DNA Mayday World Tour (2010 Unlimited Edition)
National Stadium
Last Saturday

When Taiwanese rock band Mayday performed here for two nights last August, they busted the midnight mark on both occasions with high-octane shows that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the quintet’s first major concert.
It was such a high point that topping it was always going to be a massive challenge. The lads have made things even tougher by hitting the road again without a new album and essentially touring a spruced-up version of their previous gig.
This time round, the venue has shifted from the Singapore Indoor Stadium to the National Stadium.
Still, things started off on a familiar note with the same opening video of the band members breaking free from the shackles of humdrum lives. While the rigged stage seemed to be on a larger scale, the globular screen was also another recycled element.
But lead vocalist Ashin, guitarists Monster and Stone, bassist Masa and drummer Guan You quickly pumped up the energy level with fast-paced numbers including The Yell Of Spring and Minnan track Hosee.They had the 15,000-strong crowd on its feet and singing along from the get-go and once again proved why they are currently the biggest Chinese band around.
Even the appearance of a 2.7m-tall Transformer-like robot did not dwarf their presence on stage. Then again, it did little beyond lifting its arms, though there was a cute exchange in which it said: “Hi everyone, I want to dance too but if I do, the stage will collapse.”
All the stops were pulled out for the closing number Tenderness at the end of the three-hour-long concert as fireworks and confetti showered the dark red sky in an unexpected and exuberant touch.
The National Stadium was an entirely fitting venue as it placed Mayday in the illustrious company of stars such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and A-mei who had performed there.
Despite sweating it out on stage, the band were in their element in the outdoor setting and had no problems connecting with a larger audience.
Guan You made the crowd feel special when he revealed that he had brought his baby daughter Rose with him and that this was her first overseas trip.
There were also several good-natured references to Taiwanese girl group S.H.E’s gig, which was taking place at the same time at the nearby Indoor Stadium. Ashin asked: “Do you want us to end later than next door?” and the crowd roared “Yes!” He smiled and chided the audience for being competitive before admitting that Mayday were equally so.
And despite the muddy conditions after an afternoon downpour, the flying insects and the frustratingly long line to get into the stadium, the fans cheerfully put on another stellar showing.
It is this bond between band and fans that makes Mayday concerts special. And it is why this gig was still a worthwhile experience even if it did not top last year’s peak.
Many of the songs are earnest and optimistic and offer encouragement or escape from sometimes humdrum lives. The atmosphere is electric when you are part of a thousands-strong chorus belting out the lyrics: “I really wish to fly/Escape from this crazy world/If you do find me/Don’t bring me back”.
For the duration of a Mayday song, album or concert, one is happy to be lost.
(ST)