Concert King Martin Nievera has performed in front of countless audiences throughout his more than four-decade career, but one of his most memorable concerts had just 200 people in a venue built to accommodate 3,000.
For Martin, however, the small turnout was never a reason to give anything less.
In a recent interview with SBS Filipino, the Concert King was asked about the most memorable experience he has had as an artist, whether it was a place he performed at or something an audience member had said to him.
“I try to make every show the most memorable, but I have to say [that] my most memorable was when I did a show in a venue that seats like 3,000 people and only 200 showed up,” he said.
“That was the most memorable, and believe it or not, this is my best performance ever.”
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Martin did not name which concert it was, but explained: “The producers came and said, 'Martin, I'm so sorry, but there's another concert down the street.' Kasi usong-uso at that time yung mga bands. There was a band performing down the street called the Eraserheads. Sikat na sikat sila, 'yung Eraserheads, and I love them.”
The producers eventually suggested cancelling Martin’s show because of the situation. However, he had a different response.
“I said, 'Are you kidding? The people are outside; the band is on stage. I'm here. I'm dressed. How many people are there, not counting the people who were performing in the front?'”
For him, the people who had made the effort to attend were reason enough to continue.
“I said, 'We're doing this show. Do not take out any song from the show. These 200 people really wanted to watch me, so I really want perform for them.' I sang in an empty venue with 200 people.”
Rather than letting the number of attendees affect his performance, Martin treated the concert like any other show, ultimately giving his best.
Looking back, he considers it one of the best performances of his life because of the lesson it taught him.
“But it was the best performance of my life and the best lesson I ever learned in humility," Martin maintained.
“You know, when you turn off the lights, you don't see the audience, so it feels like it's so loud,” he lightheartedly added.
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The experience ultimately reinforced Martin’s belief that an artist should not give up simply because the circumstances are not ideal.
“So, it's a good lesson for every artist to never ever throw in the towel. The show must go on.”
Martin is now set to bring that same love for performing to Australia through his Good Day, Mart! tour, happening from October 9 to 11.