HONNE Shows True Feelings on Much-Awaited Manila Comeback Concert

‍

English R&B/electro-pop band HONNE returned to Manila after four years and performed for thousands of their Filipino fans on the Philippine leg of their “May 2023 Asia Tour.” The concert was held at the Araneta Coliseum on May 10, 2023, and was presented by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions.

HONNE also performed in Davao and Cebu City on May 12 and 14, 2023, respectively.

‍

‍

HONNE: Giving free love since day one

‍

Singer-songwriter BEKA opened the concert with her heartfelt renditions of her signature pop tracks, “I’ll Be There,” “More Than Friends,” and “Don’t Call Me A Friend.”

‍

‍

The duo of James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck then dominated the Araneta stage and kicked things off with a rousing performance of “IDGAF ABOUT PAIN,” a track off of their latest album, “LET’S JUST SAY THE WORLD ENDED A WEEK FROM NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?”

‍

‍

The one-night stint proved to be a celebration of the musical duo’s impressive nine-year discography. HONNE performed many of their well-loved tracks, including “Me & You,” “free love,” and “Location Unknown,” to which their Pinoy fans sang along and danced throughout the vibrant evening.

‍

‍

Backed by their band, HONNE brought back BEKA and treated their fans to their hit tracks, “Someone That Loves You” and “Crying Over You.”

Midway through the concert, HONNE sat in the middle of the stage for Andy’s emotional performance of “by my side,” a song that was inspired by and is dedicated to his wife.

“We met in high school, and we fell in love, we got married, and we had a baby. And she’s just always there for me every time. She’s got my back when I’m sad, when I’m anxious,” shared Andy to a sea of his Filipino fans.

“I love her. So, to my wife, wherever you are, this one’s for you — she’s at home in London,” added the singer-songwriter with a smile.

‍

‍

The crowd got even more sentimental as Andy and James jammed out to their chart-topping hits, “Day 1” and “no song without you.” The duo also rendered some of their new songs: “COMING HOME,” “HEARTSONG,” “WHAT WOULD YOU DO?,” and “BACK ON TOP.”

‍

‍

Baring their true thoughts, feelings

‍

On top of the nostalgia- and joy-inducing songs they performed, the night became even more memorable when the English duo stayed true to their name and bared their true feelings to their fans. “Honne” is a Japanese term that refers to someone’s authentic thoughts and feelings.

‍

‍

“I just want to say — I am someone who suffers from imposter syndrome. I don’t know if you know this. You kinda believe you’re not worthy and you shouldn’t have achieved all these things,” remarked Andy just before their concert ended.

Since they formed in 2014, the band has showcased their unique sound and touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Through the years, they’ve also reached new heights, including performing at the world’s biggest stages and having over 4.1 million monthly Spotify listeners. And despite all that they’ve accomplished, like many of us, they, too, still deal with feelings of self-doubt and vulnerability.

‍

‍

“Tonight, for the first time, I feel like we are a proper band. So, thank you so much for giving me some confidence back,” enthused the singer-songwriter.

“I one hundred percent agree,” Hatcher seconded.

Watch HONNE’s live Wish Bus renditions of “Location Unknown” and “Day 1” here:

‍

‍

‍

READ NEXT: Warner Music PH Celebrates Three Decades of Music With ‘We Play Here’ Concert Series

Written by Kenneth Valladolid
Editing and Photography by Pauline Bolaños and Kenneth Valladolid