It took the band more than a decade to come back to Manila. The 90’s rock sensation The Cranberries seriously brought the Zombies back to life through a full set, 90 minute concert show. The band performed at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on a Tuesday night.

Last April 10, the famous Big Dome was filled with an estimated crowd of ten thousand people eager to rock out and relieve the era of genuine classic, rock music.

Despite having no front act, The Cranberries did not disappoint to bring out the crowd’s energy. Loud cheering from the fans was heard as the band came out. Everyone was on their feet singing the 1992 hit song, “Dreams” that opened up the show. It was the very first single The Cranberries released. Then it was followed by Billboard chart topper, “Linger”. They also performed other hit songs like “Animal Instinct”, “Ode To My Family”, “Just My Imagination” and “Zombie” which were undeniably the crowd’s favourite. Also, they included some new tracks from their new album Roses like “Schizophrenic Playboy”, “Raining In My Heart” and “Tomorrow”.

The band gave it their all. Youthful as ever, Dolores O’Riordan showed off her famous dance moves to every song. She was tireless and just kept her energy high from beginning to end. And after all these years, her voice is still very powerful, haunting and really beautiful. The two brothers, Mike and Noel Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler were also in high spirits and just rocked out through the entire show.

The concert had no other theatrical plays or other concert-whatever’s. It was just them, their audience and the music that united everyone that night. They had a great set list that summarized all the albums, years and memories they all have shared with their fans. The band truly let their music speak for themselves.

The Cranberries Live in Manila was a truly an amazing show. It balanced all these international acts happening in Manila. Finally, a show that was dedicated to all the 90’s rock kids, and despite their very long wait, one can really feel the outpour of their emotions that night.

“Yeah, you were dancing to your favourite song. And all my friends they were singing along.” A line from the Maine’s Like We Did probably best describes what happened that night.

To say that The Maine Live in Manila was just the concert is an understatement. Earlier that day, the band had a press conference and in the afternoon, they had a sound check party which royalty kids lined up for really early. Then in the evening was their Skydome-shaking concert.

As early as 5pm, it was pretty obvious that the kids were pumped up and ready for the show. Front act, Itchyworms performed a good number of songs just enough to warm up the crowd.

One very distinct feature in a The Maine’s concert is the chanting of “We like to party! We like, we like to party!” Apparently it’s a pre-concert ritual done by the band. Once heard, you know the show’s about to start.

As soon as Kennedy Brock, Jared Monaco, Pat Kirch, Garrett Nickelsen and John O’ Callaghan hit the stage, loud roar echoed inside. Excitement filled the air and Skydome was shaking. They first performed the song “Identify” from their new album “Pioneer”. Everyone was singing their hearts out that it seemed like they were even louder than the sound system.

The show was so intimate that fans were able to throw their cute stuff to the band like bunny ears, Darth Vader mask, bras and condom balloons. It was really nice to see the interaction between the fans and the band. From time to time, they check if the crowd is okay especially those who were upfront since there are quite a number of girls that fainted because of exhaustion, goes to show the band’s love for their fans.

Almost all songs played by The Maine were songs that fans knew by heart even those new songs from the new album. There was no record of dead moment that night. It was a 19 song set and to be honest, it felt like next time The Maine performs in Manila they should do a 25 (or more) song set.

The Maine wrapped up the show singing “Don’t Give Up On Us.” Overall The Maine Live in Manila was a huge success. With the number of attendees, their fan base pretty much grew bigger again and definitely these kids cannot wait for The Maine to come back.