CONCERT REVIEW: Yellowcard’s SOLD-OUT Farewell Concert in Manila
Bands that do shows the second time around do not usually surprise fans anymore; but that exempts Yellowcard after an epic performance at SM North EDSA, Skydome, last February 10, Friday. For what seemed to be the final tour before breaking up after 20 wonderful years making music, the band did put up a massively impressive show and didn’t fail to hype up their Filipino fans during their farewell tour in Manila.
All hands swaying during the “Sing For Me” performance
Alternative rock band Gracenote was the front act of the night. Having escaped the Paramore-cloned tag, they did a pretty amazing job on covering Paramore’s “That’s What You Get” which they haven’t played in a long time, according to lead vocals Eunice. The band put up a great vibe before Yellowcard went up onstage.
Red lights were flashing on stage as the band walks in with such vigor and sang their first song, “Believe”, followed by “Lights and Sounds”, “Always Summer”, “What Appears”, “Rest In Peace”, and “Way Away” which were few of the songs that highlighted their 20 years in the music scene.
Sean Mackin and Ryan Mendez rippin off the stage
Ever since 2000, Yellowcard continuously earned adoration from their fans globally because of their heart-thumping, melodic sense, and pure musical greatness. Members Ryan Key, Sean Mackin, Ryan Mendez and Josh Portman had everyone transfixed for almost 3 hours of nonstop head-banging hits from now and then. They performed songs “A Place We Set Afire”, “Breathing”, “Light Up The Sky” and more.
Guitar riffing moment
Key also took his acoustic guitar and treated his fans with a laidback version of “Empty Apartment” with Mackin entering on the second verse doing his ever impeccable violin skills.
Josh Portman on bass
Finally, they capped off the night with their highly successful songs “Ocean Avenue” and “Only One”.
Yellowcard will always put a mark on every Filipino, because, let’s be honest, what’s not to love about them? For their 20 years in the industry, they’ve stood the test of time through taking risks each time they put on a new record and ingeniously working their hard-hitting music into both slow, classical sounding, and upbeat ones too! Whether you’re a fan or not, you’d be amaze how their music has encouraged and inspired a lot of listeners to push through any obstacles and come out on top.
They’re breaking up? Yes. But their music will always be there and will always slay.
Hats off to DMC Entertainment and Phoenix Productions for putting off a sold-out show!
Photos and text by: Denise Villamar
