MANILA, Philippines – The drummer of hard rock band Razorback died today, January 16, in an apparent suicide.
Brian Velasco, drummer of the iconic rock band, took his own life today as confirmed by music producer Dudee Alfonso and the rest of his bandmates.
Alfonso confirmed that Velasco went on Facebook messenger to say his final goodbye to his friends. Moments later, the drummer went on Facebook Live while on a balcony of a condominium in Malate, Manila. With the comments section turned off, Velasco can be seen drinking from a cup and saying a short message. His last words were, “Pakialagaan niyo na lang si Pochito. Here we go.”
On Facebook, Razorback has also confirmed the tragic incident to their “brother.” They wrote, "Today we lost our brother and our hearts are broken. We love you and we will always miss you Bri."
Initial investigation by the Manila Police District (MPD) said that the 41-year-old musician died after jumping from the 34th floor of along Vito Cruz Street in Malate, Manila at around 9:45 a.m. One of his condominium neighbor witnessed the incident. Velasco’s body landed on a canopy but no other persons were hurt.
The video of Velasco’s apparent suicide quickly became viral but has since been taken down. The musician’s family and friends are requesting for privacy.
On his social media accounts, Velasco shares snippets of his life as an artist and even as a proud dog lover. Last year, Razorback celebrated their 29th band anniversary and Velasco shared their new single, “Stargazer” featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi.
Last November 2018, a few days after Velasco celebrated his birthday, he also shared his deepness over the passing of his beloved Boston Terrier, Alfie. He lovingly wrote, “The loss is undeniably massive yet I find comfort in the thought that he did not endure too long a suffering and that he led a good life loved by all. So today I celebrate the memory of a little dog with a massive heart who up until his last days, did not complain. I will sorely miss you, young man. Thank you for being a part of my life. Daddy loves you.”
The band Razorback rose to fame back in the 90’s for their iconic songs “Diwata,” Paghihintay”, “Giyang” and many more. Velasco joined the band in 1996 as replacement for Miguel Ortigas. He was a former drum instructor.
Know the early signs of suicide and depression. If you feel you have suicidal thoughts or suspect that some is thinking about it, get help immediately. You can reach the HOPELINE Project, a crisis support hotline for depression and suicide prevention. You can call their hotlines 24/7 for help at (02) 804-HOPE (4673), 0917 558 HOPE (4673) and 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).
— Sally, The Summit Express
Brian Velasco, drummer of the iconic rock band, took his own life today as confirmed by music producer Dudee Alfonso and the rest of his bandmates.
Alfonso confirmed that Velasco went on Facebook messenger to say his final goodbye to his friends. Moments later, the drummer went on Facebook Live while on a balcony of a condominium in Malate, Manila. With the comments section turned off, Velasco can be seen drinking from a cup and saying a short message. His last words were, “Pakialagaan niyo na lang si Pochito. Here we go.”
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| Brian Velasco passed away at age 41 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Brian Velasco via Chico Zapotilla |
On Facebook, Razorback has also confirmed the tragic incident to their “brother.” They wrote, "Today we lost our brother and our hearts are broken. We love you and we will always miss you Bri."
Initial investigation by the Manila Police District (MPD) said that the 41-year-old musician died after jumping from the 34th floor of along Vito Cruz Street in Malate, Manila at around 9:45 a.m. One of his condominium neighbor witnessed the incident. Velasco’s body landed on a canopy but no other persons were hurt.
The video of Velasco’s apparent suicide quickly became viral but has since been taken down. The musician’s family and friends are requesting for privacy.
On his social media accounts, Velasco shares snippets of his life as an artist and even as a proud dog lover. Last year, Razorback celebrated their 29th band anniversary and Velasco shared their new single, “Stargazer” featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi.
Last November 2018, a few days after Velasco celebrated his birthday, he also shared his deepness over the passing of his beloved Boston Terrier, Alfie. He lovingly wrote, “The loss is undeniably massive yet I find comfort in the thought that he did not endure too long a suffering and that he led a good life loved by all. So today I celebrate the memory of a little dog with a massive heart who up until his last days, did not complain. I will sorely miss you, young man. Thank you for being a part of my life. Daddy loves you.”
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| Brian poses with his beloved Alfie | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Brian Velasco |
The band Razorback rose to fame back in the 90’s for their iconic songs “Diwata,” Paghihintay”, “Giyang” and many more. Velasco joined the band in 1996 as replacement for Miguel Ortigas. He was a former drum instructor.
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| Razorback is one of the iconic rock bands in the country | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Brian Velasco |
Know the early signs of suicide and depression. If you feel you have suicidal thoughts or suspect that some is thinking about it, get help immediately. You can reach the HOPELINE Project, a crisis support hotline for depression and suicide prevention. You can call their hotlines 24/7 for help at (02) 804-HOPE (4673), 0917 558 HOPE (4673) and 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).
— Sally, The Summit Express
