Pop Break Live: Walk off the Earth at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA
Canadian indie-pop band Walk off the Earth played Philadelphia’s Fillmore on June 1st. This popular band is currently in the midst of their 2019 World Tour, which is their biggest to date. Philly was the last stop on their U.S leg of the tour before heading off to Vienna, Austria on June 25th.
The band formed in 2006 but it wasn’t until 2012 that their popularity exploded due to their cover of Gotye’s big hit “Somebody I Used to Love.” Their live video received 175 million hits and it didn’t hurt that both Gotye and Kimbra gave it a big thumbs up. They continued turning heads with their unique covers/videos and catchy original tunes. Their hard work paid off in 2016 when they were awarded with a Juno for Best Group.
The band was supposed to kick off their 2019 World tour with a performance in Niagara Falls with a New Years Eve TV special but their plans came crashing down with the sudden death of their band mate Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor on 12/30. That loss was felt around the world. Not only was he beloved by the band but by all their fans as well. He was a unique character. After much thought the band announced in early January that the tour would continue. There is no doubt this tour will be a little extra special as the band plans on honoring his memory during their performance.
Walk off the Earth started the show with their popular song “Fire in my Soul.” The catchy song got the audience clapping right from the get go. Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” really got the crowd dancing and set the tone for the rest of the night. The set list was a perfect mix of covers and original songs.
Crowd participation was high on their great feel good song “Fifth Avenue.” The song is an ode to the Big Apple. The band’s love of NY was not only apparent by their lyrics but with the stage setting as well, which included famous imagery from around the world. New York City got a nod with some cool artsy images that included the legendary CBGB’s, the Statue of Liberty and more.
Philadelphia also holds a special place in the hearts of the band. There were many times during the show that the band expressed their thanks to Philly for their support over the years. They told they audience they wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.
The special effects/lightening during the show was top notch and even included smoke cannons and confetti. The moody lighting on their cover of the Wheatus song “Teenage Dirtbag” was great. They played two separate cover medleys during the evening that included such songs as “Somebody I Used to Know,” “Come on Eileen,” “Shape of You,” “Party in the U.S.A.,” “No Scrubs,” “Rich Girl,” “Hip’s Don’t Lie,” “Royals,” and “Irreplaceable.”
Two of the biggest highlights were the songs in which they paid homage to their band mate that passed away. There were many images of him projected onto a screen. Their new song, simply called “Mike’s Song”(released in May) was a beautiful tribute and provided a real heart tugging moment. Another special moment was when they played the “Beard Guy’s” favorite song, Queen’s” Bohemian Rhapsody.” The audience really sang their hearts out on this one. It was chill inducing…
The band ended the night with “Gang of Rhythm,” “Hold On,” and “Rule the World.” Walk off the Earth shows are traditionally light, uplifting and fun and it was all that. It was extra special for their fans they affectionately call the “WOTElings” to be involved in paying tribute to Mike Taylor in their own way during the show. Whether it was simply tears, singing at the top of your lungs on his favorite song, clapping hard or fist pumping whenever his picture was projected onto the screen, the band heard you loud and clear. What a truly special night for the band and fans!
