 |
| The Corrs Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City October 21, 2023 |
I grew up listening to and loving The Corrs' music. Their harmonies are always my favorite part because their voices are all so beautiful. During the pandemic, when live music was nowhere to be found, I turned to watching concerts on YouTube. That's why it felt so surreal to finally see them live and in person. This '90s kid felt SO YOUNG again, but I was literally BREATHLESS after screaming and singing along to The Corrs' songs at their first sold-out show in Manila! I had so much fun seeing them perform my childhood favorite songs live.
The Corrs Live in Manila 2023 Videos:
The Corrs Live in Manila 2023 Setlist:
Only When I Sleep
Give Me a Reason
Summer Sunshine
Erin Shore / Forgiven, Not Forgotten
What Can I Do
Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Don't Say You Love Me
Little Wing (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
No Frontiers (Jimmy MacCarthy cover) (Sharon and Caroline Corr on lead vocals)
Joy of Life / Trout in the Bath
Ellis Island
Haste to the Wedding
Radio
Queen of Hollywood
Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover)
So Young
I Never Loved You Anyway
*Encore*
Runaway
Breathless
Toss the Feathers ([traditional] cover)
The Corrs Live in Manila 2023 Photos:
The Corrs Live in Manila: A Dream Come True
I have to start by saying that growing up with The Corrs' music was a defining part of my childhood. Their harmonies were like magic, and every note they sang seemed to weave a story that resonated with me on a deep level. I distinctly remember sitting by the radio or popping in a CD, listening to "Breathless," "Runaway," and "What Can I Do," feeling like their music was a soundtrack to so many phases of my life. So when I found out that The Corrs were coming to Manila, I couldn’t contain my excitement. After all, this was a band that shaped my musical taste, and now, I had the chance to see them live for the very first time.
Flash forward to the night of the concert—it was everything I dreamed of and more.
A Night That Took Me Back in Time
Walking into the venue was like stepping into a time machine. The energy in the air was electric, with fans from all walks of life converging for a shared love of this iconic band. Many of us had been waiting for years, decades even, to witness The Corrs perform live, and the anticipation was palpable. I had spent so much time during the pandemic rewatching their old concert footage on YouTube just to feel some semblance of a live performance. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the reality of seeing them in person.
As soon as the lights dimmed and the first note echoed across the arena, the entire crowd erupted into applause. It was as though we were all transported back to the '90s, reliving our youth through their timeless music. I could feel a rush of emotions; it was like reconnecting with an old friend after so many years. The opening harmonies of “Only When I Sleep” washed over the crowd, and at that moment, I was hooked. I couldn’t believe I was actually here, listening to The Corrs live in Manila!
The Magic of Their Harmonies
One of the things that has always stood out to me about The Corrs is their ability to harmonize so beautifully. Hearing those harmonies live was an entirely different experience from listening to recordings. It felt as though every note was perfectly placed, their voices blending seamlessly with one another. I’ve always loved how the sibling dynamic added an extra layer of intimacy and connection to their performances, and that was incredibly evident throughout the concert.
Songs like “Forgiven, Not Forgotten” and “Dreams” highlighted their vocal chemistry in the most awe-inspiring way. I found myself getting lost in the music, just as I had when I was a kid, but this time with a newfound appreciation for their artistry. There’s something undeniably special about seeing a band that has been with you for so long, watching them pour their hearts into the same songs that carried you through so many stages of life.
Feeling Like a Kid Again
The nostalgia hit me hard but in the best way possible. I wasn’t just listening to songs—I was singing my heart out, screaming the lyrics alongside thousands of fans who felt exactly like I did. I don’t think I’ve ever had a concert experience where I was so fully engaged, where I could just let loose and be transported back to the carefree days of my youth.
The moment they performed “Breathless,” I completely lost it. That song, for me, represents so many memories—school trips, first crushes, late-night dance parties in my room—and hearing it live was a surreal moment. I was literally breathless from screaming the lyrics, feeling like I was 16 again, standing in front of my bedroom mirror, pretending I was on stage with them.
And it wasn’t just “Breathless.” Hearing them perform “Runaway” live brought a lump to my throat. It’s such a beautifully written song, and it was always a personal favorite growing up. It was impossible not to get emotional, not just because of the song’s nostalgic pull but because of the overwhelming realization that I was finally seeing them live after all these years. It felt like a full-circle moment.
A Bond Between Fans and The Corrs
What struck me most about the concert was how genuine The Corrs were. Despite being international stars, they connected with the audience on such a personal level. They took the time to express their gratitude for the support they’ve received from their Filipino fans over the years, and it was clear they were touched by the turnout. This wasn’t just another show for them—it was a reunion with fans who had been with them since the beginning.
It was also amazing to see how many different generations were present at the concert. While a lot of us '90s kids were there, I also saw families with younger children, couples, and even older folks who clearly appreciated The Corrs’ music. It made me realize just how timeless their songs are—they bridge generations and evoke the same sense of wonder in everyone, no matter when they first discovered their music.
A Surreal and Unforgettable Experience
When the final song of the night began to play, I didn’t want the concert to end. I had waited so long for this moment, and I wanted to hold onto every second. But as they performed “Toss The Feathers,” their traditional Irish instrumental that always leaves the audience on a high note, I found myself feeling nothing but gratitude.
I am grateful for their music, for the memories, and for the fact that after all these years, I finally had the chance to see them live in concert. As the lights came up and the band took their final bow, the crowd was on its feet, cheering, applauding, and basking in the afterglow of what was undeniably an unforgettable night.
The Corrs live in Manila wasn’t just a concert for me—it was a journey back in time, a reminder of how much their music means to me, and a celebration of how far we’ve all come. I left the venue that night feeling young, exhilarated, and completely fulfilled.
It was truly one of the best nights of my life.
———
Work with me! trina.ph accepts collaborations with brands, companies, and individuals for concert photography and coverage, as well as sponsored posts and ads.
