who died in Manila, in the Philippines.
We explain who he is, when he died and how he will be remembered.
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Who is Brian Velasco?
Brian Velasco, 41, was the drummer of a famous rock band in the Philippines called Razorback.
He joined the band in the 1990s after its founding member, Miguel Ortigas, left in March 1996.
His band members described him as a “nice guy” when he auditioned to join the group.
He helped to release the band’s second album Beggar’s Moon under Epic Records, which went platinum.
Velasco and his band members, Tirso Ripoll, Manuel Legarda, Louie Talan, have opened for US bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Metallica.
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When did the Razorback drummer die?
Velasco died on January 16, 2019, after jumping from the roof deck of an apartment.
He livestreamed his death on Facebook and said goodbye to friends and family before jumping 34 floors to his death.
Velasco said to the camera “I’m going to go now” before saluting to the camera.
He then stood up and leaned over the edge as he said “here I go”.
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Facebook have since taken down the video.
His body was found on a safety canopy on the ground floor at 9.45am local time, according to Manila Police District Homicide Section.
Velasco reportedly mourned the loss of his dog in November and struggled to celebrate his birthday later that month.
Music producer Dudee Alfonso told that he took time to say goodbye in a group chat page.
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What has been said about him?
Singer Nicole Asensio, who used to front Filipino girlband General Luna, shared memories of their friendship upon hearing the news.
She wrote: “I don’t know if you heard me when I told you how much you meant to me. I heard you loud and clear when you told me how much I meant to you. Ganyan tayo intense eh. But thats how things were. And I love you for it.
I am raging with anger but I love you. Like family and more. Now I’m back there in that drowning lull because I don’t know where you are... I’m effin miles away, there’s nothing I can do and I don’t have any words.
“No words. No Giggles. Jan 26 woulda been our next gig together. I love you.”
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