Mike Shinoda brought his Post Traumatic Tour to Manila last September 6. Held in New Frontier Theater, thousands of fans gathered for an intimate performance to celebrate his latest music, as well as reminisce about some of Linkin Park’s iconic songs through the years.
“Post Traumatic” was created as a way of healing after Shinoda’s bandmate and close friend Chester Bennington passed away. He has always said that it was a very personal piece of work, and it rings true for every single that he has on the album. Shinoda involuntarily became the forefront of Linkin Park’s fans as they got over the same grief with songs from his album becoming anthems of moving forward with life, but not forgetting what these challenges have brought about.
While the tour focuses on Shinoda as an artist, his sets still include songs that did for Linkin’ Park, much to the fans’ delight. He said that Post Traumatic was a cathartic release of his grief and challenges, and that catharsis has truly gotten out of his recordings and transcended into each of his shows.
Each set for the Post Traumatic Tour is different with a few staple songs like Fort Minor’s “Welcome” and LP’s hit “In the End”. While his set for the night resembled much of what he played for the rest of the tour, Shinoda made sure that he added a special touch by taking an Instagram suggestion and making it come true: putting songs that represent each of the albums he has made through the years.
From Hybrid Theory to The Rising Tied to One More Light and Post Traumatic, Shinoda made it happen and performed songs off of 13 albums from his career, including Reanimation, Hybrid Theory EP, and Recharged.
Some memorable performances were “Keys to the Kingdom” from The Hunting Party mashed up with “Sorry for Now”. He also performed “High Voltage” from Hybrid Theory EP and a verse from “Second to None” – songs that never really gets included, but have been part of the exception to create a powerful performance.
With all of the rapping and the energy rising, Shinoda’s set took a turn when he played just with his piano, letting the audience sing their hit songs Waiting for the End, Numb/Numb Encore, and In the End. It was a short homage to his band, to Chester, and the fans; and it truly felt like a hug that enveloped the venue with warmth and healing brought together through music.
Shinoda ended his set with a powerful performance with front act Don Broco, singing together for a rendition of A Place for my Head before he moved to his encore. He wrapped it all up with Running from my Shadow, and we supposed he did run away from his shadow, stepping back into the light and enjoying every minute of it.
During a break in the concert; he said that when Chester passed, he didn’t know if he could still come back to making music. It was evident how much hurt and pain he had to go through, but we’re glad he soldiered on and went back to what he loves the most. It’s evident that Shinoda is back and ready to create music again, and we’re here for it. They say that music is therapeutic, and Mike Shinoda just embodied that – not just for himself but for his fans all over the world.
Such a wonderful way to end a beautiful night.
