The band behind the ‘90s alternative songs “You’re a God” and “Everything You want” will be coming to the Philippines this April and Cebu is one of its stops. Vertical Horizon will be performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 28, 2012, at 8 p.m. After its Manila concert, the band will be at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on April 29, 2012, also at 8 p.m
Cebuanos surely can’t wait for Matt Scannell and his crew to rock the stage and sing their signature songs like “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)” and “I’m Still Here,” as well as the new tracks that they have been working on for years.
The ticket prices are as follows: VIP reserved seating costs Php4,500, Gold reserved seating is Php3,500, Silver standing is Php2,500, Special Balcony reserved seating is Php2,000, and Balcony free seating costs Php1,000. For more information, you may call (032)532-8883, (032)232-6888 or (032)514-3500.
Vertical Horizon is an American alternative band formed in 1991, by Georgetown University undergraduates Matthew Scannell (lead vocals and lead guitar) and Keith Kane (guitar and vocals). The duo started as an acoustic band and used to perform cover sets in the university’s food court. After graduation, the two moved from Washington, DC, to Boston where they released their independent album There and Back Again. In 1995, they released another album Running on Ice, which was produced by John Alagia, whose portfolio includes the albums of Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. Although the album was largely acoustic-based, the band collaborated with other musicians to give it more of a full-band sound.
As Vertical Horizon toured in 1996, drummer Ed Toth joined them. They released a live album entitled Live Stages in 1997, which gave emphasis on the electric guitar and featured four new songs. The band’s independent albums attracted several record executives. On the same year, the band signed with Sony BMG Entertainment/RCA Records. In early 1998, Sean Hurley, a student at the Berklee College of Music, became the band’s permanent bassist after an impressive audition.
In 1999, their first studio album Everything You Want was released under RCA Records. Their first single “We Are” was not that successful, but their second single “Everything You Want” captured the hearts of listeners as it reached the top of the charts. It turned out to be the 34th most played song on the radio in the year 2000. On the same year, “You’re a God” became the 12th most played song, which was also featured in Jim Carrey’s 2003 movie “Bruce Almighty.” Their fourth single “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)” received fair radio airplay. Having sold 2,000,000 copies in the United States, the album was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The release of their fourth album Go was not as smooth as the band hoped for. It was scheduled to be released in 2002, but RCA was going through some major restructuring, which was why Go received little support from the record label. The album’s first single “I’m Still Here” did fairly well, but despite of the fact that it didn’t match the success of “Everything You Want,” RCA didn’t do anything to promote the album. They didn’t produce any video or back the album’s tour. The band eventually went on a short tour in early 2003. Go was finally released under producer John Shanks.
Vertical Horizon and RCA parted ways in 2004. The band signed with Hybrid Recordings in 2005, and Go was re-released with new songs in the summer. They were able to reignite the interest for their album by sending the song “Forever” to radio stations prior to the release. In the same year, longtime drummer Toth left the band and joined The Doobie Brothers.
On September 2009, after a five-year hiatus, Vertical Horizon released their album Burning the Days. This album was musically and lyrically different from the previous ones. It included the singles “Save Me from Myself” and “The Lucky One.”
After 20 years of being part of Vertical Horizon, Kane left in 2010, to pursue a solo career. As Scannell moves on without Kane, the lead vocalist remains supportive of his long-time friend. Scannell is currently joined by drummer Ron LaVella (drums), Jason Orme (rhythm guitar and back-up vocals), and Cedric LeMoyne (bass guitar, back-up vocals).
Vertical Horizon is currently busy recording their new album and touring. Some potential track names include “Instamatic,” “Broken Over You,” “Evermore,” “Consolation,” “Song For Someone,” “Half Light,” “You Never Let Me Down,” and “South for the Winter.”
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