ARTIST: MÅNESKIN
DATE: NOVEMBER 20TH 2023
VENUE: BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE
REVIEWER: HEAR2ZEN MAGAZINE
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREW TREADWELL
Its not every day you see a band completely sell out their debut tour, and also do it without a support act. Maneskin did exactly that with their Australian Tour. Let me tell you, they are fun, they are energetic, and holy shit are they loud.
Their faithful fans were in line for over 13 hours to get prime position on the barricade and for some the coveted pink wristband which invited them on stage with the band, but even if you werent on stage, they bought the stage to you with the band visiting the floor many times.
The minute the house lights dropped the screams were ear-piercing, I wondered if it could get louder. It did. First as the band came on stage and then as they kicked in to the first track “Don’t Wanna Sleep” it was a sonic onslaught, which lasted for two hours.
Next up was “Gossip” and “Zitti E Buoni” in quick succession with guitarist Thomas Raggi and bassist Victoria De Angelis stalking the stage from side to side, mixing their interplay with each other in with the interplay with the crowd. Everyone was made to feel like a friend
Damiano is not only an amazing vocalist but just an amazing frontman. His connection with the crowd is second to none, and will only get better with time. It was amazing to watch. Songs like “Supermodel”, “Gasoline” and mega hit “Beggin'” gave the crowd more chances to show how they can sing, and they did it well.
Damiano, Thomas and Ethan (switching from drums to guitar) then took to an acoustic B stage by the soundboard to perform “Travesevre” and then “Time Zone” with Damiano and Thomas as a duo
Between Victoria taking a walk through the crowd, Thomas crowd surfing while playing guitar, and Damiano coming in to visit on more than one occasion, it seemed like everyone got a front row seat. Especially the 20 or so fans invited up on stage for the last song of the regular set “Kool Kids”, the band bid farewell and it seemed it was all over.
That is until they came back for a two song encore which surely peaked the volume meters in the venue. I dont think anyone at the show will be able to hear for a few days at least.
Its easy to see why the band have developed such a rabid fan base. They are one with their audience. They make sure everyone there knows it. They get it, they are the fans, that got on stage, but are still fans at heart, who don’t take anything for granted.
From perfominmg in the streets of Italy to X Factor, Eurovision and now sold out tours, I firmly can say Maneskin have paid their dues, and deserve respect and all the success coming to them. What an amazing show
SET LIST
DON’T WANNA SLEEP / GOSSIP / ZITTI E BUONI / HONEY! / SUPERMODEL / CORALINE / BEGGIN’ / VALENTINE / GASOLINE / TRASTEVERE (ACOUSTIC ON B STAGE) / TIME ZONE / (ACOUSTIC ON B STAGE) / I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE / MAMMAMIA / OFF MY FACE / IN NOME DEL PADRE / BLA BLA BLA / KOOL KIDS
ENCORE
THE LONELIEST / I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE
Now, THAT’S the way to write a review! Who would’ve guessed that they’d have such a huge fan base in Australia without ever visiting before?! You guys are so deserving.
No one puts on a show like Maneskin. This old(er) lady has seen many, many, many bands, but Maneskin are the best performersl, and no one else comes close.
Thanks for the great review! 🎸🎸🎸 💥