Ruel, the talented Australian singer-songwriter, recently enthralled his fans in Manila as part of his highly anticipated “4TH WALL” world tour. The concert took place on May 26 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, and was kicked off by Filipino rapper Young Cocoa. Young Cocoa entertained the crowd with his original tracks, including “Quezon Don,” “Zesto,” “Nova,” “Seasons,” “Kafka,” and the eagerly awaited “Manila.” He also treated the audience to an unreleased song called “Fade Away.”
The atmosphere inside the venue was electric as the fans eagerly awaited Ruel’s appearance. They playfully shouted “lumabas ka na” (come out) and repeatedly screamed his name until the lights dimmed. The concert began with an exhilarating introduction to Ruel, featuring a captivating drum solo, followed by his performance of “GO ON WITHOUT ME,” the opening track from his debut studio album, 4TH WALL.
Ruel continued to mesmerize the crowd with renditions of his hit songs, including “GROWING UP IS…,” “YOU AGAINST YOURSELF,” and “Dazed & Confused.” He then engaged the audience by encouraging them to sing along to the chorus of his next song, “Face to Face.”
The excitement reached a peak when Ruel shared that the music video for his next song was filmed in the Philippines. He explained how, during his visit in February, he spent significant time stuck in Manila’s traffic and decided to shoot the video for “SITTING IN TRAFFIC” in the back of a pickup truck amidst the bustling traffic. The audience erupted in anticipation.
To the crowd’s delight, Ruel surprised them by introducing a special guest performer, Filipino singer-rapper KZ Tandingan. The two artists shared the stage, delivering a remarkable rendition of the song together before KZ Tandingan mesmerized the audience further with her solo performance of “MUST BE NICE.”
After interacting with the crowd, Ruel showcased his versatility by sitting at the piano and giving a heartfelt rendition of Ogie Alcasid’s “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang,” although he admitted to only remembering the beginning of the song.
With his skills on the piano, Ruel delighted the crowd with a cover of One Direction’s “Night Changes” and proceeded to perform his own songs, including “WISH I HAD YOU,” “golden hour,” “Free Time,” and “LIE.”
Injecting high energy into the atmosphere, Ruel urged the audience to jump when the beat dropped for his next song, “Flames” by SG Lewis, in which he was featured. The crowd went wild, and Ruel showcased his mastery of the electric guitar with an impressive solo.
The concert continued with captivating performances of “SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM,” “IF AND/OR WHEN,” “Younger,” and his best-selling track, “Painkiller.” Ruel left the stage and traversed the venue, ensuring that every corner of the audience experienced his incredible talent up close.
As the concert drew to a close, Ruel expressed his gratitude to his band members, the crew and staff, and his girlfriend, who was also present at the concert. He then treated the audience to an intimate acoustic version of “END SCENE” as the credits rolled on the screen, acknowledging everyone involved in the tour.
To the crowd’s delight, Ruel returned to the stage for his final performance of the night, “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU.” Before bidding farewell, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended the concert, bowing to the roaring applause before exiting the stage.
Continuing his tour in the Philippines, Ruel held additional free concerts at Ayala
Center in Cebu and SM Lanang in Davao on May 27 and 28, respectively. These shows were part of Ruel’s ongoing tour in the Philippines, showcasing his commitment to connecting with his Filipino fans.
This was Ruel’s second visit to the country in the same year, reflecting his growing popularity and the immense support he has received from his Filipino fans. In February, he performed at the Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill, Taguig, for a special free mall show to promote his then-upcoming album, 4TH WALL. The overwhelming response from the audience at that event served as a testament to his talent and charisma.
At only 14 years old, Ruel made his debut in 2017 and quickly captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. With his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, he has achieved remarkable success, earning five platinum records and accumulating over 2 billion streams globally. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest artist to sell out the Sydney Opera House twice, a testament to his exceptional talent and widespread appeal.
Ruel’s “4TH WALL” world tour has been a resounding success, with fans eagerly anticipating his performances in various cities across the globe. The Manila leg of the tour was a memorable experience for both Ruel and his dedicated fans, who were treated to a night filled with electrifying performances, surprise guest appearances, and heartfelt moments.
As Ruel continues his journey as a burgeoning superstar, it is evident that his music transcends boundaries and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. With each performance, he establishes himself as an artist who not only delivers exceptional music but also creates unforgettable experiences for his fans.
The Manila concert, along with the subsequent shows in Cebu and Davao, marked another milestone in Ruel’s career, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the music industry. As he continues to captivate audiences with his talent, passion, and genuine connection with his fans, there is no doubt that Ruel’s future holds even greater success and recognition. Music enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his upcoming releases and eagerly anticipate the next chapter of his remarkable journey.