A Decade's Worth of Waiting: Secondhand Serenade Delivers a Night to Remember

After a twelve-year hiatus, American rock singer John Vesley known as Secondhand Serenade returned to Manila with two-night concerts was held last August 29 and 30 at the New Frontier Theater. The excitement was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the opportunity to relive the nostalgic tunes that had accompanied them through the years.

Opening the night was the talented Thai-Italian singer-songwriter Valentina Ploy, whose captivating vocals and mesmerizing stage presence left the audience spellbound. Her self-written songs, performed flawlessly, set the tone for an evening filled with heartfelt melodies.

As the clock struck eight, the crowd erupted in cheers as John Vesley took the stage. The concert kicked off with the iconic "Maybe," and the audience immediately joined in, singing along to every word. Hits like "Is it Broken" and "Vulnerable" followed, evoking a mix of emotions and nostalgia among the millennial crowd.

One of the highlights of the night was hearing "Awake" and "A Twist in My Story" live in 2024. John also teased the upcoming release of a new song inspired by a mean neighbor who complained about his singing - "Dear neighbor, please shut the f- up at night, just because you sing loud does not make you good." and that hit him so he created a song instead. The message behind the song was clear: "Do it as loud as you can and don't give a shit about criticisms, follow your path!"

The emotional climax of the concert came with "Your Call," the song that had launched Secondhand Serenade's career. The audience was transported back to 2008, reliving the memories and emotions associated with the song.

After a heartfelt thank-you, returned to perform the crowd-pleaser "Fall For You." Tears flowed, screams echoed, and everyone captured the moment on their phones. It was a truly unforgettable experience. After the last song, the crowd kept chanting 'One more song!' John responded with a smile, 'You guys know how to manipulate a musician, okay fine! I haven't played this in 10 years.' He then proceeded to play 'Last Song Ever.'

Full set of photos during Secondhand Serenade Live in Manila

Secondhand Serenade concert in Manila was a testament to the enduring power of music and the connection it can foster between artists and their fans. As fans eagerly await the release of new music, one thing is certain: this night will be remembered for years to come.