Philippine rock band Wolfgang is set to take the stage for their Philippine Tour, with Cebu as one of the stops. The band has nurtured generations of rockers through its gritty, soulful anthems. For frontman Basti Artadi, returning to Cebu is a reunion with a “rock country” he deeply admires.
Speaking with SunStar on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Artadi couldn’t hide his excitement for the Cebuano crowd. “A good f*cking time, man!” Artadi said. He described Cebuanos as loud, proud and — most importantly — the “good kind of rowdy.” He added that he loved playing in Cebu, recalling a solo stint from a few years ago. He remembered how amazing the crowd was, describing the experience as “glorious.”
Fans can expect a setlist that spans the band’s legendary career, featuring hits from the Black Mantra album and deep cuts they haven’t performed in years. For Artadi, these shows are about more than just music; they’re about a shared history. He recalled wearing a wig during their first reunion concert in Manila — a playful nod to the days when both the band and the fans were younger.
“I want to bring them back to those times where the only thing they worried about was how to get their next beer,” he said.
Resilience, remembrance
The journey back to the stage hasn’t been without its hurdles. Artadi spoke candidly about his battle with a facial nerve tumor that once threatened his ability to sing. However, he reassured fans that the worst is behind him. “The hard part is over,” he said, proving that his iconic voice is as resilient as the music itself.
The tour also serves as a poignant tribute to the late Mon Legaspi, Wolfgang’s bassist and the lyrical genius behind nearly all their Tagalog hits. Legaspi passed away in October 2022, leaving a void in the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) scene.
“People need reminding of how good of a musician he is, how good of a lyricist he is,” Artadi noted.
Keeping it loose
When asked about his musical roots, Artadi traced them back to his older sisters and long car rides from Muntinlupa to Lucena. It was there, amid the hum of the road, that he discovered the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash and Black Sabbath.
That raw, unpolished influence still dictates how Wolfgang hits the stage today. Don’t expect a perfectly choreographed performance; expect something real.
“The element of our concerts is that we try not to plan it too much,” Artadi said. “We just keep it loose.” As Wolfgang prepares to descend on Cebu, it’s clear that this tour is more than a professional milestone — it’s a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of Pinoy Rock.