Fall Out Boy returns to Manila after a decade, declares Philippines fans best crowd yet

American rock band Fall Out Boy set the SMART Araneta Coliseum on fire and left fans on a high note following its sold-out So Much For (Tour) Dust held Dec. 9 after 10 years.

The 22-year-old band brought together different generations to the venue, performing classic hits and latest tracks. The boys made sure to start with banger songs Love From the Other Side, The Phoenix, and Sugar, We’re Goin Down.

The crowd was more energized with Uma Thurman, A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More Touch Me, Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy and Calm Before the Storm.

Despite having an audience with various age groups, the crowd was in sync, singing their hearts out to the band’s songs from the 2003 album Take This To Your Grave until the latest album release So Much (for) Stardust.

The band did not disappoint the stans of Infinity On High and Folie à Deux as it rocked This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race, Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes, Bang the Doldrum and Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet.

Fans decided to pull off a surprise by illuminating the venue with a pink sea of lights as a welcome back gift for the boys during the Fake Out performance.

“Wow! This looks f***ing amazing. It feels good. Sorry, it took us 10 years to get here,” bassist Pete Wentz reacted. The band held its last concert here in the country on Aug. 8, 2008 at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Manila leg marked the band’s second to the last stop for this year.

“One of our crew members is Filipino. He was explaining how you, guys, are gonna sing every word from beginning to end. You’re doing very well so far,” he narrated, complimenting the Pinoy crowd for their energy.

After their playful banter, vocalist Patrick Stump took to the piano with a medley of emotional songs What a Catch, Donnie and Golden. The band also gifted Philippine fans its rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, which made fans get up on their feet.

“It’s good to see everybody again. We missed the Philippines. A lot of you probably know that I married (into) a Filipino family. I got a Barong,” revealed lead vocalist Patrick Stump during the Manila leg, which The Philippine STAR attended. He’s married to Elisa Yao, who is of Filipino descent.

“It means a lot to me to be here and it’s amazing you, guys, are the best audience in this entire tour, easily.”

The hype in the venue remained as the boys performed Save Rock and Roll, which sent fans into a frenzy, even making drummer Andy Hurley rise to his feet. The American rock band included classics Baby Annihilation, Dance, Dance, and Hold Me Like a Grudge.

One of the highlights of the night was the Magic 8 Ball wherein the decision of the band to play a surprise song relied on the fortune-telling device. Luck was on the side of the Pinoy fans as the boys played Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year.

The 10-year wait became worth it as they gave an exhilarating ending act with My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up), Thnks fr th Mmrs, and Centuries.

Pete capped off the night as he engaged with fans at the pit while singing Saturday. The high-energy concert, presented by Live Nation Philippines, ended after an hour and 30 minutes, but fans walked away with big smiles and memories of Fall Out Boy that they will surely remember for Centuries.