‘Yeah, yeah, yeah!’ was his famous catchphrase, heralding the start of unabashed dancing and partying. That was Filipino soul, reggae, and mod artist, musician, songwriter, vocalist, and DJ, Abraham ‘Bing’ Gomez Austria.
His passing on June 3 this year at the age of 62 left an unfilled gap between the music genres he promoted and the manufactured acts in the OPM landscape.
Austria was a frontman for Juan Pablo Dream and a primary member of Put3ska and Tropical Depression.
While protest music conveyed the sentiments of the times, Austria’s form of dissent echoed the spirit of mod-he turned to music and dance, connecting people and giving them moments of hopeful reprieve from the world’s chaos.
As an artist, he committed himself to his music and always dressed up for it. Whether in a shark’s fin suit and pork pie hat for a ska gig, or in an outlandishly colored shirt for a mod all-nighter, Austria was the Firestarter-effortlessly energizing the crowd with his smooth dancing moves or while he spins his selection of vinyl music.
As an experienced elder in the music scene, Austria was also a guiding presence for many new-generation bands. The outpouring of warm messages thanking him for his relentless support is a testament to his dedication to the musical community.
But as tributes and prayers have been overwhelming, the other reality is that Austria’s battle in the hospital ICU has also accumulated soaring figures.
To help the family settle the medical bills, friends and peers will gather on Tuesday, June 16, starting at 6 AM at 70’s Bistro for ‘The Bing Austria Tribute Show: An Evening of Brotherhood and Music.’
The rare musical gathering will feature prominent artists in their respective genres: High Targets led by Tuesday Vargas; Jeck Pilpil, a known figure in the reggae scene; singer-songwriter Nico Ernest; roots and reggae band Goodleaf; Stiff Lu, the legendary Rizal Underground vocalist behind the iconic 90s song, ‘Sabado Nights’; Tropical Depression; Banda ni Meisha; Red Dela Peña; Reggae Mistress; Sleepyheads; and Hoochie Coochie Mikkie.
The evening promises to relive the happy place that Austria always brought onstage and the consoling spirit of brotherhood and community through the years.
Door charge is P200, but guests are encouraged to donate to the cause. 70s Bistro is located along Anonas Street in Quezon City.