Johnny Orlando returns to the Philippines for the Manila leg of The Ride Tour. Presented by Live Nation, the concert was held at 12 Monkeys Music Hall, Estancia, Pasig on November 20.
The 20-year-old Canadian singer/songwriter last visited during the live busking event with Zack Tabudlo at the Venice Grand Canal in August of last year. This time, he has amassed a steady number of fans who were very familiar with the majority of his songs.
Photos from Live Nation Philippines
The evening began with the opening act GUS (full name: Gus McMillan) who played a good set of his self-composed tracks like “Pluto” and “Big Things Small Seeds”.
When Johnny Orlando made his way to the center stage, the crowd was ecstatic. He started off with a slew of his “Boyfriend”, “Blur” and “You’re Just Drunk” which instantly connected with his fans, many of them singing along to every word.
The Ride’s setlist was a mix of catchy pop-rock tracks about young love – attraction, romance, and heartache – which resonated with the audience of mostly teenagers to young adults. Songs like “If he wanted to, he would”, “What If (I Told You I Like You”), and “leave the light on” were particularly in tune with the crowd. There were also mellow acoustic songs like “coping (1621)”, “all the things can go wrong” “someone will love you better”. Johnny also included a handful of new songs like “A Man Like Me”, “thinking of me” and “party for two”. His renditions of The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” and Katy Perry’s “The One that Got Away” were also appealing additions to the mix.
Johnny’s alluring presence onstage captivated his fans. The stage was set up very close to the audience, meaning that the artists were close enough to reach. Johnny Orlando was very accommodating all throughout the concert, obliging people’s requests and approaching them as close as he possibly could.
“It’s good to be back. You guys made me feel so welcome,” Johnny told the crowd as he thanked them again and again for coming to his show. He is set to release the album on December 8.
Ovation Productions’ Renen de Guia is excited to inform Filipino music fans that for the Monday, November 27 concert, Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band will perform a special set just for this Manila show.
Bared de Guia, “For months, we’ve had endless back-and-forth discussions with artist representatives on a possible set list for Manila. Based on rehearsals by the Daryl’s House Band that we heard today, Sunday, November 26, we can confirm that Daryl Hall will perform a setlist specially put together for the Manila audience because of non-stop requests by Filipinos.”
“He will be performing practically all the popular Hall & Oates hits at the MOA Arena concert on Monday! And considering that there is now a legal dispute with his former music partner that has been widely reported all over the news, there is certainly no chance for hearing Hall & Oates perform anytime soon, if at all.”
“Consider the Daryl Hall concert tomorrow as good as watching a Hall & Oates concert! So for Filipino music fans, this is a great opportunity to watch a legend – two legends if you add Todd Rundgren – performing songs that remain staples of popular music to this day. You better not miss this much-awaited music event.”
Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band with special guest Todd Rundgren is brought to you by Ovation Productions Blast TV and Tap Digital Media Ventures Corporation. Tickets at smtickets.com and priced at 15,750 (SVIP) / 14,750 (VIP) / 12,750 (Patron) / 10,750 (Lower Box A) / 9,750 (Lower Box B) / 5,750 (Upper Box) / and 2,750 (Gen. Ad).
For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/
After staging concert productions and special shows featuring some of the most iconic bands in the Philippines and overseas, GNN wraps up the year with their annual year-end event happening at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, on December 15, 2023 (Saturday), at 7 p.m. onwards.
Photo by Ted Orsenado
Keeping things closer to home this time around, the Manila-based production outfit will be holding an intimate show with some of their favorite collaborators on the bill, including The Ransom Collective and Oh, Flamingo!, whom GNN has worked with for their sold-out tenth-anniversary concert this year; SOS, Ang Bandang Shirley, and Ciudad—three of the bands that were part of GNN’s journey when they were just starting out as an indie production doing bi-monthly shows in Route and Saguijo in 2015.
Firmly rooted in the culture of fostering community and inclusivity through live music, the GNN Year-End 2023 aims to continue the tradition of producing shows that champion the independent music scene while remaining firm to their ideals and ethos as a passion project that continues to grow with the demand of the times.
This year, GNN has presented and produced some of the most memorable shows of the year such as the reunion concert of Philippine R&B royalty Kyla and Jay-R, the 20th anniversary of Sugarfree’s Sa Wakas album (featuring Ebe Dancel), the 25th-anniversary concert of Barbie Almalbis (including the reunion of Barbie’s Cradle and Hungry Young Poets), Zark’s Fest 2023, Linya-Linya Land, and the intimate concert of Clara Benin—just to name a few.
The Filipino production group is also set to welcome Taiwanese math-rock outfit Elephant Gym (co-production with The Rest Is Noise PH) and Indonesian pop-rock band Reality Club to the Philippine shores next month for two headline shows at the 123 Block and Balcony Music House, respectively.
Early bird tickets go on sale today at PHP 700 for a limited time only. Regular/door tickets will be available for PHP 800. Secure a slot here: bit.ly/gnnyep23
The OPM icon will be performing some of their Greatest Hits, as well as beloved holiday classics.
Filipino music icon AEGIS is set to conquer the big stage with a Christmas-themed concert happening at the Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, on December 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. onwards.
Dubbed AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert, the year-end celebration aims to showcase the career-spanning legacy of the powerhouse band and its signature anthems that touched many people’s lives on a personal level.
Aside from the group’s soul-stirring performances, the highly anticipated show will also feature diamond-selling artist Jose Mari Chan as one of the guest acts. Known for his beloved classics and Christmas-themed repertoire, the recording superstar and business mogul will be performing a surprise set that will surely light up the mood of the evening’s star-studded lineup.
To make things even more special, The Manila String Machine will transform into a 15-piece orchestra to accompany AEGIS in some of their songs. Adding a more intricate take on the best-selling pop group’s rock-flavored, ballad-heavy catalog, The Manila String Machine is set to capture the spirit of the holidays with an ‘AEGIS’ collaboration that every music fan shouldn’t miss.
Just recently, AEGIS appeared on several billboards across various locations in Cubao and Guadalupe, Metro Manila as part of the concert promo. The iconic pop/rock outfit will also be doing guest appearances and interviews on several TV shows on ABS-CBN, including ASAP and Magandang Buhay.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets nationwide and on their official website. SSVIP ticketholders are entitled to a Meet and Greet (M&G) session after the concert.
AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert is presented by True Creators Studio, Upplause Events, and Solaire Resort Entertainment City; and co-presented by Katinko, in partnership with GNN Pop.
Dynamic Thai artist, Jeff Satur, is set to take Manila by storm with his much-anticipated “Space Shuttle No.8 Asia Tour,” to take place on March 2, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater.
Jeff Satur, a versatile talent known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and actor, has rapidly garnered a global fanbase. In a career spanning just a few years, he has become a musical force to be reckoned with, blending a fresh and modern mix of genres such as pop, R&B, rock, hip-hop, and 80s sounds. With eight singles released under the banner of Warner Music Thailand since November 2021, Jeff has amassed an impressive 361 million streams to date.
Jeff Satur has made a lasting impression on the global scene, having packed houses in Bangkok, Singapore, Indonesia, and even farther afield in Brazil for the Asia Stars Festival. He is in high demand as a performer in the area because of his ability to enthrall audiences with his deep voice and captivating stage presence.
Despite his hectic schedule, he is still a well-known character in Thailand’s entertainment industry, appearing in a number of popular programs, festivals, and even films. Notably, he recently appeared on “Call Me By Fire 3,” the biggest reality show in China, where he displayed his talents and reached a wider audience.
Beyond the stage, Jeff’s celebrity influence can be seen in his ties with famous brands such as Honda, King Power, and the iconic Valentino brand.
The “Jeff Satur: Space Shuttle No.8 Asia Tour” is expected to be a groundbreaking spectacle that will represent a major turning point in his career. In keeping with the release of his debut album, Jeff’s tour is anticipated to raise the bar for live performances and demonstrate his growth as a performer.
A remarkable evening including Jeff’s distinctive fusion of genres, a thrilling performance, and a visually stunning display fitting the Space Shuttle No. 8 theme awaits devoted fans.
Tickets for Jeff Satur: Space Shuttle No.8 Asia Tour in Manila to go on sale starting with Live Nation PH Pre-sale from 11 am on 7 December (Thursday) to 10:59 am 11 December (Monday) local time. The public sale starts on 11 December (Monday) at 12 pm local time.
For ticket information and further details, please visit livenation.ph.
Joji, the renowned singer, songwriter, and former YouTube personality, is set to perform at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila on November 28 for his highly anticipated first solo concert, Pandemonium Tour. This world tour marks a significant milestone in Joji’s career as he continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of R&B, alternative, and pop music.
After being part of two music festivals in the country, he is finally coming back for his first-ever full-length concert. Known for his soulful and emotive voice, Joji has garnered a dedicated following with his chart-topping hits, including “Glimpse of Us,” “Slow Dancing in the Dark,” “Sanctuary,” “Run,” and “Gimme Love.” These tracks have resonated with fans worldwide and have solidified Joji’s status as a formidable force in the music industry.
The upcoming concert promises an unforgettable experience for attendees, with Joji’s signature introspective lyrics and mesmerizing melodies amplified by a stunning production value. Fans can expect a visually stunning and sonically immersive performance that showcases Joji’s artistry at its finest.
Joji’s transition from his comedic persona on YouTube to a bona fide music sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to connect with audiences on a profound level through his music underscores his undeniable talent and appeal. As he takes the stage in Manila, fans can anticipate an electrifying performance that transcends musical boundaries and leaves a lasting impact.
Tickets for Joji’s Manila concert are almost sold-out, and his dedicated fan base is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness his artistry live. With the promise of an incredible production and a setlist featuring his greatest hits, this concert is poised to be a highlight for music enthusiasts in the Philippines.
For fans in Manila and beyond, this concert presents an unmissable opportunity to witness Joji’s brilliance firsthand and be a part of a truly unforgettable musical event.
SEVENTEEN will return to the Philippine concert stage with a two-day FOLLOW TO BULACAN in January 2024.
Taking place back-to-back at the Philippine Sports Stadium on January 13 and 14, 2024, SEVENTEEN will make their much-awaited return to the local concert scene. After selling out the January 13 show, the “God of Music” singers added another date to the Philippine stop of their tour.
The boy group will be the first performer to hold back-to-back concerts at the Philippine Sports Stadium in addition to being the first musical act to hold a solo concert there. Pledis Entertainment posted an announcement on Weverse that read, “Thanks to the support of CARAT, we are holding one more show in Bulacan for the SEVENTEEN TOUR ‘FOLLOW’ TO BULACAN.”
Tickets to the second day of Follow to Bulacan will go on sale starting November 16, 2023, at 12 p.m., through www.smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets.
Follow Tour will serve as the sixth concert tour of SEVENTEEN they brought to the Philippines, following Shining Diamond in 2016, Diamond Edge in 2017, Ideal Cut in 2018, Ode to You in 2020, and Be the Sun in 2022.
SEVENTEEN TOUR “FOLLOW” TO BULACAN is presented by Live Nation Philippines.
Luca Brugnoli, BBC’s Best Young Male Chorister of the Year 2022, will perform at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium – RCBC Plaza on November 22, 2023.
“Luca in Concert: A Special RP – UK Friendship Presentation” is set to be a heartfelt musical journey that will also feature the Steinway & Sons Artist and Global Ambassador, Dominic Ferris, young British dancer Darcey Redman and young Philippine Soprano, Regina Saban.
Born in Sussex, Luca Brugnoli started his musical journey with the world-renowned Libera Boys Choir under the directorship of the late Robert Prizeman. In 2022, he started his solo career alongside the choir while honing his songwriting, guitar, and piano skills with professional coaches in the industry.
His pure angelic voice captured the hearts of music lovers when he became a finalist in the 2022 BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition. The annual search organized by BBC, is open to young vocalists from 10-13 years old for the junior category and 14- 17 years old for the Senior category. Participants are required to render a Christmas song and a sacred song in any musical style.
During the competition, Luca shared that he started singing at the age of 6. “I just love to put a smile on people’s faces. I love to sing it’s just really good and gets all the emotions out at once.”
He added that his singing lessons were initially meant to strengthen his lungs. “I was 13 weeks premature and it was either swimming or singing that I had to do and we chose singing,” he happily shared.
The 13-year-old performer released his first album “Rise Up” early this year. With a line-up of Classical and Crossover songs, apart from the title track and classic tunes like “Ave Maria” and “Pie Jesu” it also includes timeless hits like “The Rose,” “Fields of Gold,” “Vincent,” “Both Sides Now” and many more. The album is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Apple Music.
For his first concert in Manila, Luca will be joined by Steinway & Sons Artist and Global Ambassador, Dominic Ferris, and NAMCYA champion Soprano, Regina Saban with a special ballet performance by British dancer Darcey Redman.
Proceeds will support the underprivileged children and scholars of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation, Inc. (NAMCYA).
Luca in Concert is brought to you by the British Alumni Association (BAA). In cooperation with the British Embassy, British Council, and British Chamber of Commerce. Presented by Philippine Veterans Bank and Golden Topper. Special Thanks to Stradcom, EEI Corporation, Steel Asia, KPMG R.G. Manabat & Company, RCBC, Reyes, Tacandong & Co., Oishi by Liwayway Marketing Corporation, Unionbank Elite, RCBC Credit Card, Megawide Construction Corporation, Beneficial Life, SM Investments Corporation, Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Company (SGV), Alphaland Corporation and The Alpha Suites Makati (Official Residence), Marc Ventures, Club Car The Turf Company and Steinway Boutique Manila. Medial Partners are 91.5 WIN Radio Manila and Manila Standard. A production of GKS Events Management Services.
Don’t miss out on this night of passion and purpose and get your tickets at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
British-American award-winning guitarist Saul Hudson, professionally known as Slash, brings “THE RIVER IS RISING – REST OF THE WORLD TOUR ‘24” to Manila!
There’s not much to say when you’re voted the second-best electric guitar player of all time, second only to Jimi Hendrix, or one of the one hundred greatest guitarists OF ALL TIME; when your work has defined an entire generation of hard rock/metal and continues to move and inspire a generation of musicians and songwriters; when – through the decades – you are sought-after by the biggest names across numerous genres who want to collaborate and share the stage with you.
Yep – there is only one Slash. His chops and ability to create some of the most memorable guitar moments of the 20th and 21st centuries are as easily recognizable as his image: signature top hat and Gibson Les Paul included. Serious rock fans – especially Filipino rock fans – who have admired and worshipped his work will lose their minds with the news that Slash and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators will be returning to Manila via Peace Integrated Marketing, Sin Ye Long, and Jasper Production. The show will be produced by PULP LIVE WORLD (in partnership with Dragon Art Entertainment, The Rock Promotions, and Peace Integrated Marketing) who notably was the first to bring in Slash way back in May 2013.
The show – which is part of The River Is Rising Tour 2024 – will take place on March 12, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 1, 2023, and will be made available through TicketNet Outlets nationwide and online through ticketnet.ph.
Check out the seat plan and ticket prices below:
VIP A – Php 8,250
VIP B – Php 6,250
VIP C – Php 4,850
LOGE – Php 6,250
BALCONY – Php 3,500
An original member of the phenomenal late 80s hard rock group Guns N’ Roses, Slash (born Saul Hudson) has played, collaborated, and toured with the likes of Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Rihanna, Carole King, Bob Dylan and Paul Rodgers to name a very distinct few. After the worldwide success of Guns N’ Roses, Slash formed a side project Slash’s Snakepit which also found critical success, but by 2002, made waves with his new group Velvet Revolver, which featured former bandmates Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and the last, great Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots.
By 2009, Slash finally released his self-titled solo debut which featured a veritable who’s-who of popular music: Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Iggy Pop and Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead. Though it was his music, he wasn’t alone and was actually in good company, as it morphed years later into an excellent working relationship with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators which he has released a total of four critically acclaimed full-length albums, namely 2012’s Apocalyptic Love, 2014’s World on Fire, 2018’s Living The Dream and last year’s straightforwardly monikered 4.
Of course, when the news was first announced via social media that Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators was returning to Manila, an almost immediate frenzy among Filipino music fans broke out online. Having since rejoined Guns N’ Roses and playing venues worldwide for the past few years, Slash has since reclaimed his throne as the greatest, and most important guitarist of all time. So fans can definitely expect another explosive, high-voltage true-to-the-bone hard rock show next year, so save the date and buy your tickets now!
The experimental band Elephant Gym will be performing their second show in Manila, produced by The Rest Is Noise PH and GNN!
Elephant Gym are making their way back to Manila! The Taiwanese experimental trio will be performing for one night only on December 16, 2023, at Balcony Music House in Makati with a special guest, Filipino indie rock outfit Musical O.
The Manila headline show will be part of their tour promoting the release of their forthcoming album, World, which marks their tenth anniversary as a band. The world tour will kick off in Hanoi early next month and will have several stops in key cities around the globe, including Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Vancouver, Seoul, and Lisbon—to name a few.
In 2018, the prominent math rock outfit visited Manila as one of the headlining acts of All Of The Noise, a mini-music festival organized by The Rest Is Noise PH. Their performance earned rave reviews from various music critics in the country, most notably for their incredible approach to technique, musicality, and stage presence.
Limited pre-sale tickets go on sale today at 2 p.m., via bit.ly/elephantgymmanila for PHP 1,200. Regular tickets will be available for PHP 1,500 once pre-sale tickets are sold out.
Joey G., short for Joey Generoso, held his solo concert titled Side Ko Lang… at the New Frontier Theater on November 5.
Best known as the frontman of the premiere OPM band Side A during the 90s up to his departure in 2015, Joey G. took the Filipino crowd on an exceptional trip to the 80s and 90s with an exceptional live concert presented by Random Minds.
Indie pop band Project: Romeo from Cavite was the opening act for the evening. They performed covers of “Panalangin” by Apo Hiking Society, “Burnout” by Sugarfree, and their original song “Tugon”.
Wearing a stylish set of all-black jackets and jeans, matched with a pair of shades, Joey G. made his appearance to the crowd. Backed by a magnificent live band, composed of Tat Suzara, Rickson Ruiz, Mark Decena, Donna Moreno, Roji Soriano, and Music Director Bobby Velasco, the concert was an enjoyable treat for fans.
They played medleys of the top hits from the 80s straight up to the 90s including “I Feel For You” by Chaka Khan, “The Search Is Over” by Survivor”, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins.
Side Ko Lang… might have sounded a tad bit controversial as a title, given the circumstances, but the concert was anything but. As Joey G said, as if alluding to his departure from the band, “Wala akong side. If anything, I’m on everyone’s side”. The concert was meant to show his different strengths. More than anything, it was a celebration of his enduring career in music, and he made sure the crowd enjoyed every bit of it.
Juris, who admitted she is a big fan of Joey G., graced the stage for a moving duet of “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”. She also performed “Di Lang Ikaw” and “I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me”.
The energy was at an all-time high when he played the classic Side A songs like “Tuloy Pa Rin”, “Hold On”, “Tell Me” and for the grand finale (which everyone was screaming for), “Forevermore”.
The walls of the SM Skydome echoed with thunderous applause as the American rock band, Saosin, unleashed a sonic storm, igniting the stage with an unforgettable performance last November 3.
Kicking off the electrifying, full-house evening—the first of the two-day concert of Saosin in Manila—was the Thai alternative metal band Defying Decay. They roused the crowd, setting the adrenaline to fever pitch and laying the groundwork for an explosive night of rock euphoria.
Amidst an atmosphere crackling with anticipation, Saosin exploded onto the stage, delivering a powerhouse opening with hits like “It’s Far Better to Learn,” “Sleepers,” “Lost Symphonies,” and “Bury Your Head.” Lead vocalist Cove Reber took a moment to express profound gratitude to the Filipino fans, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty over the years. Memories of their last show in Manila in 2010 intertwined with the present, the fans’ voices echoing the passion that bound them together.
Reber’s words resonated through the venue as he delved into the band’s journey, recognizing the evolution shared with their fans over the years, despite the ebb and flow of life.
The night roared on with Saosin’s explosive rendition of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Zero” and their own hits like “I Can Tell,” “7 Years,” and “Voices.” Yet, it was their song “You’re Not Alone” that shook the very foundations of the arena, ending the evening in a triumphant crescendo.
SAOSIN LIVE IN MANILA was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation to the show.
The loudest screams last October 31 or Halloween night are not in horror houses nor in theaters for a horror movie, nor any Halloween Party but it’s on SM North Edsa’s Skydome with Silverstein as they returned to the Philippines after 3 years!
The Canadian rock band from Burlington Ontario, which was a part of the emergence of the pool of rock and emo music of the early 2000s, shook Manila again, highlighting their hits of 20 years of music in one night.
Band members Josh Bradford, Paul Koehler, Shane Told, Billy Hamilton, and Paul Marc Rousseau, brought the house down as it clashed again with the “emo capital of Southeast Asia”, proving again that this was never a phase with us, as mosh pits, wall of Death and non-stop singing with the band blanketed the night.
Our Heroine
Silverstein did not hold back in being loud that night as they matched the energy of their fans who waited for them to come back. The setlist was carefully curated and connected with the rock/emo enthusiasts, with screamo attached that just mutes all senses you get when you listen to it.
“We told you it wouldn’t take us 10 years to come back!” vocalist Shane Told told the crowd during one of the many many pauses they had that night to interact with the fans. They recalled that the last time they were in the country while singing on stage was during the deadly eruption of Taal Volcano last January 2020. For safety, all flights going in and out of the country were barred and they remained in the country longer than anticipated. “It could have been worse but we f*cking love it. You guys were the kindest, and sweetest people ever so thank you for having us back here, and thanks for being with us tonight!”
The crowd was on the edge throughout the evening and wanted to set loose with the band as they kept on promising that there would be the opportunity to let it go and unleash everything with a Wall of Death. A wall of death is a type of moshing in which the audience splits into two parts on either side of the venue, before each side runs towards the other, crashing the two sides together. We don’t see this that often in our country as safety was always a big thing in concerts here, sometimes even more than necessary but as the night went deeper, the songs got wilder, and more songs were sung with all the lyrics by the crowd. It was never surprising to see the Filipino crowd sing in perfect lyrics with the artists, even shocking the band with how perfect and in sync they were all throughout the evening. Like we swallowed the whole music catalog of Silverstein for breakfast like it wasn’t decades worth of music.
It was the pandemic that stopped the band from coming back here sooner as all artists have, and the ensemble did not fail to thank the Filipino fans for their support during the worldwide lockdown. “By the way, thank you so much for all the love you gave us during the pandemic… all the live streaming we did… we heard you, we saw you, we video called some of you, it’s a beautiful thing to know, we had that love. When we were sitting at home, with nothing else to do, our show here in Manila was the last thing we were thinking!”
The band was having so much fun on stage that they opened drinks and called to the crowd, “Tagay!?” Cheers indeed as it’s obvious that the Philippine bug got this band good, who even asked if anyone had dried mangoes in their pockets while remembering that those were the tastiest snacks they had in the Philippines!
Misery Made Us
“All the hardships in life, all across the world… we all found something together and that is music,” Shane called to the crowd. “That is the scene, that is this community. So for us to be here, halfway across the world and everyone in this room who is smiling right now is what it’s all about.”
A bit of a hiccup with the sound system stopped the show for a bit but the band took the opportunity to talk to the crowd instead, and they expressed that they never took any of the moments they had in the music industry for granted, pointing out they’ve been doing this for 22 years already.
Two decades and more in the music scene and all the tours they’ve done all across the world and the Filipino fans still reigned impressive as Shane stopped singing during a part of one of the most known songs, “My Heroine” and let the crowd sing. A frenzied, “Oh my god!” from Shane and the rest of the band’s awe that a crowd didn’t need any backing from the vocalists for the lyrics was truly a spectacle. The most awaited mosh pit happened during “Smile in Your Sleep” and it was nothing but a respectful chaos. Everyone pushed and pulled but after the song ended, the camaraderie and respect for each other showed, clapped each other’s backs, and threw high fives to each other who joined in the chaos.
The Wall of Death was orchestrated by Shane Told himself and the crowd was more than ready to clash as the final song, “The Altar/Mary” took over, as it’s the final moment to let go of everything. Witnessing a display of what Silverstein’s music can do to the crowd with its powerful finish, you will see again that rock/emo was never just a phase and all it needs is a reminder that it is part of who we are as the sad generation that coped with music and healed together in the trauma bond we all shared during the 2000s.
We will always be the emo kids, and artists like Silverstein are there to remind us that we all made it to this day and all it took for us to cope were sad songs, eyeliners, tight band t-shirts, fists in the air, and long bangs. Stitches with hearts and angst music anyone? We know you’re up for that. Long live the emo kids.
SETLIST
Ultraviolet Retrograde Burn It Down Giving Up It’s Over California American Dream Ideas of March Bankrupt Infinite Bad Habits Massachusetts Poison Pill One Step Closer My Heroine The Afterglow Live Like This
Rock your hearts out and burn the stage with the most legendary riffs you wouldn’t want to miss as SLASH, featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, brings The River Is Rising – Rest of the World Tour ‘24 to Manila!
SLASH will perform live in Manila on March 12, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater, with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for The River is Rising – Rest of the World Tour ’24.
Stay tuned for more information to be released regarding the show via MakeItLive.
Presented to you by PEACE Integrated Marketing, SIN YE LONG, Jasper Entertainment Production, and MakeitLive Asia.
Ito Kashitaro made his Philippine concert debut at the Brooklyn Warehouse in Sampaloc, Manila. The sold-out show was presented by the Japan Foundation Manila, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The tickets for the event were free, and the clamor for them was so intense, they got sold out shortly after they were released.
The Japanese singer started out doing covers for anime theme songs on video streaming platforms as early as 2011, but over the years, he has steadily built up his career by creating and writing his own songs. With his distinctly emotive singing style, his poetic yet sincere lyrics, and his trademark kitsune/fox mask, he has earned a sizable following in Japan and overseas.
For those who don’t know him yet, he sang the ending song “VITA PHILOSOPHICA for the recently released anime series My Happy Marriage.
Getting to Know Ito Kashitaro
Philippine Concerts was one of the few media outlets that was part of the interview with Ito Kashitaro during his visit, and we were in for a treat. Although he always wears his fox mask during his live performances and public appearances, he surprisingly faced us without it.
One of the most striking things about him is his sincere manner of speaking. He was assisted by a translator throughout the interview, and he made it a point to speak slowly, making sure that his words would get across well.
He can also be very candid when responding, expressing himself freely, like a friend telling a story. When we asked about the Filipino food he had tried during his visit, he gave quite a long list. “Sisig is number 1,” he immediately exclaimed. He also remembered trying Sinigang, Bistek (beef steak), Pancit, Kaldereta, Paella, and Squid with Gata, noting that they were all delicious. (FYI: he did remember the actual names of most of the dishes. For the few that he didn’t, he described the taste and the ingredients which the translator was kind enough to identify.) To add to that, he had sampled Halo-Halo and said that the serving was bigger than he thought. Even the ever-popular Jollibee was mentioned later on.
As a songwriter, Ito Kashitaro explained he takes inspiration from everything – all kinds of music and situations. For instance, if he finds a certain injustice in society, he channels his emotions into creating songs. When we asked about his songwriting process, he said he can write the melody and the lyrics at the same time, which is quite frankly a feat for any musician. He usually conceptualizes songs while walking around outside.
Ito isn’t one to play favorites with his song repertoire. He said that once he releases a song to the public, it has his stamp of approval and he likes that particular song just as much as the others in his catalog. “Every time I perform a song, the experience I get from it is the best. I feel so blessed whenever I sing so I can’t choose between them,” he explained.
Regarding future collaboration with international artists, he narrated that there had been plans before, but he is not sure when or if they will ever be released. He noted that he would be performing a duet with Armi Millare later that evening, so he cited that as one international collab.
Other trivia: His current favorite manga is March Comes Like a Lion by Chica Umino. If he were to cosplay an anime character, it would be Nobita from Doraemon. Not a trivia, but we got to hear an acapella sample of “Ark of Memories” (which sounded amazing, by the way).
The Live Experience
Armi Millare was the opening act for the evening. Previously known as the frontwoman of UDD, she is now paving her way as a solo artist. Her set that night marked her 2nd appearance since she released her new single two days ago. Trading in electronic rumbles for a more hushed and jazzy vibe, her music is now minimalist with delicate streaks that are solemn yet resounding. “Somewhere in Between” and “Roots” were among her new tracks. As a nostalgic trip for older fans, she played a stripped-down version of “Oo”, “Indak” and “Tadhana”. She even impressed the crowd when she played koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, during her set.
When the lights turned off for Ito Kashitaro, the thrill within the crowd was palpable, with everyone cheering and chanting his name. Everyone was taken by surprise when he made his entrance, donning his trademark kitsune mask. The first lines that came out of his mouth were the lyrics for “Gurenge” which was originally performed by LiSA and easily recognized by the crowd as the 1st opening song of the widely popular anime series Demon Slayer. As if in a karaoke, the audience sang along loudly to it.
The first part of his setlist were tracks from anime theme songs including “Silent Minority” (from Trapped in a Dating Sim), “VITA PHILOSOPHICA” (from My Happy Marriage), “Ark of Memories” (from Deca-Dence) and “The Country in the Sun” (from Princess of the Bibliophile). Since the beginning, Ito sang with such passion, that the intensity of his voice reverberated throughout the venue.
“I was looking forward to today because It’s my first time in the Philippines. Being here is something I could only dream about. I want to sing my hardest so that you have a great time,” he said upon introducing himself to the crowd. Before resuming his set, he chimed in, ”Filpino food is very delicious.”
For the second part of his set, he called on guitarist Yoshinori Shibata to accompany him. The acoustic stage was more intimate as his vocals were more raw. As he performed his songs like “Pierrot”, “The Starry Night Promise” and “Life is All About Goodbyes”, fans were delighted to sing along, clap and wave their hands on beat.
A strict no photography and videography rule was implemented throughout the concert. For us Filipinos, it might have been unthinkable, but it is common practice in concerts in Japan as part of basic etiquette. Fortunately, the audience members that night were more than happy to cooperate.
Everyone was just appreciating the music and their moment with the artist as it happened, making the concert all the more immersive and memorable. Ito Kashitaro’s passion for singing was equally matched by the crowd’s uproarious and warm energy that was sustained up to the end of the evening.
He also prepared special gifts for his Filipino fans. “I heard that there’s a song that is cherished in the Philippines,” he mentioned in the middle of his set. He said he tried to memorize the song and asked everyone to sing along with him to the lines ‘lachara chara chara’ which was recognized by the audience as SB19’s ”MAPA”. The lyrics were in Filipino and he sang it remarkably well. Later on, as revealed during the interview, he also shared the stage with Armi Millare for his song “LEATHER COVER” which they both sang flawlessly.
He then performed “Shojo Rei”, and “magic music” and for the encore, “Parabola – Galileo’s Dream”.
“Tonight is one of the best nights of my life! I’ll do my best to return to the Philippines. Please come see me again next time,” he said in appreciation to the crowd. He repeatedly bowed and joyfully expressed his gratitude to everyone present.
“I believe music transcends language barriers. For today’s concert, I hope the Filipino audience can overcome that wall, and that we get to enjoy music together,” Ito Kashitaro said during the press interview when asked about his message to his fans. In more ways than one, he succeeded in doing that. Despite the language barrier, many of his longtime fans were able to sing along with him effortlessly. Even casual attendees were able to have a good time just by experiencing the music live.
Special thanks to Japan Foundation Manila!
Written by Sandra Mae Laureano
Photos courtesy of the Japan Foundation Manila
Setlist
Gurenge – (cover) – originally by LiSA
Silent Minority
VITA PHILOSOPHICA
Ark of Memories
The Country in the Sun
Pierrot
Hyakka Ryoran
MAPA (cover) – originally by SB19
LEATHER COVER – duet with Armi Millare
The Starry Night Promise
Life is All About Goodbyes
A Mechanical Clown
Shojo Rei
magic music
Parabola – Galileo’s Dream
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