Philippine Concerts

Category: Concert Reviews

  • Soldiers Unite

    Soldiers Unite

    The Cab Live at Glorietta

    They came marching with chins held high ready for the battle to begin. Armed with nothing but voices and energy as weapons, they would conquer the night –the last show of the tour would be a success.

    The Soldiers, as The Cab fans are known, came out for one last show before the band was to depart Philippine soil for the second time in just a week. Earlier that week, the band had opened for Maroon 5 only to return in just a few days for their headline tour. Twice they had performed with other bands, but it was finally time for them to go on their own. This time, The Cab was set to take the Metro with their symphony of sound.
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  • Foster the People Lights Up Manila

    Foster the People Lights Up Manila

    October 6, 2012: The Smart Araneta Coliseum was abuzz as a full house of Foster Kids counted down the hours, minutes, seconds before they would see one of the most successful bands of the year, Foster the People.

    As expected, the crowd let out their first wave of cheers as the lights dimmed and local act Techy Romantics took to the stage. The dancetronica music trio instantly had the crowd on their feet and dancing along to their unique beats. Towards the end of their set, lead singer Camille’s simple query quickly dissolved the dreamy aura that had begun to fill the air: “Are you ready for the main event?”

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  • Snow Patrol Rules Manila Empire

    Snow Patrol Rules Manila Empire

    Fallen Empires Tour: Snow Patrol live in Manila Concert Review

    Snow Patrol Melts Manila

     

    “I have never been in a place where I have seen such GRACE, such HUMAN SPIRIT, such KINDNESS, such TRIUMPH in such dark times. You all are an INSPIRATION to the world”-Gary Lightbody

    For the 9th of August, the rain showers seem to have taken a breather after days of battering the Metro in unpredictable squalor. Fortunately enough, the day was graced by episodes of sunshine, which turned out to be a much needed reprieve from the dark clouds and monsoons that loomed over Manila since the beginning of the month. Thankfully, for this day, it was stated Snow Patrol’s much awaited concert would push through. And who would have known, in all its irony, it was this Snow that melted a great part of Manila.

    As thousands of the band’s fans and music enthusiasts flocked the arena, everyone’s attention was undoubtedly taken by the seven gargantuan screens that hung at the back part of the stage along with the flashy video camera that was dangling on the right side. It was also noticeable how multiple percussion instruments, keyboards and heavy amplifiers were spread out across the stage. Indeed, the setup was so far detached from the usual minimalistic one-piece banner, a few overhead lights and guitar-drums-mic setting that most foreign acts had utilized in their concerts. Seeing all these, the audience knew at the time that they were in for a different visual and aural treat.
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  • Once in a Lifetime Blast from the Past

    NKOTBSB live in Manila concert review

    Imagine 10,000 to 12,000 fans usually between the ages of 20-40, awaiting the arrival of two boy bands from two different eras on stage. The NKOTBSB Manila tour consisting of boy band from the ‘80s New Kids On The Block and their ‘90s counterpart Backstreet Boys, performed at the Mall of Asia Arena on June 3, 2012 with cheers from mostly female fans.

    They dimmed the lights and the music started to play. All concert goers were transported back to the era of NKOTBSB 15-25 years ago.

    The 2-hour and 30-minute show kicked off with a mash-up of Single and The One, mixed by Coldplay’s Vida La Vida. The whole venue was packed .The excitement and energy was so upbeat that it would be impossible for someone to not have a great time.  Kids took the stage first with their hit Summertime and followed by BSB’s The Call from their album Black & Blue.
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  • Acoustic Night with Jayesslee

    Acoustic Night with Jayesslee

    Jayesslee Becca Music

    June 21, 2012 marked that day that one of Manila’s favorite sister acts, Jayesslee, would be playing on Philippine turf. The cover duo of YouTube stardom proved to have quite a following in our country as fans young and old filed into the venue at Robinsons Forum. As the crowd began settling into their seats, they found themselves well entertained by video montages of the meet and greet which was held the previous day. Many were soon stifling giggles as clips of Janice and Sonia’s antics played on the big screens.

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  • Lifehouse Brought Down Everything

    Lifehouse Brought Down Everything

    Lifehouse Smoke and Mirrors Manila Tour Concert Review

     

    Sometimes life is about feeling empty and having a broken heart and the hope that at any time, there might be some big upswing, a friend that you can count on for the rest of your life. That’s what Lifehouse gives their fans to help carry them through the times that lack and celebrate the times of life.

    Saturday night, alternative-rock band from United States, headlined their last Smoke and Mirrors concert tour in Manila at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Somewhere around 10,000 – 12,000 fans gave the four-some band the usual dose of love and high-pitch appreciation.

    Needless to say, the band lead by Jason Wade came onto the music scene during my college days so hearing the songs live is a night to remember, as I’m sure it was for a lot fans. But before Lifehouse took the stage, we’re treated with Never The Strangers as the opening act. They warmed up the crowd with their hits like Moving Closer. The front act actually matched up well with the headliner for this tour. (more…)

  • Drum Tao: Show review

    For the first time in Manila, Japanese group Drum Tao was brought in for a ten-show series at Resorts World Manila. Just a day after their opening show, PhilippineConcerts.com was there to see just what all the buzz was about.

    Seconds in, it was already clear that this would be a performance of epic proportions. The curtains rose to reveal two drummers with their backs to the audience, already poised at their gigantic drums.

    As the beats began filling the theater, more and more percussionists heralded the opening of the spectacular journey that was Drum Tao.
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  • Lady Gaga visits her Manila Monsters

    The  Born This Way Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga Concert Review

    After the release of a new album, a worldwide tour, and much unquenchable drama, the time had come for Lady Gaga to return to the Manila stage.

    The Born This Way Ball caused much uproar from religious and government groups who tried to thwart the show until the very day of the concert. Mother Monster, however, schooled all of Manila by being the embodiment of the saying “the show must go on”. Despite protests, anti-Gaga prayer vigils, and even threats of imprisonment, the doors of the MOA Arena opened to the vast crowd of Little Monsters.

    Aside from being a star-studded audience, the crowd was a rainbow of personalities as loyal Little Monsters came all dressed up in everything from leather and lace to swirling silks with Gaga’s signature blonde hairstyles.

    To get the crowd warmed up, front act DJ Zedd filled the Arena with his pulsating dance mixes (we didn’t fail to note his geeky side as he threw in samples from the Legend of Zelda soundtrack!) His short performance marked him in Manila history as the first DJ to play in the much-awaited MOA Arena.

    After a short interval, the huge crowd let out a collective gasp before piercing the air with screams and applause as the curtain was drawn back to reveal a set that only Lady Gaga could pull off. The stage was dominated by a medieval castle, rigged to light up, open, and rearrange itself throughout the show. There was not much time however to marvel at the set design because the intro to Highway Unicorn  signified the entrance of Mother Monster herself.

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  • Rocking Out Three Times with Set Your Goals, This Century and WATIC

    Rocking Out Three Times with Set Your Goals, This Century and WATIC

    Set Your Goals, This Century and We Are The In Crowd Live in Manila Concert Review

    With howling rains all day all over Metro Manila, most people would prefer to sleep the day off, lazing and dozing the day away. The 2nd of June, however, spelled a different story for the fans of Set Your Goals, This Century and We Are The In Crowd. As presented by Pulp Live World and Karpos Multimedia, the three bands rocked the Smart Araneta Coliseum out that night. It was clear that no rain or storm would keep them away from a night of their much worshipped bands.

    While waiting for the bands to step on stage, the evening started with a documentation of the Vans Warped Tour which had the audience glued and hopeful. Some even went as far as screaming “Bring Warped Tour in Manila!”.

    Set Your Goals Live in Manila
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  • Sorry For Pure Entertainment… Party Rockers in Manila!

    Sorry For Party Rocking Tour: LMFAO Live in Manila Concert Review

    Smart Araneta Coliseum was packed again for the Sorry For Party Rocking Tour: LMFAO live in Manila. I was not sure what to expect, but I knew I was in for a big concert party. It was a wild and fun night because the entire party rock crew brought their party scene and unstoppable energy that electrified over 10,000 fans. The crowd ranged from kids 9-12 years old, teens, to young professionals to people well into their 50’s, proving that party rock has no age limit. A lot of die-hard fans were wearing animal prints, colorful afro wigs and all out bling. The venue was full of neon colors, stylish glasses and glow sticks that lit up the crowd.  A  DJ from the crew did a great job in hyping up the concert-goers.

    LMFAO Sorry for Party Rockin

    The true party began when Red Foo hit the stage, even without Sky Blu, he got everyone to move and jump. Accompanied by America’s Best Dance Crew winner Quest Crew, he opened the night with Rock to the Beat and immediately followed by their tour title and hit single Sorry For Party Rocking. Once again the Big Dome turned into a big disco party. Everyone was dancing onstage and the crowd was clearly having a great time. It was a pure entertainment on every facet from the stage, crew, costumes and the props including the huge inflatable zebra and beach balls.

    LMFAO Live in Manila

    Red Foo took the opportunity to interact with the crowd for some jokes,  he had noticed that there were kids around and held back on the green japes. Red Foo also touched their mid-tempo beats Get Crazy and Lil’ Hipster Girl in order to cool the audience down and prepare them for the big hits. I’m In Miami Bitch took the party night to a totally different level.  The Party Rock Crew came out and drove the audience even crazier with more dancing and singing.
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  • We the Kings Reign Supreme

    We the Kings Reign Supreme

    May 28, 2012
    Hard Rock Cafe, Makati

    Just a little over a year after their first Manila show, power pop band We the Kings returned for their own headlining concert at the Hard Rock Cafe. The show was made possible by Dayly Entertainment and Built By Sonic.

    we-the-kings-manila1

    Fans were already spotted roaming Glorietta as Travis, Danny, Hunter, Charles and Coley chatted with the media at the secret press conference.

    “Choosing a favorite album is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child.” shared drummer Danny Duncan when asked about their 3 successful studio albums. Frontman Travis Clark then added that while they could not choose a favorite, their first album was very close to them as it was their self-titled album that got them to where they are today.

    WTK arrival

    The band was greeted with resounding cheers as they entered the venue. Newly-appointed bassist Charles Trippy held up his camera as they made their entrance, taking video footage for his popular vlog, Internet Killed Television.

    Hours later, the doors were finally opened and the crowd trickled into the venue as the organizers sorted out the ticket-holders and listed guests.

    Opening act December Avenue clearly had technical issues with their set, their songs often pierced by screeches and feedback from the sound system. While not completely prepared for these issues, the band and tech crew managed to work with the situation.
    we-the-kings-manila6

    After much anticipation, it was time for the main event. We the Kings opened with the song “She Takes Me High”, followed by “Skyway Avenue” and “What You Do To Me”. The avid fans did not disappoint as they sang (or in many cases, screamed) the words right back at the boys.

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  • Bossa night with Sergio Mendes

    Bossa night with Sergio Mendes

    Sergio Mendes Live in Manila

    To the excitement of bossa and jazz fans across Manila, Ovation Productions brought Sergio Mendes and Brasil 2012 to the Smart Araneta Coliseum last April 24 for a night of music and nostalgia.

    The Brazilian music icon has been bringing us his jazzy tunes since his industry debut in the early 60’s, blazing a trail for Bossa Nova musicians everywhere. Known by younger fans for his recently revived hit “Mas Que Nada”, Mendes and his band, Brasil 2012 were a promising choice for Ovation Productions.

    The evening was kicked off by local bossa nova singer, Sitti. Her cool melodies were well received by the night’s star-studded audience, comprised of many familiar faces including El Presidente himself.

    Sergio Mendes Manila Concert

    The coliseum was filled once again with well-mannered excitement from the seated crowd as the band slowly filed onto the stage. The applause and wolf-whistles grew considerably when the Bossa king himself appeared and took a seat at his keyboard.

    Sergio Mendes Live in Manila 2012

    “Brazilians are very much like Filipinos,” explained Sergio after the first few songs. He shared that both were romantic and music-loving people before easing into the love song “Bridges”. The mellow mood was soon changed by more of their upbeat songs like “One Note Samba” and the smash hit, “Mas Que Nada”. (more…)

  • A Pop Trio Treat

    Hanson Live in Manila Concert Review

    Hanson Live in Manila

    After much anticipation and preparation, fans gathered for the first time in over fifteen years at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to see the award-winning musical trio Hanson as they made their Manila stop for the Shout It Out Tour. The show was made possible by Dayly Entertainment and Rockstar Touring.

    Robin Nievera

    Opening act Robin Nievera rocked the stage, giving the crowd a taste of his newly launched album, Overwait. “It’s spelled W-A-I-T,” he joked after announcing the album name.

    Hanson Manila Concert Hanson Live in Manila 2012

    The excitement in between sets was palpable. Waves of cheers and screams echoed throughout the Big Dome at every mic check and light test. Zac, Isaac and Taylor were greeted with wild cheering when they took the stage and kicked off the show with the song Waiting for This, followed by one of their older hits, Where’s the Love.

    Hanson Concert Photos

    After all these years, the Hanson fans did not fail to show their love. Every person present was cheering and singing along, many even holding up signs and posters with messages for the band. So much energy was emanating from the crowd that one would think there was double the number of people present. (more…)

  • A 90’s Throwback with The Cranberries

    The Cranberries Live in Manila 2012

    After a 16 year absence, Irish rock band The Cranberries found themselves back on Philippine soil for the Manila stop of the Roses tour. The Cranberries performed for an almost-full house on Tuesday evening with 90-minute set full of  memories.

    Karpos Multimedia and Midas Promotions worked together to bring in the popular 90′s band famous for such hits as “Linger”, “Promises”, “Dreams”, and the crowd favorite,”Zombie”

    The Cranberries Concert 2012

    An estimated crowd of ten thousand flocked to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 10th, eager to relive the decade of cassette tapes, pixie cut hairstyles and hanging t-shirts.

    In a bold yet refreshing move, The Cranberries opted not to have a front act, proving that they are indeed a group that needs no introduction. As the group went onstage one by one, the cheers grew to a roar that filled the Big Dome with the crowd’s energy.

    The band began their set with the 1992 hit, “Dreams”, easing into another chart topping hit, “Linger”. In between songs,  frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan shared that it was the birthday of her youngest daughter, soon answered by the fans with screams of birthday wishes for her 7-year-old.

    The Cranberries Manila Concert The Cranberries Concert 2012
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  • A Hands Down Project

    Smash Project 2012 Concert Review

    The highly anticipated Smash Project 2012 is one of the best concerts we’ve had this year at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with multiple acts that we can never imagine to be on stage in one big event.  The 5-hour event top billed by four international bands like The Cab, Cobra Starship, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional and The Used were joined by our top local bands Typecast, Urbandub, Slapshock and Chicosci plus a performance from Malaysian band One Buck Short.

    Front Acts
    Chicosci Slapshock

    Typecast One Buck Short

    Local band Typecast opened the show and played one of their best songs Boston Drama. The band proved once again their reputation as one of the most unique local bands. Second on stage was Urbandub, they performed First of Summer and Soul Searching. Chicosci hit on stage with their songs Paris and Diamond Shotgun. After kicking the show with 3 local bands, One Buck Short took the stage with their rock version of Katy Perry’s #1 hit Last Friday Night. Slapshock was the last band to perform and gave a performance that made the crowd wild.

    Urbandub

    The Cab
    The Cab Live in Manila 2012

    The Cab The Cab

    A 15-minute break was given to The Cab to prepare for their set. The excitement of the audience particularly at the lower box section was insane. They’re shouting the name of Alex, (vocalist of The Cab) who has Filipino roots. It’s very obvious that the band knew how to entertain the crowd. There were a lot of banters after almost each song. They delivered a 40-minute set of punk/pop music including Angel With A Shotgun, Bad, Intoxicated and their massive hit Bounce.

    The Cab Live in Manila The Cab Manila Concert

    Cobra Starship
    Cobra Starship (more…)