China Crisis...Live in Manila

“Wishful Thinking”…the song that catapulted an English Pop Group in the 80s and it is, for me at least, one of the iconic songs of the New Wave scene. I feel a warm sense of nostalgia whenever I hear “Wishful Thinking” but when I heard that China Crisis was coming to Manila, I blurted out “China who?” Unfortunately, the song overshadowed the artists in my mind (pardon me, but I was still in ribboned ponytails back when the song became popular).

China Crisis core vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon

When the opportunity to know them better came along through a press conference and one-on-one interview, I grabbed the chance. Here’s what I learned about them in snippets:

• China Crisis’ core are vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon;
• Their hit songs are Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, King in a Catholic Style, Tragedy and Mystery, among others;
• They debuted in 1981 with the single “African White” but the third single in their 1983 album “Wishful Thinking” became their biggest hit;
• China Crisis’ most recent project was their live album “Acoustically Yours” released in 1995;
• The group named themselves China Crisis but they have never been to China;
• Someone covered their song “Black Man Ray” in Cantonese;
• Gary thinks that “Stevie Wonder is a genius!”
• On family members inheriting their musicality, Eddie’s 16 year old son plays the guitar while Gary’s two daughters, though not musicians, are music lovers;
• When asked about who among the current artists they think has the staying power in the music industry, guess whose name came out: Beyonce!
• If given a chance to record new songs, they would, but as of the moment, they see China Crisis as a part of history in the bigger picture.

That's me while asking China Crisis if musicality runs in the family

Say cheese! Gary and Eddie gamely poses for the camera

With those bits of information in mind, I was set to watch their gig the following day in Eastwood Mall. Such a stressful early evening that 21st of January because aside from battling Friday night traffic, there was heavy rain to contend with. Fast forward, my companions and I arrived at the venue at half past 9, thinking that we have definitely missed the concert that was slated to start at 7 in the evening. To our delight, the show was still on and we were able to take our seats a few minutes before “Wishful Thinking” was performed. Thank goodness for that and all the stress we got early on slowly dissipated. China Crisis sounded like they did not age at all! Gary Daly still has the same cool voice and Eddie Lundon still played the guitar with youthful bravado.

China Crisis in action at Eastwood Mall

As I pondered on Eddie’s parting words during the interview over a great meal at Buenisimo, I just couldn’t agree more: that whatever genre of music there is, “what matters most is a good song.” And a good song they have indeed with “Wishful Thinking” that put them on the map of pop music history.

Press Con photos taken by Joy Wong. Thanks to Karen L. and Tinay M. of Eastwood Mall for the opportunity. :)