At 56 years old, Joey Generoso has a lot to be thankful for both in his career and personal life.

In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment recently, the former Side A vocalist-turned-solo artist looked back on his early years in the music industry.

“Nag-start ako ’79 yata. First year college ako. Estudyante pa ako nu’n, minsan naka-uniform ako ’pag tumutugtog,” Joey recalled. “40 pesos ’yung bayad, tapos tumaas naging 60, then 65. Nu’ng time na ’yun pinakamataas ko siguro 120 pesos.”

As his name gathered steam, even celebrities as Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez would watch him perform at the Hyatt Calesa Bar.

Then Side A came to be. The pop band became very popular in the ‘90s and it won numerous awards.

 “25 years, kalahati nu’ng buhay ko, I spent with the boys,” Joey said.

He mentioned their hit “Forevermore” is his favorite.

“Ang daming trabahong binigay sa’kin ng kantang ’yun," he said. "I remember my bandmate and the writer of the song, Joey Benin, telling me, 'Naku Joey! Tailormade talaga sa’yo ’yun. Kahit sinong kumanta nu’n, wala talagang tatalo sa version mo,'" Joey said.

He remembered how he convinced their manager Lito, “Tugtugin natin, wala namang mawawala eh. Testingin natin.” Luckily, the crowd loved it. From there, the manager said, “Mukhang ito na yata ’yung kantang hinihintay natin.”

Joey can never forget the moment he heard a tricycle driver at Gagalangin, Tondo sing “Hold On” (Side A's first big hit), not knowing the singer of the song can hear him.

 “Dun ko naisip, 'I think I made it.' Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na marinig mo ’yung kanta mo na kinakanta ng ibang tao, at sa radyo."

Some of their other hits are "So Many Questions," "Will I Ever," versions of "Uloy Pa Rin," "Himig Natin," "Tell Me," etc.

Aside from touring the Philippines many times over, the band also held concerts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Solo star

 So, why did Joey quit Side A?

“Parang nabigay ko na lahat, Nag-Araneta na kami. Parang nagawa ko na lahat," he said.

Asked if he enjoys his career now than before, the singer said, “Iba eh. Excited ako. Siguro kasi nasusunod ko ’yung kanta na gusto ko.”

The singer still holds gigs frequently, saying hr considers it like going to the gym.

“Siguro dahil ang dami pa ring tao (nanonood). Nagugulat nga ako three decades na, pero minsan mga Millennials pa nga ’yung nanunuod sa akin eh,” he said.

Always reinventing himself, the singer takes on even current favorites. “I receive request din kasi for such songs from the audience eh,” he said.

The singer is grateful people still come to see him, listen to his music, and support him as a performer.

“Sinasabi nila, ‘Joey hindi nagbabago boses mo.’ Thank God nandoon pa rin," he said.

What’s the secret to his voice sounding the same all these years?

“Siguro dahil hindi ako nag-aabuso. Matagal na ako nag-stop mag-smoke, simula pa nu’ng kinasal ako,” he explained. “Tsaka mahilig ako uminom ng tubig at I go to the gym.”

Asked until when he plans to sing and make music, he said, “I’m 56 and I’m proud of it. Tuloy tuloy lang hangga’t naa-appreciate ako ng crowd, habang nagre-respond sila sa akin."

Night with 'Mega'

Joey is set to share the stage with guest performer Sharon Cuneta in his one-night show  “Joey G…BEYOND: 3 Decades Of Music” on June 22 at The Theater, Solaire.

Joey shared the Megastar is a very dear friend. “Siya ’yung pinakamalapit na nag-support sa akin ever since,” he said.

Joey G and Sharon did a duet before of the song “All This Time,” though they never got the chance to perform it live.

As soon as they are on stage together, maybe it's their chance to finally do it? Well, that’s something to watch out for. Joey, however, wouldn't reveal his set list for their show. “Basta surprise nalang,” he said.

Beyond the concert, Joey will be holding tours in US and in Canada in October with singers Morisette and Aiza Seguerra. They will perform with international singer David Pomeranz.