Manila had been waiting for this for years. On January 26 and 27, The Lumineers finally brought The Automatic World Tour to the New Frontier Theater, marking their first full run in the Philippines and a long awaited return since their last show at the World Trade Center on July 28, 2014. Fans had been dreaming of this moment for over a decade and the sold out nights proved the band’s heartfelt brand of folk rock still resonates deeply in the country.
The crowd was electric from the moment the lights dimmed. Fans of all ages packed the theater, ready to sing along to songs from their latest album Automatic and classics like “Cleopatra,” “Sleep On The Floor,” and “Gale Song.” The band delivered a performance that balanced emotional intimacy with high energy, making each song feel personal while still connecting the entire room.
A Night Rooted in Song and Moments
From the first chord, Manila fans responded with passion. The Lumineers opened the night with “Same Old Song,” immediately setting the tone for an intimate yet raucous performance. Every chorus became a shared celebration, as the band’s set list blended new material with longtime favorites that drew cheers and full arena singalongs throughout the evening.
Frontman Wesley Schultz went beyond the stage, walking into the audience with his guitar and leaning back against railings as fans sang alongside him. The physical closeness created an unforgettable moment, further strengthening the connection between artist and audience.
Meanwhile, drummer and multi instrumentalist Jeremiah Fraites, affectionately known to fans as the band’s “piano man,” brought playful unpredictability to the show. He jumped between keys and drums, ran across the stage, and even moved through the crowd, matching the boundless energy of Manila.
Fan favorites “Dead Sea” and “Angela” sent the crowd into a frenzy, with “Ho Hey” transforming the venue into a sea of voices as confetti filled the air. The night closed on a euphoric high with “Stubborn Love,” the band’s anthemic closer, sealing an emotional finale that left Manila singing long after the lights came up.
Manila Responds with Heart
Fans did more than watch the show; they lived it. Glow sticks waved during slower songs, chants and responses filled the theater, and every moment Schultz or Fraites moved among the crowd was met with cheers and applause.
Online reactions show a nearly universal sentiment. For some fans, it was the first time hearing the band live. For others, it was a long overdue confirmation of the bond between The Lumineers and their Manila audience.
As The Automatic World Tour continues through Asia and beyond, Manila’s two nights with The Lumineers will be remembered for the connection between the band and their fans. Music filled the room, voices joined together, and every song became a celebration of folk rock in its purest form.