Most bands disband. Die-hard fans always clamor for a reunion. To set the record straight, Director Maria Diane Ventura chronicles the Eraserheads’ journey using archival videos and interviews from lead singer and songwriter Ely Buendia, guitarist Marcus Adoro, bassist Buddy Zabala, and drummer Raimund Marasigan.

“It was a spontaneous decision,” says the former wife of Ely. Coming out of the pandemic, the documentary was put in preparation for the 2022 reunion concert. “Ely was a vocal supporter of one of the candidates—he had the intention of lifting the spirits up.” 

After more than a decade of the band’s break-up, a long-overdue reconciliation was happening through music. “I knew I needed to document it,” she confesses.

In the full-length documentary, all band members were given ample time to share their “truths.” These four men came from the generation that does not confront. Hence, unresolved frustrations and painful revelations were blurted out individually.

Ely talked about his disappointment with his band members after cutting off their concert due to his “collapse.” His band members continued the concert at Saguijo Bar. For him, they were insensitive. But for others, it was their coping mechanism. ]

For the other band members, Ely texting them a break-up message of “it’s graduation time” was uncalled for. Anger and resentment followed from the three band members who were starting their own families. 

“Anyone that holds an opinion that doesn’t align with ours, immediately we try to cancel, we do not try to listen,” says Diane. 

Healing is hard work, and it can take years. “If you have the willingness to listen, to empathize—try to understand redemption and second chances,” muses the director.

We also learn about Ely putting his mom to sleep because she likes listening to her son’s musical talent. “I grew up basically listening to OPM, the Manila sound,” remarks the 54-year-old lead singer. “My mother was a big fan—I love that kind of music in the '70s. It was very folky.”

We commend the “aloof” band for being courageous, showing their vulnerability, and sharing their thoughts on the bands’ ups and downs. There were no rules or guides on how to cope with stardom or how to handle a celebrity status. They were all “victimized” by it. Their privacy was compromised, and it was hard to accept this for these young rockstars.

“Difficult to express again what we have experienced, but it was also a joy to relive the past,” says the University of the Philippines alumni. “It’s a roller coaster like everything else."

For the Eraserheads frontman, the film leaves a legacy—the lesson that we should not give up on your friends. “Even if they made mistakes along the way, even if sobrang sama ng mistake nila, or you think you have been hurt by someone, if they are really, really sincere about being redeemed and really making the effort to make things right. I think everyone deserves a second chance,” declares Ely.

Watching an epic ride of talking heads might not be for all, but fans would surely appreciate "Eraserheads Combo on the Run." Seeing their idols’ nostalgic glory days leading to its world tour and gearing up for the upcoming Eraserheads: Electric Fun Music Festival on May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City will surely ignite their hearts to support this popular rock band.

What did Ely discover in the documentary? “I didn’t know Marcus could cry,” he smiles. 

If these four men had just talked and articulated their sentiments decades ago, conflict and the term “disbanded” could have been avoided.

What we learned from "Combo on the Run" was the difficulty for people to heal and confront the past. But it is necessary for everyone’s peace of mind to take accountability and make changes.

“We are here to stay…until we break up again,” blurts Ely. “We just wanted a new concept—a music festival where our friends and artists we really admire can share the stage with us.”

Produced by Francis Lumen and distributed by Warner Bros’ Rico Gonzalez, the documentary had a weekend release yesterday at selected cinemas to drum up its next music festival concert.