“Think of this as a big living room or a big bonfire,” Lifehouse’s Jason Wade told the crowd as he invited the audience to sing along during his full-acoustic solo show on June 1 at the New Frontier Theater.
Jason Wade shared the stage with Steve Stout, lead guitarist of Lifehouse and ØZWALD. The atmosphere of the show was exactly that: a laid-back and nostalgic set that highlighted the unforgettable lyrics and music of alternative band Lifehouse.
Jason and Steve started their set with “Somewhere in Between” from their 2000 debut album “No Name Face,” followed by “First Time.”
Even after more than two decades, it was still easy to remember the lyrics of these songs I put on repeat for days. Jason said he wanted to play as many Lifehouse hits as they could.
“Halfway Gone” and “Sick Cycle Carousel” were performed next. From their albums “No Name Face” to “Almería,” the duo sang all the fan favorites and more — songs by ØZWALD (“A Place in the Sand”) and Jason’s solo work (“All of My Life”) were also included in the set.
It was refreshing and interesting to hear the band’s hits in an acoustic arrangement. Even “Broken,” a personal favorite, felt new and familiar at the same time.
Jason also dedicated his new solo song, “All of My Life,” to his 18-month-old baby.
The duo covered some classics like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Three Little Birds.” They even surprised the crowd when they sang Jimmy Bondoc’s “Let Me Be the One.” “I was told you’d sing along to this song,” Jason said before singing the lines from the OPM hit, and the crowd, of course, obliged.
Jason added that Filipinos are always on key. “You’re always welcome to sing around the campfire.”
“Falling In,” “Between the Raindrops,” “Breathing,” and “Whatever It Takes” were also included in the set.
“Come Back Down,” “All in All,” “Stanley Climbfall,” and a heartfelt acoustic version of “Everything” wrapped the show before the encore. The crowd then chanted and cheered for more of the duo.
Jason and Steve emerged from backstage, and as they played the first few chords from “You and Me,” the audience already knew what song it was. It’s magical how music connects us and somehow brings us back in time.
Steve said the next song isn’t really a part of their usual setlist and that they barely perform it on stage. When the duo started performing “Blind,” cheers erupted from the audience. “It looks like Steve was right,” Jason said.
The last song of the night was Lifehouse’s debut single, “Hanging by a Moment,” a song that propelled the band to mainstream prominence.
Jason Wade and Steve Stout brought the best of Lifehouse, including the hits and deep cuts, and even new songs from the duo to Manila. Fully acoustic and unplugged, it was a set all Lifehouse fans ever wanted and more.
Jason Wade and the Best of Lifehouse is presented by Playback Music Festival, a brand of Super Awesome Productions Inc.
Words and photos by Ava S.
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