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| The 1975 Live in Manila 2023: At Their Very Best Tour Day 1 MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines May 3, 2023 |
May 3rd, 2023, was a night etched into the hearts of every Filipino 1975 fan. It was the first day of The 1975's "At Their Very Best Tour" in Manila, and as the title promised, it truly was a night of musical magic. The MOA Arena vibrated with anticipation long before Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, and George Daniel even graced the stage.
The energy was electric from the very first notes of "Love Me Tender," a cover of Elvis Presley's classic that set the tone for a night that would seamlessly blend nostalgia and electrifying rock. Through hits like "Looking for Somebody (to Love)," "Happiness," and "UGH!," the band had the entire crowd swaying, singing, and jumping in unison.
Matty Healy, their ever charismatic frontman, owned the stage like a second skin, his dance moves weaving magic between the pulsating synths and thundering drums. The setlist was a masterclass in storytelling, traversing the band's discography with flawless precision. Fan favorites like "UGH!" and "Robbers" ignited singalongs and mosh pits, while introspective numbers like "Somebody Else" and "I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)" drew the crowd into moments of hushed tenderness.
But The 1975 are more than just sonic masters. The visual spectacle was breathtaking. Dazzling lights pulsed in time with the music, swirling projections painted stories on the screen, and confetti showers turned the arena into a wonderland of shimmering color. Every detail, from the stage design to Matty's ever-changing outfits, felt meticulously crafted to create a fully immersive experience.
And Manila loved it. The crowd, a vibrant tapestry of ages and backgrounds, danced, sang, and screamed their hearts out. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, strangers transformed into friends united by their love for the band. Whether it was belting out the lyrics to "Sex" or swaying to the melancholic beauty of "About You," it was clear: Manila was giving back the energy in spades.
The night ended with a triumphant rendition of "Give Yourself a Try," leaving the crowd breathless and hearts brimming with joy. As the final notes faded into the air, one thing was undeniable: The 1975 lived up to their name in Manila. They delivered a show that was at their very best, a musical and emotional rollercoaster that reminded us why we fell in love with their music in the first place.
So, to everyone who was there, relive the magic in the countless YouTube and TikTok fan-cams. To those who weren't, remember that Manila is still buzzing with the afterglow of this unforgettable night. And to The 1975, thank you for reminding us that music has the power to unite, to heal, and to make us feel truly alive. We can't wait for your next "Very Best" visit, Manila will always be ready.
What was your favorite moment from The 1975's Manila concert? Share your memories in the comments!
P.S. Don't forget to check out the full-show recording on YouTube by trina.ph!
The 1975 Live in Manila 2023 Videos:
The 1975 Live in Manila 2023 Setlist:
Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley song) (with Atpoaim video)
Looking for Somebody (to Love)
Happiness
UGH!
Oh Caroline
Me & You Together Song
If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)
I'm in Love With You
fallingforyou
About You
An Encounter
Robbers
Somebody Else
It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)
Pressure
Paris
Me
Love It If We Made It
I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)
The Sound
Sex
Give Yourself a Try
Song played from tape: The End of the World (Skeeter Davis song) (Sharon Van Etten ver.)
The 1975 Live in Manila 2023 Photos:
The 1975 Live in Manila 2023: At Their Very Best Tour – A Night of Artistic Genius and Unforgettable Energy
If I had to describe The 1975's At Their Very Best Tour in Manila in one word, it would be masterpiece. The show was nothing short of spectacular, blending music, art, and raw emotion into an unforgettable experience. Held in 2023, this was one of those concerts that left me in awe, feeling like I had just witnessed something truly special. From start to finish, The 1975 delivered a performance that was equal parts high-energy and introspective, making for a night I’ll never forget.
The Anticipation: The Crowd, the Atmosphere, the Excitement
Walking into the venue that night, you could immediately feel the excitement buzzing through the air. Fans of all ages were wearing their favorite The 1975 merch, chatting excitedly about what songs they hoped to hear. It was clear that this wasn’t just a regular concert for most of us—this was the event. The 1975 has a way of creating a unique bond with their fans through their music, and you could tell everyone there felt connected to the band in a personal way.
As the lights dimmed and the iconic neon rectangle that The 1975 is known for began to glow on the stage, the arena erupted in cheers. My heart raced with excitement, knowing that in just a few moments, we were about to see Matty Healy and the rest of the band live in action. The anticipation was at its peak.
Opening the Show: A Theatrical Experience
When the band finally took the stage, it was pure magic. Matty Healy, with his signature blend of swagger and vulnerability, immediately captured everyone’s attention. The show kicked off with “The 1975,” the opening track from their latest album, Being Funny In A Foreign Language. Right from the start, it was clear that this tour wasn’t just about playing the hits—it was about creating a full-fledged artistic experience.
The stage design was minimalistic yet striking, with bright, sharp lights and clean lines that gave the entire show a cinematic feel. It felt more like we were watching a piece of performance art than just a regular concert. The band’s impeccable musicianship was on full display, but there was also a sense of theatricality that added a whole new layer to the performance. Each song felt like its own scene, perfectly crafted to evoke a particular mood or emotion.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Time and Sound
One of the highlights of the night was the carefully curated setlist. The 1975 took us on a journey through their entire discography, seamlessly blending their older hits with their newer, more experimental tracks. It was a perfect balance of nostalgia and novelty, giving long-time fans a chance to relive the songs they’d grown up with while also experiencing the fresh sounds of their latest album.
When they launched into “Love It If We Made It,” the crowd went wild. The energy was off the charts, and you could feel the intensity in the air as everyone screamed the lyrics back at the band. It’s a politically charged anthem, and hearing it live was a cathartic experience—like we were all collectively releasing the frustrations of the past few years. Matty’s performance during this song was particularly powerful, his voice full of urgency and passion.
Then there were the more introspective moments, like when they played “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes).” The vulnerability in Matty’s voice was palpable, and the entire arena seemed to hold its breath as we were drawn into the emotional depths of the song. It’s moments like these that set The 1975 apart—they’re not afraid to confront heavy emotions head-on, and it creates a connection with the audience that’s hard to describe.
Of course, no The 1975 concert would be complete without their iconic hits. When they played “Somebody Else,” the entire crowd swayed along to the dreamy, melancholic melody. It’s one of those songs that just hits differently live, especially when you’re surrounded by thousands of people who are just as in love with the song as you are. The collective energy of the crowd, singing every word in unison, was nothing short of magical.
The 1975's Unique Stage Presence
Matty Healy is one of those performers who has an undeniable stage presence. Throughout the night, he effortlessly switched between rockstar confidence and introspective vulnerability. Whether he was dancing across the stage during the upbeat numbers or sitting quietly at the piano for a stripped-back performance, Matty had the entire crowd hanging on his every move.
There’s also something beautifully unpolished about Matty’s stage persona. He’s unapologetically himself—at times quirky, at times messy, but always authentic. During the show, there were moments where he would interact with the crowd, making jokes or sharing personal anecdotes. It felt like we were seeing not just an artist, but a real person up there, which made the experience even more intimate despite the massive venue.
One of the most memorable parts of the night was when Matty grabbed a cigarette and, true to form, added his trademark casual flair to the performance. It’s these little touches that make The 1975’s shows feel so personal and raw.
A Connection with Manila Fans
The 1975 has a deep connection with their Filipino fans, and that was so evident throughout the show. Matty repeatedly expressed his love for Manila, thanking the crowd for their unwavering support over the years. There’s something so special about hearing your favorite band acknowledge the city you’re from—it adds an extra layer of meaning to the night.
At one point, Matty even took a moment to reflect on how much they’ve grown as a band since they first started playing in smaller venues in Manila. It was a full-circle moment, and you could feel the gratitude radiating from both the band and the fans.
The Encore: A Perfect Finale
After an incredible setlist, the night came to a close with an unforgettable encore. When the band returned to the stage to play “The Sound,” the energy in the room was electric. Everyone was on their feet, dancing and singing along as confetti rained down from the ceiling. It was the perfect way to end the night on a high note—pure, unadulterated joy.
As the final chords rang out and the band took their bows, there was a sense of satisfaction in the air. The 1975 had given us everything we could have asked for and more. It was a performance that showcased their evolution as artists, but also reminded us of the timelessness of their music.
A Night to Remember
Walking out of the venue that night, I couldn’t stop replaying the concert in my mind. The 1975’s At Their Very Best Tour was exactly that—they were at their very best. From the incredible setlist to the artistic stage design to Matty Healy’s captivating presence, everything about the night was perfect.
It wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience that left me feeling both exhilarated and introspective. The 1975 has a way of making their shows feel like more than just a performance—they create a space where you can lose yourself in the music, feel deeply, and connect with something greater.
I left the arena that night with my heart full and my mind racing, already counting down the days until The 1975 returns to Manila. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I’ll be there, ready to experience the magic all over again.
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