On September 11, 2024, Manchester Orchestra delivered an unforgettable performance at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their seminal album Cope. The band kicked off the night with the powerful opener “Top Notch,” setting an electrifying tone that carried through the entire set. Watching them perform up close made the experience even more personal as the intensity of their sound reverberated through the venue.
Having last seen Manchester Orchestra at Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta in 2018, where they drew a huge hometown crowd, I was excited to see how they would bring that same energy to the more intimate setting of The Fillmore. The connection with the audience was palpable from the moment they took the stage, and the night was a nostalgic journey through Cope and more.
Starting with fan favorites like “Choose You” and “Girl Harbor,” the band had the audience singing along to every word. “The Mansion” and “The Ocean” followed, with Andy Hull’s haunting vocals and the band’s tight, emotional instrumentation building a powerful atmosphere. Midway through the set, they shifted gears with a stunning acoustic performance of “All That I Really Wanted,” offering a quieter, more introspective moment that contrasted beautifully with the intensity of their harder tracks.
We were treated to gems like “Indentions” and “Every Stone,” both staples from Cope, as well as other career-spanning highlights such as “See It Again” and “After the Scripture.” When the band launched into “Cope,” the title track of their celebrated album, the energy in the room hit its peak. The sheer power of the song, with its driving guitars and Hull’s impassioned delivery, reminded everyone why this record has endured as a landmark in alternative rock.
After a brief encore break, Manchester Orchestra returned to the stage with “The Maze,” quickly followed by the crowd-pleaser “The Gold.” As the night drew to a close, the band played “Bed Head” and “Shake It Out,” leaving fans on a high, with the crowd’s energy matching the band’s until the very last note.
Full Setlist:
- Top Notch
- Choose You
- Girl Harbor
- The Mansion
- The Ocean
- Every Stone
- All That I Really Wanted (acoustic)
- Trees
- Indentions
- See It Again
- Cope
- After the Scripture
- The Silence
Encore: - The Maze
- The Gold
- Bed Head
- Shake It Out
The band’s performance was a masterclass in balancing raw emotion with musicianship, proving why they’ve maintained such a loyal following over the years. From their explosive opening to the final encore, Manchester Orchestra delivered a show that honored their past while showing why they’re still one of the most compelling acts in alternative rock today.
