IN PHOTOS: The Vamps live in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The band and a bevy of screaming fans below the stage – this was the scene at the concert featuring British band The Vamps at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The venue slowly filled up with (mostly) teenage girls carrying signs and placards. Some declared their love for the members Brad Simpson, Connor Ball, Tristan Evans, James McVey (“James, will you dance with me?” read one sign); others held signs of gratitude in Filipino (“SALAMAT, THE VAMPS!” among others). 

Brad could be seen peeping from the stage door. By this time, throngs of the band’s female fans had gathered and squished together in the mosh pit, making it difficult to squeeze in between them. 

The band members always neared the crowd as they jammed to their hits with them, especially Connor and Brad, who loved veering to all sides of the stage.

 

‘Wild Heart’ was among the first songs played.

 

The band, who rose to fame through their covers on YouTube, put their own spin on Bruno Mars’ jukebox anthem “Locked Out of Heaven,” as well as Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

Here’s a video of Brad and Connor rocking out together:

 

James also had his share of crowd love.

Drummer Tristan got to show off his mad drum skills with a solo performance, backed up by electronic beats. He playfully stuck out his tongue as the floor beneath the stage shook.

They also played crowd favorites like “Somebody To You,” “Oh, Cecilia,” and “Last Night.” Check out the crowd singing (or was it screaming – teehee) along to “Last Night.” 

 

“Manila, you are the best and loudest crowd!” they said.

After a couple more covers – the most notable one was My Chemical Romance’s “Teenagers” – and a round of acoustic songs from Brad, the audience lit up the auditorium with their phones, swaying with the crooner.

 

The show ended with the band’s promise to return to Manila soon. “We are 100% going to come back.” 

Manila – Tonight was amazing! Come see us tomorrow at 6pm in Glorietta mall! We want to meet you all! X pic.twitter.com/nLWEOLY6OL

— The Vamps (@TheVampsband) February 1, 2015

Earlier in the afternoon, the boyband received a hearty welcome from Filipino fans, as they waved placards and cheered as they passed by at the Mall of Asia, hours before the concert.

 

“So many lovely fans here at Mall Of Asia!” they wrote.

They first Instagrammed their arrival with a photo of them at the press conference at Diamond Hotel on Saturday, January 31.

 

“#WelcomeToManilaTheVamps,” they wrote. – Rappler.com