We all have favorite bands that we need to see perform live at least once in a lifetime. The opportunity to watch Florida-based band Mayday Parade live at SM Skydome was the first time for some and the second or third for many. Thanks to Pulp Live World, die-hard fans welcomed them to Manila for the fourth time.

It has been seven years since the band released their debut album A Lesson in Romantics, a record that’s considered to be their breakout album from whence a song called Jersey gave Mayday Parade worldwide attention.

Returning with an impressive four studio albums under their belt, Mayday Parade set out to give us another rock show to remember.

Opting for the cozy confines of SM Skydome, Pulp Live World ensured an intimate environment for the tightly-knit Manila fanbase to enjoy. The crowd was at perfect liberty to jump around, dance, and even start circle pits.

After hours of anticipation, Mayday Parade stepped onto the stage with Ghost, a song from their latest album, Monster In The Closet. Their opening selection was followed by one of their hit singles, Jamie All Over.

The show proceeded with utmost energy from the group before transitioning into a quiet and heartfelt few moments. The crowd cheered and settled into a slow swaying as frontman Derek Sanders took to his keyboard for a performance of Miserable At Best and Stay. The fans knew every word by heart and sang right back to an obviously delighted Derek.

Another crowd favorite was the faux ending of the show, Jersey. It was overwhelming to see the entire crowd singing, jumping, and dancing with the tenacity of a much larger audience. After Jersey, Mayday Parade left the stage and the audience immediately started chanting “We want more!” to which the band happily obliged.

Mayday Parade put on a fantastic performance throughout the entire show with plenty of high-voltage energy. Vocalist Derek Sanders had the crowd singing along to their catchy tunes, ending the night with I’d Hate To Be You When People Find Out What This Song is About.

The setlist was mixed with songs from all of four studio albums. It was obvious that the audience most enjoyed the older songs such as Jersey, Jamie All Over, Kids In Love, Stay and Miserable at Best.

Derek talked to their fans between songs, taking the time to thank everyone and express that “we have a connection.” He also declared “This is my favorite show of the whole tour!” before thanking Pulp and it’s foremost torchbearer, Vernon Go.

With such strong unity among the fans who watched the show, there’s no doubt that Mayday Parade is one of the many living examples of how live music can be an instrument that binds people together.

Special thanks to Pulp Live World for bringing them back to Manila.

Mayday Parade live in Manila 2014 setlist
1. Ghost
2. Jamie All Over.
3. When You See My Friends
4. Your Song
5. 12 Through 15
6. You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet On the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart In the Clouds.
7. Girls
8. Black Cat
9. Miserable at Best
10. Stay
11. Hold Onto Me
12. Kids in Love
13. 3 Cheers for 5 Years
14. Oh Well, Oh Well
15. Jersey
16. I’d Hate To Be You when People Find Out What This Song is About

Write up by Cen Sulit
Editing, Photos by Carla Barretto

Carla Barretto is a busy bee that eats, sleeps, and breathes concerts. When she’s not shooting shows, she’s planning them herself! Her production and multimedia backgrounds blend into this peculiar mademoiselle with a love for live music.

Follow Carla Barretto on Twitter @heycarlaaa

Upcoming Shows by Pulp Live World
April 26 – Pulp Summer Slam 2014
April 30 – The Pretty Reckless Live in Manila 2014
May 12 – Children of Bodom Live in Manila
May 17 – 2NE1 Live in Manila
August 31 – Bazooka Rocks 3