Save Rock and Roll Tour: Fall Out Boy live in Manila Concert Review

The screaming fans who shook the packed Big Dome

Fall Out Boy is such a talented band. Infinity On high is one of my most played albums ever! In 2009, after the release of Folie A Deux, the band went on hiatus. Last February, they announced that they were coming back with a new album and world tour. That tour included Manila, and the show proved to be tremendously successful. Fall Out Boy returned from their 4-year hiatus with their latest album “Save Rock and Roll” and on August 8, Thursday night, an approximate 9,000 fans in the Araneta Coliseum witnessed the much awaited performance of one of the best punk/emo bands in the world.

A line outside the Big Dome began early in the morning in order for the fans to stand in the pit and get the closest spot to the stage. Typecast opened the show and by the end of their set, the Big Dome was vibrating with screaming and anticipation. I’ve seen FOB live before, but getting to see them again, performing new songs and all-time favorites was absolutely amazing.

Once Pete, Joe, Andy and Patrick jumped onstage, everyone in the venue stood up and those in the pit pushed forward. The band kicked-off with their old hits such as “Thriller”, “Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me”, “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More “Touch Me”” and “Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes”. The crowd instantly went wild and Pete told everyone to push back. Dehydration and overexertion quickly struck many fans as several began passing out during the set. It was a good thing to see the medics well-prepared for this kind of situation.

“This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” and “Alone Together” were performed with amazing reception from the crowd. They also played one of my favorites “Sugar, We’re Going Down” no doubt a crowd favorite as well.

All eyes were on Patrick Stump as he played “Save Rock and Roll” with his keyboard and the crowd sang along with passion. It was performed beautifully and the great emotion in Pat’s voice was definitely intense.

After wrapping up with MJ’s cover “Beat It”, it seemed, FOB couldn’t satisfy concert goers who continued to cheer for more songs. The highlight of the concert for me was the last two songs they played, which were their signature track “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” and “Saturday” a moment wherein Pete went to the crowd.

They played 20 great songs from their old albums to their most recent. Their newest album I personally think is great, and the tracks they chose to perform were great for a concert setting. Fall Out Boy has the craziest fans out there! I thought the entire set was superb. They performed many new songs, and for me that’s a good thing to do, though it would have been great to hear my fave “The Take Over, The Breaks Over”. Fans go to a concert where they can sing along with their favorite bands or artists. It makes all of us feel a part of something important. Without a doubt, Fall Out Boy in Manila was worth the wait. The energy and how they worked with their audience was amazing! They made everyone feel a part of the entire show. Keep on slamming and giving out great memories with your songs.

Written by: Vince Bern
Photos by: Carla Barretto

Special Thanks to Ovation Productions & Music Management International