Background
Considered one of the most influential and successful bands in the Philippines, [1] Eraserheads first broke up in 2002. [2] [3] They later reunited for a series of reunion concerts in 2008 [4] and 2009 [5] and have since made sporadic touring and promotional appearances in the country and overseas. [6] [7]
In December 2022, the band held their third reunion concert, titled "Huling El Bimbo" after the song of the same name, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City with an estimated 75,000 people in attendance. [8] The success of the concert led to a world tour for the next three years. [9] [10] [11] [12]
Vocalist Ely Buendia first teased the documentary in a 2023 interview. [13] The band later premiered the trailer for the documentary, directed by Buendia's former partner Maria Diane Ventura and named after the song of the same name, at the San Diego Comic-Con in California on July 2024; [14] it was later released online. [15]
Ventura described the documentary as "a comprehensive deconstruction of the band’s mythology, humanity, complex relationship and the lasting mark they left on Filipino culture — one that transcends generations and differences". [1] It took three years to complete, she added: "Each interview revealed new layers and complexities, which found us constantly reframing to deepen the narrative." [1] Post-production for the film was done in Germany and the United States. [16] It is also the first Philippine documentary to be mixed in Dolby Atmos. [16]
Release
A work-in-progress version of the documentary was screened at the Manila International Film Festival on March 4, 2025, with Ventura in attendance. [17] It was then released in Philippine cinemas on March 2025. [18] Initially planned for a limited release from March 21 to 23, its theatrical run was extended to the following weeks due to popular demand. [19] The band held a surprise performance at a sold-out screening in Quezon City. [20]
At the end of the documentary, the band announced an upcoming concert called Electric Fun Music Festival, to be held at SMDC Festival Grounds in October. [21] [22] They also teased new music, later announced as "Get This Love Thing Down", an unreleased song from recording sessions for their final studio album Carbon Stereoxide (2001). [23] [24] [25] Commenting on the announcements in a press conference, Buendia declared that the band is "here to stay". [26]
Combo on the Run was also screened at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2025, alongside the release of a comic book of the same name. [27]
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