Expert: Bong Santos - 2/9/2007

Question
Bong, i need your help. I grew up in the Philippines and remember a song called "State of the Nation" by the group called Industry. I heard they perish from a plane crash after releasing the album. Now, is CD still available by this group. There is this guy on Ebay who frequently sells Stranger to Stranger CD by Industry. Gusto ko lang malaman kung totoo eto or fake. Mahirap na kasi. binebenta niya ng $25.00. Have you heard of this CD?? thanks, Gilbert

Answer
Dear Gilbert,

I also heard of that rumor way back in 1985. But it was not true. INDUSTRY, formed in 1979 in New York by MERCURY CARONIA (synthesizer/percussion/drums) and BRIAN UNGER (guitar/vocals), released only one full-length LP during their entire career, 1983's STRANGER TO STRANGER. Before that, they only released two EPs and one mini-LP. Other members were RUDY PERRONE (guitar/bass/vocals) and JON CARIN (lead vocals/synthesizer/keyboards). They disbanded in 1985 with JON CARIN becoming a sought after session musician and later full time member of the PINK FLOYD live band.
With regards to the eBay thing, I have not seen it but I guess it's a bit costly for a price of about P 1,250.00 although that CD is already out of print. I'd like to have a copy also but with that price, I'll be satisfied with my compilation CD that includes STATE OF THE NATION. I'm pretty sure it's not fake but that's way too high.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines