Manchester Orchestra, a band from Atlanta Georgia, held a concert at The Social in downtown Orlando Friday night on August 24th.
The crowd waited with anticipation as the stage was set up and the sound was checked. People screamed for Manchester, even while the opening bands played.
“I see you guys getting into it in every corner,” Andy, the lead singer and guitarist for Manchester Orchestra, said to the packed venue with loyal fans, “I gotta’ say—I’m grateful”. Rounds of applause and cheering filled the room as the band continued to play.
Andy rocked out enthusiastically, swinging his guitar and rocking back and forth with the music, the audience screaming all night long. Toward the end of the show his guitar string popped, but he kept playing. His band manager came out with an extra guitar, setting it aside for the lead singer—Andy paid it no mind and continued to play the last song for the evening.
The venue had been jammed packed, having sold out, there had hardly been any foot room to jump with the music—but those fans found a way.
Erica Welch, a senior who was at The Social in Orlando August 24th said she had an “unbelievable experience” after she was asked how she felt being in a sold out venue for Manchester Orchestra. “It was by far the best show I had ever been to… I was care free for the entire set, while I normally am very self conscience at concerts about my dancing or how I react to the music. But they just have this ability to make you let go and just feel the music.”
Andy made the audience laugh with a few sarcastic jokes—indirectly asking them to “shut up” so he could play. He talked about how The Social is not only their favorite venue to open with but their first gig was there, with the group fun opening for them.
A line had already formed before 6 o’clock P.M. outside the doors of The Social, with dedicated fans. The event wasn’t set to start until 8 that night. Staff members began to set up the barriers that divided the crowd and bar managers had asked the large crowd to shift toward the street since they had been blocking the entrance.
Manchester Orchestra is an alternative band that began in Atlanta, Georgia because of Andy Hull, who at 17 years old formed the band in 2004. Hitting the road in 2005 and accumulating loyal fans over the 200 shows they had done the band was growing popular. They made it to the Top 10 Modern Rock with the hit,“I’ve Got Friends” coming from the bands album, Mean Everything To Nothing released in 2009. The album received a 5-star review from Alternative Press, where they stated the album was a “masterpiece.”
Johnathan Corley is the bass player for the band, also the man behind creating and editing the band’s podcasts. Robert McDowell, the guitarist for Manchester Orchestra, also sings background vocals. Chris Freeman, the keyboardist for the band, also sings background as well as the creative power behind Alaska Him Nicely.
Manchester had a way with their fans, connecting to them because of the music and, also acknowledging them; the crowd humorously yelled out insults to the band members.
During the set, Andy asked his fans if they wanted to hear a new song; screams of encouragement filled the venue, Andy admitted it was only 30 seconds long and the crowd laughed along with him. They loved the short sneak peak at their work in progress.
“I love the social due to the intimate setting bands create while performing there. I absolutely love Manchester live, so having an opportunity to see them in that setting was impeccable. Allowing them to perform in smaller venues allows the audience to feel like they’re performing in your own living room.” Anna Marie Fidelus, senior, who had also been present for Manchester Orchestra’s concert that Friday night.
Once the band exited the stage, thanking their fans for being supportive and energetic, the crowd chanted “one more song”, clapping their hands as one group. Heads turned to the direction the band should have come out—but they never did. Soon enough the large group dispersed, many leaving, or going to bar for drinks or to buy the band’s merchandise on the side.
Amanda Ruiz—a junior from Seminole High School who listens to Manchester Orchestra—said “Sadly, I wasn’t able to go to the concert. But I would have sold my left arm to.”.
Even though the doors were to open at 8 P.M., the staff hadn’t begun checking for tickets until 8:30, and the first artist to play that night hadn’t come out until 9 P.M.
Chris Staples, and River City Extension opened for Manchester, each playing for an hour set on the small stage. The crowd insisted for Manchester, but still found a groove with the opening bands.