Beyond thundering rhythms, loud guitars, the massive singalongs, and the anthems that have literally saved lives, the singular, most important magic behind the impressive sonic and visual display of last Wednesday’s DETOX Asia Tour 2026 in Manila lies in one thing: ONE OK ROCK’s ability to connect on a deep, personal level with the faithful fans from all over the archipelago. The fans who not only showed up in full force and openly expressed themselves in true rock fashion, but laid it all on the line: open hearts, an overwhelming, unified sense of letting the internationally celebrated band’s music wash over them and take them to places they’ve dreamed of going. Truly, this was the show they had been waiting for; and if ever there were hints of doubt whether the band—currently comprised of vocalist Taka, guitarist Toru, bassist Ryota, and drummer Tomoya—could top their previous visit to Manila (during 2023’s Luxury Disease Tour), the opening video narrative which led into their latest single “Puppets Can’t Control You” immediately proved that the show was indeed bigger, louder, and simply BETTER.
Photo Credit: Rui Hashimoto(SOUND SHOOTER) | ONE OK ROCK
Received with a thundering roar of fervent screams, well-calculated volume, and thousands of glowsticks that lit the entire Mall of Asia Arena like stars in the night sky, the opening salvo was a continuous tug at the hearts and souls of the thousands in attendance. The band wasted no time in offering anthems like “The Beginning,” “Save Yourself,” and the appropriately stadium-sized choruses of “Renegades.” As each song was revealed with an impressive combination of sound, lights, and video textures, both the band and audience proved tireless—and the realization that ONE OK ROCK’s uncanny ability to write and perform ALL hit singles and favorites was clearer than ever.
Even freshly minted tracks off their latest full-length DETOX, like the RnB-flavored grooves of “Party’s Over” and the stop-and-go hard bounce of “Delusional:All” (which effectively erupts into yet another one of those hymn-like choruses…) and harder, heavier offerings like “C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y” went extremely well with the band’s Pinoy fanbase, who seemed to already know the slew of new tracks by heart.
Photo Credit: Rui Hashimoto(SOUND SHOOTER) | ONE OK ROCK
After an uber-melodic and well-composed guitar solo from Toru, vocalist Taka took time out to thank the Manila crowd profusely, each word brimming with sincere emotion. “ONE OK ROCK saved my life,” he revealed, and proceeded: “If these songs saved your life, you being here and supporting us saved our lives too… it’s important that we all find that one thing that keeps us going.”
And as the band launched into the poignant “Tropical Therapy,” it was clear that ONE OK ROCK had indeed done it again: not just fulfilling the craving for great music, but graciously imparting a sense of hope and a restored faith in humanity… it may sound a little goofy, yes, but you’d know what we’re talking about if you were there to experience every joyous moment.
Photo Credit: Rui Hashimoto(SOUND SHOOTER) | ONE OK ROCK
Needless to say, the band even one-upped their show closer with an encore of “We Are,” the perfect sonic battle cry for a generation finding its way, navigating hopefully through darkness… in search of light. That’s the ONE OK ROCK experience. There are simply not enough words to describe the sheer magic and musical ecstasy one band from Japan can bring. It’s something you simply HAVE to experience and connect with… it’s a connection that we know will stay with us for a very long time.
– Joey Dizon/PULP
