Martin Nievera: I’m still not out of the game

MANILA, Philippines — Martin Nievera’s “Concert King” title started 42 years ago when an entertainment editor refused to label him as such.

“He was calling me ‘Concert King’ kuno,” Martin shared. “But he meant it sarcastically because he didn’t want to really call me that. Somehow, the title stuck.”

Although Martin ever got used to the “Concert King” title because he never believed it. “Because if you believed you’re king, I don’t think we would be having this conversation and you wouldn’t like me too much,” Martin admitted.

“Maybe the people believed because I was the first guinea pig of the big concert venues. Remember ‘Martin’s Rage’ at the Ultra Football Field with 55,000 people? That was huge. The construction of the Ultra basketball court was also rushed for my first concert, ‘On the Right Track’.”

Martin’s Araneta Coliseum concert on Sept. 27, “The King 4Ever,” was Ogie Alcasid’s idea.

“Ogie told me, I think it’s about time I have a major concert in a big venue,” Martin said. “He and Cacai (Velasquez) came together.” They were the ones who masterminded Araneta.

“I have my Theatre at Solaire and I’m happy there,” Martin allowed. “I didn’t think I have to go back in a big venue. There was a time all you need was my name and people were there. Let’s see if all of them are still alive.

“The kids today in ‘ASAP Natin ‘To,’ I always tell them, ‘Don’t brag about your fans. Because my fans made your fans.”

Not too long ago, when Martin, Ogie and Regine Velasquez were doing brisk walking with Martin in Los Angeles, where “ASAP Natin ‘To” happened, Martin asked Ogie why the latter decided to produce a concert in a big venue for him.

Ogie simply answered, “Gary was not available” and laughed.

“But it was the Christmas special of ABS-CBN last year, when I asked Martin what was he doing for his concert,” Ogie said.

“I broached the idea of producing his concert at Araneta Coliseum. So he said, ‘It’s up to you.’ He didn’t think I was serious. This is a dream-come-true for me. He was my idol back in high school. In fact, my audition song at Kundirana was his song, How Could You Be So Blind? We were aping his voice.”

They never even talked about the talent fee of Martin after he seriously gave his nod. They also never consulted Martin’s manager, Joy Alonzo.

“So when we put it together, I asked Cacai to join us in our family,” Ogie said. “She produced Regine’s concerts and some for me.”

Ever since Cacai was young, she has been a big fan of Martin. “I knew a lot of his songs,” she said. “It wasn’t hard for me to decide to produce his concert.”

Surprisingly, for the producers, all the artists volunteered to guest in the concert and support Martin. From Ogie and Regine to Gary Valenciano, even the vocal quartet, The CompanY joined the lineup. Gary was one of the first artists to clear his schedule.

“I told them if you want to come, just surprise me,” Martin said. “I never mentioned their names. But these artists want the people to know that they support me and they will be there for me.”

Pops Fernandez will be in the concert and their son, Robin Nievera, will fly in from the US to join them with his baby. Martin’s godson, Paolo Valenciano, will be the concert director, while Frank Lloyd Mamaril will be the TV director.

“In ‘ASAP, we don’t envy each other,” Martin said. “When Jed Madela had his concert (at the Music Museum last July), the three of us, OMG (Ogie, Martin, Gary), volunteered to work with the production.

“Now, Paolo Valenciano is the director of my 42nd year concert. See how times have changed? There’s true love, there’s family. It’s very important that my friends from the press know it’s true love and they are all sincere to help.”

Martin refuses to be at the top even after 42 years in the business. “I don’t want to be at the top. I want to be the one reaching for the top. That is nicer. I want people to constantly see what I’m doing.

“I think it is better to strive to be on top, rather than being on top. To be on top, the only other way is down. I want to strive to be on top without having to step on anyone, without having to worry about what people think. I’m 42 years in the business and that shouldn’t matter to me anymore.”

Neither does Martin contemplate about retirement. “A singer will never really end his career,” he said. “He may stop for a while, slow down, lower some of his songs, but for me, there’s really no such thing as a small show or a small venue.

“Everything is equally big. Nothing is a step down or a sign of retirement. That’s why I’m again doing a show in a big venue. That’s so tiring. You all know how I can fill up a big venue, three or four shows in a year.

“That doesn’t happen anymore but that doesn’t bother me. I know I’m still not out of the game or out of the loop, I’m still around and still very much interested in the industry. I still want to make it better and leave a lasting legacy so that people will follow my footsteps and have a nice path to follow their dreams.”

Sure, he still has dreams, at this point in his career. “What’s nice about my dreams is that they’re no longer mine,” said Martin. “It’s about the industry. As I get older, I think about my children, where they will be. Will I live long enough to see my children realize their dreams?

“You all know I have a special son (Santino). He’s turning 18 in October. He’s be turning 21 in a couple of years and will be an adult. What is he going to do? That is the biggest challenge that a special child will do when he turns into an adult.”

At 42 years in the industry, Martin feels it’s time for him to do what he wants. “I did so many different things to please all of you,” he said. “Or what I think you missed. I started changing genres. I realized doing rock was not my thing.”