Teddy Diaz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Teddy Diaz
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Teddy Diaz onstage in 1987
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 1, 1963 Manila, Philippines |
| Died | August 21, 1988 (aged 25) Quezon City, Philippines |
| Genres | Rock, new wave |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals, keyboards |
| Years active | 1985–1988 |
| Labels | OctoArts International, Inc. |
Teddy Diaz (born April 1, 1963 – died August 21, 1988) was a talented Filipino musician and composer. He is famous for starting the band The Dawn and being their first guitarist.
As a composer, Teddy helped write the band's first song, "Enveloped Ideas." He also co-wrote their well-known hit song, "Salamat." This song was released in 1989, after he had passed away. Teddy played guitar on the albums The Dawn (1986) and I Stand With You (1988). Besides playing guitar, he also played keyboards on The Dawn's first album in 1986.
Teddy sadly passed away when he was very famous in the late 1980s.
Contents
Teddy's Early Life
Teddy Diaz's father was Vic Diaz, a Filipino actor. His grandfather, Pompeyo Diaz, was a judge. Teddy's godfather was Fernando Poe, Jr., who was known as the "King of Philippine Movies." Teddy was born on April Fools' Day, and people sometimes teased him about it. He was the first grandchild in his family. Teddy had two brothers named Carl and Loren.
Teddy went to grade school and high school at Ateneo de Manila University. This was the same school his father and grandfather attended. After high school, he studied Architecture at the University of the Philippines for three years. He then moved to the Philippine Women's University to study Music, focusing on the guitar. Teddy was also good at drawing. He enjoyed spending time with art students and drawing comic book characters or cool electric guitar designs.
Teddy's Music Career
The Dawn was formed in 1985. The first members were Teddy Diaz on guitar, JB Leonor on drums, and Clay Luna on bass. The band's name came from a picture of the Holy Spirit. This picture symbolized the start of a new day.
Teddy, JB, and Clay first wanted a female singer. But then Jett Pangan auditioned and everyone liked him. So, the four of them started playing music in clubs. In 1987, Teddy helped write The Dawn's first song, "Enveloped Ideas." This song helped them become popular. Teddy also helped arrange the Filipino folk song, "Magtanim Ay 'Di Biro." Other songs Teddy wrote or helped write include "Dreams" and "The Moon." Teddy also helped mentor the band INTRoVOYS.
Before he passed away, Teddy became friends with Francis Reyes. Francis later became a guitarist for The Dawn. Teddy and Francis even talked about starting a side band together.
Teddy's Passing
On August 21, 1988, The Dawn performed a song called "Love (Will Set Us Free)." After the show, the band members went their separate ways. Teddy went to his girlfriend's house in Tatalon, Quezon City. As he was getting to the gate, he was attacked by two men.
The person responsible for Teddy's death was caught by the police a week later. They were found guilty and sent to prison. Members of The Dawn have said that this person later passed away while in prison.
After Teddy's passing, the remaining band members and their manager decided to continue playing music. They also agreed that Teddy's replacement would not have to be exactly like him. In September 1988, Francis Reyes was asked to play guitar at a tribute concert for Teddy. Francis said that people still remember Teddy. He had a special quality that made him stand out, even to those who didn't know him as a musician.
Teddy's Legacy
Even though Teddy passed away at a young age, his music and influence are still important to many guitarists in the Philippines today. He has become a legend among Filipino musicians. The Dawn band and the Filipino music industry still see Teddy as a very important part of the band's history.
To remember Teddy, The Dawn recorded a song called "I Stand with You." Perfecto de Castro, a former guitarist for Rivermaya, was inspired to learn guitar after seeing Teddy perform in 1987. Chuck Isidro, a founding guitarist for 6Cycle Mind, was also influenced by Teddy. In 2006, a photo showed Francis Reyes playing Teddy's last Hofner guitar.
Buddy Zabala, a former bassist for Eraserheads, said that Teddy's passing was a "great loss." He noted that after The Dawn became successful with their own music, other local bands started writing their own songs too. Buddy felt that Teddy was a main reason for The Dawn's success. In 2006, an actor named Ping Medina played Teddy in a story about his life.
Teddy's Gear
The guitars most connected with Teddy Diaz were his red Casio MG-500, his Hofner Committee archtop, and his black Maya Les Paul. He famously used his black Maya Les Paul with a bow during a concert in 1987.
For his sound, he used effects like the Boss Power Supply And Master Switch, Boss Distortion DS1, Boss Heavy Metal, Boss Flanger BF2, and Boss Digital Delay DD2. He also used a Roland Cube amplifier.
See also
- The Dawn
- Jett Pangan
- Pinoy rock
