The Youth (band)

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The Youth is a Filipino rock band from Manila. Their music blends punk, post-punk and alternative rock, and they were inspired by the pioneering Filipino punk band Wuds.

They formed in 1989 and were originally called Boyish Day. The early members were Dodong Cruz (bass/backup vocals), Erap Carrasco (drums), Pat Mabingnay (lead guitar) and Zaldy Carrasco (lead singer). Over time, lineup changes happened, and John Olidan left, Raul Velez joined, and Robert Javier replaced Olidan. The core three after these changes became Dodong, Erap and Robert, with additions from there.

The Youth played many underground gigs and even performed as front acts at concerts. They won the 1990 RJ Battle of the Bands, which helped them gain attention. Their self-titled indie album, The Youth, came out in 1990 on Backbeat Records and is now a collector’s item. The band quickly built a strong local following with high-energy live shows.

In 1993 they signed with a major label, Universal Music, as part of a wave of new alternative rock. They released their first major album, Album na Walang Pamagat, in 1994. The hit single "Multo sa Paningin" helped the album go Platinum and earned them wide radio play.

Their next album, Tao Po, was released in 1997 after a busy touring schedule. It received mixed reviews and faced less airplay. Internal tensions led to Dodong Cruz leaving to pursue a solo career, while the remaining members formed Warehouse Club.

The Youth reunited for a one-off show at Mayric’s in 1999, and the success encouraged them to keep going. In 2004 they contributed a track to the Jack Daniel’s In Session: Manila compilation and kept performing.

In 2012 the band returned with a new album, Pirata, marking their comeback to the Philippine rock scene. In 2014 guitarist Marquel Martin joined the group. They continued to perform in Manila and abroad, and released the single "Switek" in 2017.

In 2022, Pirata was reissued on vinyl, showing that The Youth remains a lasting part of Filipino rock.

Current members are Dodong Cruz (vocals/guitar), Robert Javier (bass/vocals), Erap Carrasco (drums), and Marquel Martin (guitar). The Youth keeps making music and playing live gigs around the country.