The magic of the Corrs

3 hours ago 1

OMG - Gracie Go - The Philippine Star

March 20, 2025 | 12:00am

For two unforgettable nights at Araneta Coliseum, The Corrs proved once again why their music transcends generations and borders, drawing fans from all walks of life.

From the first note, the concert felt more like a reunion than a typical performance.

The crowd — made up of long-time fans, new listeners, and even those who had grown up hearing their parents play The Corrs’ records — buzzed with anticipation.

As the house lights dimmed, Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim stepped onto the stage with an effortless grace, launching straight into Only When I Sleep. It was the perfect opener — not just because of its dreamy, intoxicating melody, but because it set the tone for a night filled with pure, undiluted emotion.

The energy never wavered as they moved through a setlist that felt like a journey through time. The Celtic-infused Forgiven, Not Forgotten had fans swaying in unison, while Summer Sunshine brought a rush of euphoria.

The band’s musicianship shone through every performance, from Sharon’s soaring violin solos to Jim’s intricate piano work. Caroline’s drumming, both powerful and precise, provided the heartbeat of the night, grounding each song with an unmistakable rhythm.

On both nights of the show, the Araneta Coliseum was filled to the rafters!

Then there were the ballads — the ones that cut deep, the ones that had the audience singing along with a kind of reverence usually reserved for hymns.

Don’t Say You Love Me was a standout, its melancholy lyrics taking on a new weight when echoed by thousands of voices. Andrea, visibly moved, paused to let the crowd carry the song. It was one of those rare moments in live music where the performer and the audience became one, completely in sync.

And just when it seemed like the emotions couldn’t run any higher, the band delivered Runaway. The entire arena transformed into a sea of swaying phone flashlights, illuminating the space in a way that felt almost celestial. Andrea, overwhelmed by the response, removed her earpiece to fully absorb the sound of the audience singing every word back to her.

Sharon’s soaring violin solos were a treat.

The second night was just as electrifying —maybe even more so. The band surprised fans with Love to Love You, a song that hadn’t been performed the night before.

Later, during Summer Sunshine, Andrea playfully changed the lyrics to “There’s a beautiful place called Manila,” earning a deafening wave of cheers. It was a small change, but one that spoke volumes about the band’s connection with their Filipino audience.

The fans had their own way of making the night special, none more so than when Andrea handed over Don’t Say You Love Me entirely to the audience. The entire arena sang in perfect unison, their voices blending into something almost sacred. Andrea simply stood there, soaking it all in, before whispering, “Beautiful,” as the final note faded.

As the show neared its end, the band unleashed their biggest hits, one after another, in a spectacular final stretch. The infectious I Never Loved You Anyway had the crowd dancing, while their beloved cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams drew a powerful singalong. Then came So Young, bursting with joy and nostalgia, before the night reached its peak with Runaway.

Of course, the encore had to be something special. And it was. The band returned for Breathless and Toss the Feathers, igniting one last surge of energy in the crowd.

When the final notes faded and the band took their bows, there was a feeling in the air that’s hard to describe. It wasn’t just admiration or excitement — it was something deeper. The best concerts don’t just entertain; they leave a mark. They remind us why music matters in the first place. They bring us back to ourselves, to the memories we hold close, to the emotions we sometimes forget we need to feel.

That’s the magic of The Corrs. Their songs have never been just about melodies or lyrics; they are time capsules, woven into the fabric of people’s lives, playing in the background of love stories, heartbreaks, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection.

For two nights in February, that magic wasn’t just remembered — it was alive, pulsing through every note, every voice in the crowd, every shared glance between the band and their fans. Thank God, PULP Live World brought the band back to Manila again!

As the lights came back on and people slowly drifted out of Araneta Coliseum, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just nostalgia. It was a reminder that the music we love never truly fades — it only grows stronger with time. —  Guest writer: Julian Mauricio

Read Entire Article