February 12, 2026 was a date eagerly anticipated by generations of emo, rock, and metal fans that didn't surrender on waiting: Underoath's first-ever Philippines performance!
The Tampa, Florida quintet defined a great line of men and women who grew up listening to their songs and for most, helped them get through various journeys in life.
When the band first broke up in 2013, it left a lot of fans heartbroken and sad, with the thought that they will never see them live again. However, when the band reunited in 2015 and has released 3 albums since then, it renewed hope for the Filipino fans to see them performed on stage one day.
With PULP Live World arranging the pieces, the show finally has arrived.
As early as the morning of the show, fans were already at the venue eagerly awaiting. Telling various stories they have about the band, and more.
VIP-A fans were in for a special treat as they had a meet and greet session with the band, with signing one item and a group photo to hype up further the festivities of the evening!
Onto the show proper, the band kicked off their 16-song set with a fan-favorite from "Define the Great Line", "In Regards to Myself" that definitely set the tone of the evening as the packed Skydome was met with loud sing-alongs with the people in attendance.
The tone and mood intensified further when "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" was played, sending everyone to a frenzy with the iconic line "I'm drowning in my sleep" being sang back by the fans to the band's delight.
As the night went on, more hits of old and new were played encompassing their vast catalogue, such as "On My Teeth", "Reinventing Your Exit", "All the Love Is Gone", "Hallelujah", and "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White".
Spencer Chamberlain and Aaron Gillespie's vocal duo left everyone amazed of their vocal range and capability, aging like fine wine.
As the set came to a close, the last two songs were a retrospective of the band's 20+ year journey: the hit single from their latest album "The Place After This One", "Generation No Surrender" and the iconic closer "Writing on the Walls" from "Define the Great Line".
It was truly a show to remember for the die-hards, the casuals, and the newly-minted fans of Underoath. The band expressed their happiness with how enthusiastic the fans in attendance were, thanked for coming, and vowed to return in the future.
Underoath Live in Manila presented by PULP Live World
Words by Christian Anastacio
Photos by Christian Melanie Lee for Manila Concert Junkies