The Jerks

The Jerks is a rock band from the Philippines formed in 1979, and perhaps, is the original alternative rock and blues band in the country.[1] The band has undergone a lot of member changes and notably a lot of the previous members of the band are now certified icons themselves in the music scene. Members like Chickoy Pura, Nitoy Adriano, Jun Lopito, Angelo Villegas, and others have carved names in their respective niches.[2][3] Other performers who have played with the Jerks is former Put3ska drummer Brutus Lacano as a session musician, and drummer Benjie Santos.

The Jerks
Philippine rock band The Jerks performing at a stage in Luneta Park on September 21, 2018, during a Martial Law anniversary protest rally.
Background information
Origin	Manila, Philippines
Genres	Pinoy rock, punk rock, blues rock
Years active	1979–present
Labels	Star Records
Members	Chikoy Pura Benjie Santos Paolo Manuel
Past members	Jun Lopito Angelo Villegas Flor Mendoza (deceased) Paul Benitez Jong Cablitas Gils Dawag Boy Matriano Heli Umali Rene Tengasantos Brutus Lacano Rey Abella Nitoy Adriano Pino Fernandez Loy Biscaro Edwin Aguilar

Despite having been formed in 1979, they only released their debut record in 1994 entitled The Jerks Live, released under Gary Granada's Backdoor Records. It was recorded live at the legendary Mayric's bar and showcases the raw, passionate musicality of the band never before put into record. The Jerks also released a self-titled album in the late '90s.[2]

By 1998, Star Records managed to convince the band to record a major label album called Haligi Ng Maynila, produced by ABS-CBN's Gabby Lopez, which gave the band the opportunity to reach a wider audience. This paved the way to the band winning the 1998 NU Rock Award for Best Album and the 1998 Katha Award for Best Rock Song, "Reklamo ng Reklamo".[2]

The Jerks still perform regularly around Manila in bars like My Brother's Mustache Folk Bar near Timog Avenue, The 70s Bistro, Tiendesitas and Route 196 along Katipunan Extension.[4][5]