Over two remarkable evenings at the Araneta Coliseum, The Corrs demonstrated yet again why their melodies resonate across different age groups and boundaries, attracting enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

Right from the opening notes, the concert had the feel of a reunion rather than an ordinary show.

The gathering — comprising devoted followers, fresh admirers, and individuals who were accustomed to listening to The Corrs’ albums since childhood — hummed with excitement.

As the house lights faded, Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim walked onto the stage with natural ease, immediately beginning their performance of “Only When I Sleep.” This choice served as an ideal start—not only due to the song’s ethereal and captivating tune but also because it established the mood for a evening brimming with unadulterated feelings.

Their performance maintained an unwavering energy as they traversed a repertoire that seemed to take listeners on a temporal voyage. The Celtic-influenced “Forgiven, Not Forgotten” had the audience swaying together harmoniously, whereas “Summer Sunshine” instilled a wave of elation among them.

In every show, the group’s talent was evident, whether it was Sharon’s elevating violin solos or Jim’s complex piano playing. Caroline’s drumming, marked by strength and accuracy, set the pulse for the evening, anchoring each tune with a distinct beat.

Both evenings at the show, the Araneta Coliseum was packed to capacity!

Next came the ballads—the ones that struck a chord deeply, causing the crowd to sing along with an awe typically saved for hymns.

“Don’t Say You Love Me” shone brightly with its somber verses gaining profound impact as they were sung by thousands. Seeing this, Andrea momentarily halted her performance, allowing the audience to take over the melody. This moment stood out among the few instances in live performances where both artist and attendees merged into a single entity, perfectly attuned to each other’s rhythm.

Just as things were starting to reach their emotional peak, the group launched into “Runaway.” Instantly, the whole venue turned into an ocean of flickering smartphone lights, casting a glow that was nearly ethereal. Overcome with emotion, Andrea took out her earpiece to soak up the experience completely, listening as the crowd sang each lyric back to her.

Sharon’s breathtaking violin performances were a delight.

The second evening was equally thrilling—perhaps even more so. The musicians stunned the audience with “Love to Love You,” a track that wasn’t played the previous night.

Afterward, during “Summer Sunshine,” Andrea amusingly altered the lyrics to sing “There’s a beautiful place called Manila.” This earned her an overwhelmingly loud cheer from the crowd. Though minor, this tweak highlighted the strong bond between the band and their Filipino fans.

The supporters found their distinct manner to make the evening extraordinary, particularly evident when Andrea ceded “Don’t Say You Love Me” completely to the crowd. Every person in the stadium joined their voices harmoniously, creating an atmosphere nearly divine. Standing still, Andrea absorbed the moment entirely before softly murmuring, “Stunning,” as the last sound drifted away.

Towards the conclusion of the performance, the group played their most popular tracks consecutively, making for an impressive finale. “I Never Loved You Anyway,” which got everyone moving, was followed by their well-loved rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” prompting a massive chorus from the audience. Next up was “So Young,” filled with exuberance and reminiscence, leading into the climax of the evening with “Runaway.”

Certainly, the encore needed to make an impression, and it did. The group came back to perform “Breathless” and “Toss the Feathers,” sparking one final burst of enthusiasm from the audience.

As the last melodies dissolved and the group acknowledged the applause with a bow, an indescribable sensation filled the atmosphere. This sentiment transcended mere appreciation or thrill—it delved into something more profound. Great performances do not merely amuse; they etch themselves into our souls. They reaffirm the significance of music from the start. These moments reconnect us to who we truly are, evoking cherished recollections and stirring up feelings we often neglect experiencing.

That’s what makes The Corrs so special. Their music isn’t merely about tunes or verses; instead, their tracks act as time capsules embedded deeply within people’s memories, accompanying tales of romance, sorrow, joyous occasions, and personal introspections alike.

For two evenings in February, that enchantment didn’t merely linger from the past—it thrived, resonating in each melody, every chant among the audience, and every exchanged look between the band and their supporters. It was thanks to PULP Live World that this group returned once more to thrill the crowds in Manila!

When the illumination returned and individuals gradually made their way out of Araneta Coliseum, it became evident: this went beyond mere reminiscence. Instead, it served as an affirmation that our favorite tunes endure and intensify over the passage of years.

Guest writer: Julian Mauricio