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We promise it won’t take another 20 years before we come back here in Manila!” shouted Hawthorne Heights vocalist JT Woodruff before the Dayton, Ohio-hailing screamo outfit launched into their biggest, most timeless anthem, Ohio Is For Lovers, while hundreds of loyal Filipino music fans screamed and jumped into the air.
Deemed as the unofficial anthem of the pop-punk/emo movement of the early 2000s, the band — also featuring lead guitarist/vocalist Mark McMillon, bassist Matt Ridenour, and touring drummer Dango Cellan — made their Philippine debut last May 6 at the Skydome, SM North EDSA, courtesy of Pulp Live World.
The much-anticipated show was an awesome night for those in attendance, as the exchange of energy between Hawthorne Heights and the crowd remained at a steady peak for the duration of the night, from the power-pop opener This Is Who We Are to the stop-and-go march of We Are So Last Year, both sitting perfectly at the beginning of the set. The band then displayed their mastery of fusing college-radio-approved rhythms, dynamic melodies, and arena-sized choruses with fan favorites like Pens and Needles and Saying Sorry. The evening’s repertoire also featured effective peaks and valleys, with a healthy number of heavy deep cuts like Breathing in Sequence, Light Sleeper, and even a new track in the form of their 2025 single Like a Cardinal.
Fans had lined up as early as the afternoon despite the scorching weather, grabbing merch and other souvenirs offered at the gates. It was quite a sight to see the jovial and excited faces and smiles as they traded stories of their favorite Hawthorne Heights songs and early memories of when they first heard the band. A number of attendees even came in their best “emo” attire, and it was a heartwarming sight to see that, through the years, many of them have not lost their youthful excitement and energy. That’s really the magic of great songs and talent: it never fades — it stays as vivid as the day you first heard and connected with the music and lyrics.
Though the pace of the show was continuous and the songs seemed to whiz by swiftly, JT and the band did not fail to thank their Filipino fans in between songs and were visibly surprised by the impact and connection their music has built in the Philippines.
Above the pounding drums and bass, the dynamic guitar riffs, and the screaming vocals, one could hear the clear love and appreciation in the form of louder cheers from those who experienced the show in the flesh.
As the finale wound down and crescendoed with crashing cymbals and distorted riffs, JT revealed that the band would be working on new material so they could hit the road once again and hopefully return for another tour to our shores. Without a doubt, their loyal fanbase here will be waiting.
Made possible in cooperation with Skesh Entertainment, Pulp Live World remains the leading company that doesn’t just produce concerts, but unforgettable music experiences that are guaranteed to last a lifetime. But don’t take my word for it — just check out the images and footage of what was truly a great night.
