One OK Rock Taka Moriuchi blows the crowd away with his powerful vocals
In a much-anticipated event, the iconic Japanese rock band One OK Rock finally graced the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila on Sept. 26 as part of their Luxury Disease Asia Tour 2023. Originally scheduled for May 2020, the concert was rescheduled due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the wait proved to be worth it for the eager Filipino OORers (One OK Rock’s fandom name).
The excitement surrounding the concert was palpable from the get-go, as tickets flew off the shelves on the very first day of sales. Such was the demand that fans took to social media, pleading for additional seats. Responding to the overwhelming demand, Pulp Live World, the concert’s organizer, added more seats to accommodate the passionate crowd.
On the day of the show, the atmosphere around the Smart Araneta Coliseum was charged with anticipation. Fans, fueled by their excitement, arrived early, forming long lines that snaked around the venue. The air buzzed with energy, setting the stage for what would be a night to remember. As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted into cheers as One OK Rock took the stage, opening with the electrifying track Wonder. The seamless synergy of Toru on guitar, Taka as the powerhouse vocalist, Tomoya on drums, and Ryota on bass guitar immediately captivated the audience. Fan favorites like Save Yourself and Renegades had the audience singing along, their voices merging with the powerful melodies.
“Are you ready, guys?” Taka exclaimed, igniting a roar from the crowd. Despite having seated tickets, fans couldn’t help but stand up and immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere created by One OK Rock. Throughout the night, the band took the audience on a musical journey, performing hits like Clock Strikes, Make it Out Alive, Neon, and Wasted Nights. The Big Dome reverberated with loud cheers and stomps, showcasing the undying passion of Filipino fans for One OK Rock ‘s music.
A standout moment occurred during the performance of Your Tears Are Mine, where fans illuminated the venue with the glow of their phone lights, creating a breathtaking sea of lights. In a heartwarming gesture, One OK Rock paused to let the fans take the lead, singing along to the soul-stirring lyrics. Taka’s vocal prowess was on full display during Clock Strikes, where he effortlessly sustained a high note, leaving the audience in awe of his vocal range. The crowd actively participated in the interactive experience, especially during Stand Out Fit In, where everyone ducked down before launching into a synchronized jump, creating a visual spectacle.
The planned encore, which was expected to conclude with the emotional ballad Wherever You Are, took an unexpected turn. One OK Rock, in a surprising twist, treated the audience to one more song, Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer. A track they hadn’t performed in quite some time, it added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to an already memorable night. The concert was not only a musical feast but also a visual spectacle. The production design was also top tier, complementing the band’s dynamic performance. The stage was truly set ablaze, mirroring the fiery energy emanating from One OK Rock and the ecstatic crowd.
As the final notes of Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer echoed through the dome, it was evident that Manila had witnessed one of the best live concerts in recent memory. One OK Rock’s Luxury Disease Asia Tour 2023 in Manila had not only fulfilled the long-awaited promise of a live performance but had also exceeded expectations, leaving fans with memories that would resonate for years to come.
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The One OK Rock Luxury Disease Asia Tour 2023 in Manila was powered by Pulp Live World.
