Alamid frontman Gary Ignacio dies at 49

MANILA, Philippines – Gary Ignacio, frontman of Filipino rock band Alamid, died on Friday afternoon, April 17. He was 49 years old.

He was battling stage 4 renal cancer since he was diagnosed in September 2014. He died at 2:50pm on Friday. 

His remains lie at the Sto. Rosario Chapel in Malabon City. He is survived by his wife Maria Buena and children Sean, Gavin, and Ashley.  

Alamid was best known for single “Your Love,” which surged them to success in the 90s, and was awarded Song of the Year at the NU107 Awards in 1995.

“Kuya Gary touched many lives with his music. He had pure vocal talent, raw passion, and poured his heart out with each performance. We are deeply grateful to the outpouring of support from his fans and friends since day one of his battle with cancer. He may be gone but his music will continue to live and inspire us,” said his youngest brother and Alamid drummer Gail in a press statement.

Some celebrities and prominent music icons also mourned the death of Gary:

RIP, Gary Ignacio (Alamid). Your love is like the sun that lights up the whole world.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 17, 2015

Want to take a moment to remember a fallen comrade, Gary Ignacio.

— Ely Buendia (@elybuendia9001) April 17, 2015

“My deepest condolences to the family and bandmates of Gary Ignacio.

You’ll always be remembered. May you rest in peace my dear friend,” wrote Noel Cabangon on his Facebook account. – Rappler.com