The Cranberries

If you grew up in the 90’s, you must have adored The Cranberries. I did! Dolores O’Riordan was an icon back then, famous for the songs Linger, Dreams, Ode to My Family, among others. Her voice was recognizable, not to mention her occasional “piyok” during live concerts.

Last April 10, The Cranberries had its second concert in Manila at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The concert started an hour late, my pet peeve. Good thing the band put up a good show for an hour and a half.

They played 22 songs, with Dreams as an opening number.

Everywhere I look, the people in the audience were my ka-age. Batang 90’s. I was glad.

Dolores danced around the stage. Her dance steps were very animated, I didn’t know she could be that funny.

This Irish rock band came to life during my high school days. These 2 albums are my favorites (I still have them in cassette tapes):

consequenceofsound.net

risingstars.ph

Dolores played the guitar as well. She did in Free To Decide, Zombie and I Can’t Be With You.

With Salvation as its encore song, the band really brought the house down. Everyone was singing, dancing and jumping.

The Cranberries still has IT. Great music, great performance, great night. It was like being high school again, minus the head bang.

Avril Lavigne

 

I had a nice time watching Avril Lavigne perfom live last 16 February (I know, this post is looong overdue) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The ticket was pricey, for such a short show. I’m a fan, but the ticket was really exorbitant. I try not to think about it anymore, but really, I paid so much!

 

Fortunately, she played most of my favorite songs. I was hoping she will sing “WHY”. Failed.

Young as she is, naturally the crowd was young as well.

Daming tao!

The show started on time, with Somedaydream as front act. They performed their most famous single "Hey Daydreamer".  I didn’t even know that such was the title of the song until the famous line “you and me, sitting on a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g...” was played. Yes, from the Cornetto commercial.

SOMEDAYDREAM

Then it went totally dark. All you can see were the neon sticks waved by the crowd. It was cute. I didn’t buy one for myself. Mahalia. 

 

 And out came the petite girl, singing Skaterboy.

 

She literally rocked the big dome! Everyone was singing, jumping and screaming!

Maybe she couldn't believe that she has a huge following in the Philippines, so she said " Oh my God, Manila, you are so amazing! I'm from Canada, thank you for listening to my music all the way from here!".

She was very energetic, jumping up and down the stage. And the crowd was joyous. The screams were deafening. Mapapakanta ka talaga with her.

When I reached home, the noise was still echoing in my ears. In fact, my ears hurt. Not used to so much noise already.

Again, it was a great show. But too expensive.