This Friday (April 19) marks the second run of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s Regine Rocks concert series, where the Billboard Philippines Women in Music Powerhouse awardee is set to bring down the SM Mall of Asia Arena yet again with renditions of some of the greatest rock songs of the past few decades.
During her first run of the concert, fans were surprised to see and hear Regine belt out songs from Queen, Aerosmith, the Eraserheads, and more. In an exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, concert director Paolo Valenciano revealed that, “With regards to Regine Rocks, it was something that they wanted to do since before the pandemic. Regine was already telling me that she wanted to a show called Regine Rocks. She told me that she wanted to do all rock songs. That, in itself, already made it stand out compared to our previous projects.”
As we gear up to see Asia’s Songbird back at it again on Friday, these are our picks for 10 more rock songs we want to see her perform.
vampire — Olivia Rodrigo
Regine Rocks has been defined by an eclectic setlist combining head-banging anthems and rock ballads. Filipino-American phenom Olivia Rodrigo’s “vampire” is a perfect example of the latter. Regine’s signature full belt and emotion-driven style of singing would definitely bring the song to a whole new level; I mean, think of her belting out: “I used to think I was smart / But you made me look so naive / The way you sold me for parts / As you sunk your teeth into me.”
Roxanne — The Police
Timeless, classic, iconic. The Police’s ’70s hit “Roxanne” is equal parts smooth and suave. Regine’s own spin on the track would make for a rendition that’s danceable and still awe-inspiring. Imagining how the different lights would play around the choreography for the song has us wishing this was on the setlist.
Go Your Own Way — Fleetwood Mac
Including a Fleetwood Mac song into the Regine Rocks setlist would provide a different flavor than the typical classic rock sound we usually hear. “Go Your Own Way” is still upbeat in a way that the acoustic guitar sound is fresh to the ears. It would be interesting to see how Regine would play with the stage design and lights to truly bring this song to life.
Bad Reputation — Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
“I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation!” Joan Jett proclaims in this classic hit. “Bad Reputation” embodies all the features of a good rock anthem: a catchy hook, a devil-may-care attitude, and pure rock ‘n roll energy. Regine’s rendition would definitely send the crowd into a frenzy.
Come Inside Of My Heart — IV of Spades
IV Of Spades’ 2019 hit “Come Inside Of My Heart” gained a resurgence in the mainstream when it trended on TikTok sometime last year. A ‘Reginified’ version of the song would be able to bridge different generations of fans together. Just imagining her sing out the chorus and the bridge of the track already makes for a match made in heaven.
Edge of Seventeen — Stevie Nicks
You can’t go wrong with Stevie Nicks. Her distinct, growl-like voice just exudes bravado, especially on tracks like “Edge of Seventeen.” The song could bring out Regine’s edgier side in a way that can only be done during a Regine Rocks concert.
Don’t Speak — No Doubt
“Don’t Speak” is a classic anthem. Who could ever forget Gwen Stefani’s ringing out and she sings, “Don’t speak / I know just what you’re saying / So please stop explainin’ / Don’t tell me, ’cause it hurts?” With No Doubt staging their reunion at Coachella this year, it just seems timely to include this timeless song in Regine’s roster.
Everybody Hurts — R.E.M.
A benchmark of Regine’s artistry is the way that she can turn any ballad into her own. R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” is a passionate song that calls you to push past despair. This is a perfect song for Regine to sing her heart out under a spotlight as she tells the story of something that we all need to hear once in a while.
21 Guns — Green Day
Green Day’s “21 Guns” may seem like a stretch for Asia’s Songbird to cover, but the Broadway version from American Idiot is full of emotion, swelling violin strings, and backup vocals that just highlight the emotional aspect of the track. At its core, the song is a powerful anti-war anthem — an anthem that the whole world needs, especially now.
Sugod — Sandwich
Regine’s current setlist for Regine Rocks includes Pinoy rock favorites like “Bonggahan” by Sampaguita, “Sundo” by Imago, “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” by Kitchie Nadal, Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” and more. Sandwich’s iconic hit “Sugod” would be a fun number for Regine to put her own spin on, as she rallies the crowd along to sing a 2000s-era song that they know and love.
What about you? Which rock songs do you want to see Regine Velasquez-Alcasid cover next?