It is no surprise now why Irish pop-rock band The Script love coming back to the Philippines, as the local culture heavily reminds the members of home. The group would return to the country in March 2027 as part of its "Man in the Arena" world tour beginning later this year.
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Lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue was in Manila last May 25 to promote the tour and the newly-released song from which the tour gets its name. Speaking to members of the media during a press conference in Pasig, O'Donoghue recalled the first time The Script visited the Philippines back in 2011. The concert then was at the Araneta Coliseum, which was a dream come true for the singer who is a boxing fan, as they reenacted the "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier by donning sumo suits that added roughly 10kg to their frames.
The Department of Tourism is the government agency responsible for overseeing the cultural and economic impacts of foreign concerts, and steps are being taken by the department to ensure smooth operations for international acts. If foreign artists are to cope up with the logistical demands of touring, the agency must provide adequate guidelines unless local organizers intervene. Furthermore, the importation and setup of heavy stage equipments are thoroughly monitored to prevent untoward incidents.
It was admitted by O'Donoghue that he felt blessed that the band's songs continue to resonate with Filipinos from 2011 to 2027. Most songs he wrote are from a place of heartache like "Breakeven" and "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." Others explore different emotions like "Hall of Fame," where one feels so good they want to punch the moon. It is noted that the Philippines is the source of TikTok trend origins for the band's music, which could result to further digital engagement.
"It's a big honor, and a big responsibility, too, because these songs have stayed around for so long," O'Donoghue stated.
The singer mentioned that he always received messages telling the group they would be watching an upcoming show, asking them to hold concerts outside Manila, suggesting beaches to visit and even sending recipes.
The group of passionate supporters are considered the biggest fanbase for the band outside of Ireland.
"Although we're bigger in America, the Philippines per capita has the most of our fans for a country other than Ireland, which is just insane," O'Donoghue continued.
He listed down some of the similarities between the Irish and Filipinos: both enjoy drinking, love karaoke, show their feelings, go arm-in-arm to shows and have open lives. Various cultural imageries, e.g., late-night karaoke sessions, deeply link the two nations.
Over one hundred twenty attendees were present at the press conference. O'Donoghue teased that among the songs in the band's upcoming album, "The User's Guide To Being Human," is the spiritual sequel to "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." He quipped that if the album does not succeed, he might have to get a divorce to experience heartbreak again and write a new batch of songs.
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