Manchester Orchestra

So there I was, roaming around Downtown Los Angeles at night, one of my favorite sights in the world. This specific day I was there to see a band that was very influential in my life. A band I had waited just over 5 years to see, Manchester Orchestra. Needless to say I was very excited for what was about to happen.

I just happened to see a posting about this show while scrolling on Facebook, and could NOT pass it up. When I looked further into it I saw that the show was at the Los Angeles Theatre, one of my favorites, so I had to snatch up tickets. And just like that, I did. Little did I know that this was a 10 year anniversary show of my favorite album of theirs. Somehow it’s like all the times I missed them because I couldn’t get out of work, just didn’t matter because this was the show I was meant to be at. I mean, my favorite classic old theatre, album, and band? How often does that happen? Also if you have never been to the Los Angeles Theatre, I highly recommend you go. It is truly majestic! If you’re a woman just believe me and go to the restroom the entryway is phenomenal.

Have you ever have a band or album that reminds you of a person or a great time in your life? That is what Mean Everything To Nothing is for me. I was originally introduced to them by someone who was very important in my life at the time. They loved them and would sing them all the time, and I was instantly hooked. Their lyrics are so raw and relatable it’s hard not to feel exactly what you imagine they were in your bones. This particular album, and anything by Manchester Orchestra really, even new stuff, takes me right back to the amazing times and adventures we had. It’s a very happy memory and one of the best periods I’ve yet to have in my life. It’s things like this that make me even more grateful for music. It can be a shared experience that lives on forever like a little time capsule just for you.

I don’t think there is anything like a anniversary show, it brings out fans from every point in a bands history to celebrate one moment in the bands history. That’s exactly what this show did. As I got in line, there were Manchester tees from all different eras, and everyone in line was so excited as it had been a long while since they’d come to California and this album is (in my book) a masterpiece. Not only was I captivated by the location, as I always am. But the show, it was everything I’d hoped that it would be. They played the whole album and then some. It brought me all of the feels, I felt all the highs and lows in the lyrics as they were coming out so passionately. They put on a remarkable show, with a dominant stage presence and such an intimate feel. This performance felt special not just to me but you could also tell that the band itself was so impacted by the amount of love for their work still, ten years later. It was truly moving to say the least. When I left with the music still resonating in my bones, I felt so light and inspired. This was an incredible experience. It allowed me to live out my little time capsule with the band and so many other people that have their own memories with this album. Live music is such a beautiful thing and I for one am really missing that through this quarantine. I can’t wait to be back out there taking it all in with you.

Do you like Manchester Orchestra? What is your favorite song/album? Have you seen them live? What did you think? How are you all doing without live music?

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