Mayday Jump Concert Singapore 2007
Singapore Expo’s Max Pavilion
Can you feel the L.O.V.E.? Taiwanese rock band Mayday certainly did from the capacity crowd of 7,500 fans at its gig here last Saturday night.
Before the show started, highlights from the group’s past concerts played on the large screens flanking the main stage, stoking the crowd’s anticipation of the night ahead.
The moment the lights dimmed, fans got to their feet and never warmed their seats again for the next three hours.
A rather incongruous big-budget video set in an epidemic-hit future formed the background as guitarists Monster and Stone appeared on different ends of the stage.
With a flourish, a giant cloth screen fell away to reveal the other three members in a thrilling burst of light and pyrotechnics. From then on, the crowd was enthralled.
Mayday’s trademark earnestness translated well onto the stage, with the emotional pull of their songs creating a strong rapport with the audience.
The dancing was largely of the pogo-stick variety, but the sheer energy the band radiated was irresistible.
The chemistry among the members was also fun to watch. When drummer Guan You took the microphone on Rubbish Truck, for example, lead singer Ashin cheekily presented him with a bunch of flowers.
The band packed the first half of the show with heavier rock tracks including Armour and Girl And Boy As One. These were not their best-known tracks, but the sea of cyalume sticks never stopped swaying.
Ashin was in fine form throughout the night. He shone in the acoustic numbers,particularly on the Hokkien track I Love You – Hopeless, thrilling the audience with his heartfelt vocals.
This marked a transition to a new segment and the five lads changed into all-white costumes for the song Angel, off their latest album Born To Love.
On disc, the song borders on being cliched, but with a 7,500-strong back-up chorus, the words suddenly took on a simple ring of truth.
The other band members had their turns in the spotlight as well. Monster and Stone performed guitar solos and bassist Masa surprised with a rendition of Coldplay’s Yellow.
The band saved the best for last, though. They used the rollicking In Love-ing to get the audience to shout and sign L.O.V.E.
The concert ended on a high note with some of their best-loved hits including Peter & Mary, Tenderness and People Life, Ocean Wild, as well as a cover of Beyond’s Paradise.
True to the encore Stubborn, fans lingered on even after the lights went up,singing along to Angel which was being played over the broadcast system.
Their affection was clearly appreciated. Stone told the crowd: “Every time we come here and see so many familiar faces,it’s like coming home.”
They should definitely come home more often.
(ST)