Ohio-based quartet Walk the Moon initiated Filipinos into their tribe last Aug 18-20, 2015. The band performed five shows over the span of three straight days and was welcomed by their avid fans.

Walk the Moon’s tribe is one that encourages self-expression and individuality—a community of positivity.

Their show began with Lion King’s legendary opening sequence, the Circle of Life. The song was like a prelude to becoming part of the Walk the Moon tribe. Vocalist Nicholas Petricca, guitarist Eli Maiman, bassist Kevin Ray, and drummer Sean Waugaman walked on stage to the cheers and screams of the audience.

Whereas some bands use the same line-up of songs, every Walk the Moon show is different. It is like a living creature that grows and evolves. They had a dynamic set list for their shows, and even used the power of social media to tweak it.

Walk the Moon brought their foxy moves, as well as their colourful and electrifying performance on stage. It was impossible for the crowd not to catch the same level of energy projected on stage. A bunch of their fans had even formed a flash mob and danced to their famous hit, Shut Up and Dance, during their UP Town Center show.

Walk the Moon celebrates individuality by telling their fans it’s okay to be different; it’s okay to be who they are. The song Different Colors speaks to those who, according to Petricca, “have ever felt different from everyone else around you.”

The band initiated their Filipino fans into their tribe with a little spiel. “Welcome to our tribe. We celebrate each other no matter how different.” Petricca said accompanied by an accelerating drumbeat and surging guitars in the background. He instructed the crowd to channel all the negativity, push it out their chest, and let it go. It was about transforming the things that weighed them down and made them doubt themselves into something positive. In the end, that’s what a Walk the Moon show is about: coming out strong and united through the positive influence of music. In Nicholas Petricca’s words, “We lift each other up.”

Special thanks to MMI Live and Ayala Malls

Written by Izzy Matias
Photos by Cen Bernardo