Pulp Live World gives royalty a new meaning when Sleeping with Sirens and Pierce the Veil ruled the SM Skydome on the 16th of February. Not only did the fans get the royal treatment they deserve, the bands got as much, if not more, in return. Bragging a full house, just about every corner of the Skydome was occupied – the mosh pit bursting, the gen ad area spilling over. The two post-hardcore bands, known to be close friends with one another, proved to be the perfect match as they owned the stage song after song after song. A more tangible proof of their connection is the song “King for a Day” wherein Pierce the Veil featured Kellin Quinn, vocalist of Sleeping with Sirens.

Sleeping with Sirens was first up to rock the Skydome. With Kellin on vocals, on lead guitar, Justin on bass, Jack on lead guitar, Jesse on rhythm guitar and Gabe on drums, the appearance of the band psyched up the crowd in an instant. They opened the evening with “Do It Now Remember It Later” from the album “Let’s Cheers to This”. It was obvious that the audience was up for an astounding act by just hearing the level of intensity of their music. The remarkably versatile vocals of Kellin, equally matched by the members’ energy were striking as they played through were “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear”, “Roger Rabbit”, “If You Can’t Hang”, “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” and the much awaited “All My Heart”.

The fans sang their hearts out to the songs as if they were anthems. The pit was roaring and tumbling all over. The Skydome was distracted by what seemed to be mini-earthquakes as the crowd jumped in unison. What made everything more striking were the excellent performances by the two bands which were perfectly complemented with the synching explosions of the confetti cannons and smoke machines.

The mania continued when Pierce the Veil proceeded to take their rightful place on stage. With Vic on vocals and rhythm guitar, Tony on lead guitar, Jaime on bass and Mike on drums, they intensified the already crazed audience by dishing out each song. Coming out strong with “Hell Above”, and following through with “Disasterology”, “A Match into the Water”, “Bulletproof Love”, “Caraphernelia”, “Hold on ‘Till May” and “Besitos”. Vic Fuentes even performed “I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket” solo which was apparently a first for the band’s current tour.

To wrap up the whole evening, Pierce the Veil came back with Kellin Quinn to perform the most anticipated collaboration song “King for a Day”. It was just about the best ending to the overpowering performances executed by both bands.

Undeniably, it was one hell of an evening for the fans. Being inside the Skydome at that time was overwhelming. The pit was wildly jumping, pushing and screaming as the two bands performed. They screamed the songs’ every word. Astoundingly enough, Sleeping with Sirens and Pierce the Veil had the time of their lives with the Filipino crowd. On February 16, 2013, they were kings for a day here in Manila.

by Sandra Mae Laureano
Photos by Glenn Michael Tan and Sandra Mae Laureano

*Special thanks to Pulp Live World