Back in Manila for the third time, American rock band Paramore still makes their Filipino fans go crazy wild. It's been five years, and we simply waited too long. To add, the Manila concert was postponed from its original scheduled date on February 18 to August 23 (that's another six months to what everyone thought would be the night-night) due to Hayley's respiratory condition back then. Imagine the devastation, then the anticipation.
It was the second time I've seen Paramore perform live. The first one was at their first concert in Manila back in 2010 (could not believe that was almost a decade ago). I did not have good photos of the band then. This time, sadly, I did not have any decent ones, too, because my camera was not allowed in the arena anymore (I had attended concerts in the same venue before, but this was the first time I was banned from bringing a "compact system" camera inside). It bummed me out, but when the concert started, it felt nice not to worry whether I have good videos or photos of them (also, Z was kind enough to take photos and videos while I just bang my head and sing my heart out). I was on a high the whole night.
Reese Lansangan, an absolute divine, opened the night for the band. She sang four original songs, including 'Exploration No. 5' and 'St. Petersburg'. Her voice was ethereal.
After a few more minutes of what felt like a decade, Paramore came out on stage. Screams grew louder as they started the night with 'Grudges', a single from their latest album 'After Laughter'. Hayley was dancing like a goddess. You could feel the excitement, and every overwhelming feeling in the arena.
They followed it with a song from their previous album, 'Paramore', 'Still Into You'. I was singing my heart out, without hesitation. It was only the second song, but I was starting to feel like my voice was cracking. Yes, that much joy.
After performing 'Rose-Colored Boy', the band sang songs from their 'Riot!' album, 'That's What You Get' and 'Crushcrushcrush'. Waving their hands, banging their heads. Everyone was just singing loudly and happily.
They played 'Fake Happy', 'Playing God', 'Forgiveness', 'Ignorance', and 'Pool' before they took a short break. Even leaving the fans with a big note on the screens, "WE'LL BE BACK IN A SEC. LOVE, US." When they came back on stage, the arena roared.
The band sat for a while as they do a cover of Drake's 'Passion Fruit'. Followed by a personal favorite from 'Brand New Eyes', 'Misguided Ghosts'. But it was that moment when they sang '26' that took a hold of me. They started performing, and I suddenly started crying. I remembered the times I listened to it, and how it kept me company. I could not hold back the tears.
All lights were shut as the band went off stage again. They came back and sang several songs from their latest record, 'Caught in the Middle', 'Idle Worship', and 'No Friend'. They also sang a classic from 'Riot!', 'Misery Business' (as tradition, a lucky fan got to sing on stage, and even hugged Hayley). Zac Farro also graced us with a song as Hayley took a step back to play the drums, and do backing vocals. They performed 'Ain't it Fun' and 'I Told You So' before closing the night with the first single they released for 'After Laughter', 'Hard Times'. It was an amazing night worth the long wait. Unforgettable, euphoric.
Following Paramore for over a decade, the band has really been through a lot. Songs from 'After Laughter' make you want to dance, but the lyrics stab the heart straight to where it hurts. Hayley has always been vocal about mental health, and it reflects on their latest record. When she asked everyone to share an imaginary toast with them, the arena was filled with warmth.
I don't know when will I be able to see them again, but for now, I'm only reliving the moment.
(c) & Z
It was the second time I've seen Paramore perform live. The first one was at their first concert in Manila back in 2010 (could not believe that was almost a decade ago). I did not have good photos of the band then. This time, sadly, I did not have any decent ones, too, because my camera was not allowed in the arena anymore (I had attended concerts in the same venue before, but this was the first time I was banned from bringing a "compact system" camera inside). It bummed me out, but when the concert started, it felt nice not to worry whether I have good videos or photos of them (also, Z was kind enough to take photos and videos while I just bang my head and sing my heart out). I was on a high the whole night.
Reese Lansangan, an absolute divine, opened the night for the band. She sang four original songs, including 'Exploration No. 5' and 'St. Petersburg'. Her voice was ethereal.
After a few more minutes of what felt like a decade, Paramore came out on stage. Screams grew louder as they started the night with 'Grudges', a single from their latest album 'After Laughter'. Hayley was dancing like a goddess. You could feel the excitement, and every overwhelming feeling in the arena.
They followed it with a song from their previous album, 'Paramore', 'Still Into You'. I was singing my heart out, without hesitation. It was only the second song, but I was starting to feel like my voice was cracking. Yes, that much joy.
After performing 'Rose-Colored Boy', the band sang songs from their 'Riot!' album, 'That's What You Get' and 'Crushcrushcrush'. Waving their hands, banging their heads. Everyone was just singing loudly and happily.
They played 'Fake Happy', 'Playing God', 'Forgiveness', 'Ignorance', and 'Pool' before they took a short break. Even leaving the fans with a big note on the screens, "WE'LL BE BACK IN A SEC. LOVE, US." When they came back on stage, the arena roared.
The band sat for a while as they do a cover of Drake's 'Passion Fruit'. Followed by a personal favorite from 'Brand New Eyes', 'Misguided Ghosts'. But it was that moment when they sang '26' that took a hold of me. They started performing, and I suddenly started crying. I remembered the times I listened to it, and how it kept me company. I could not hold back the tears.
All lights were shut as the band went off stage again. They came back and sang several songs from their latest record, 'Caught in the Middle', 'Idle Worship', and 'No Friend'. They also sang a classic from 'Riot!', 'Misery Business' (as tradition, a lucky fan got to sing on stage, and even hugged Hayley). Zac Farro also graced us with a song as Hayley took a step back to play the drums, and do backing vocals. They performed 'Ain't it Fun' and 'I Told You So' before closing the night with the first single they released for 'After Laughter', 'Hard Times'. It was an amazing night worth the long wait. Unforgettable, euphoric.
I don't know when will I be able to see them again, but for now, I'm only reliving the moment.
(c) & Z
