Maná Rocks Atlanta En Español

Music has long been its own language. It transcends time, people, places, and cultures. It makes sense, then, that one of Mexico’s greatest rock outfits, Maná, could pack in a full crowd at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga. 

The Latin rock scene has grown and grown since its American inception. With the successes of cross-over stars from throughout Latin America there really are too many to note. Those that do not cross-over into English lyrics, however, often have trouble maintaining a U.S. following. That did not appear to be the case Saturday night. An empty seat was simply hard to find. 

Maná’s American following is impressive. Their last U.S. tour (2011-2012) saw them selling out arenas across the country on a 30+ date tour. This touring success helps support their reigning title as Latin rock’s top-selling band world-wide. 

Maná’s history goes back to the late eighties with deep rock n’ roll roots. The band’s blend of classic rock beats with Spanish rhythms make for a great concert experience. 

Saturday night’s show was like any major rock concert in many respects. Energetic fans packed the arena; stacks of amplifiers lined the stage; screaming guitar solos were played throughout the night; band mates threw back a few cervezas; and there of course were some pyrotechnics – all the universal aspects of solid rock n’ roll. 

The difference from what most U.S. concertgoers are accustomed to was the language. You have an idea that things are going to be a bit different when the scalpers outside of the venue are selling “boletos” instead of tickets. Nearly the entire set was in Spanish, minus a brief acknowledgement of thanks from frontman Fher Olvera.  He specifically addressed the non-Spanish speakers of the audience with a sincere thank you “for following rock en español.”

Maná has been out on the road in support of their latest album Cama Incendiada (The Burning Bed), also the name of the tour. Their stop in Atlanta was show number nine of 15; the tour will conclude on July 11, in Laredo, Tx. 

The setlist included all of the hits spanning the band’s several decades of success. “Corazon Espindo” (famous for its collaboration between Maná  and Carlos Santana) was the second song of the show, and featured the handiwork of guitarist Sergio Vallin. Several new songs from the most recent album were also big hits. Pop sensation Shakira made an appearance (via a large digital screen that was draped over the entire front stage) to duet with Fher on “Mi Verdad.”

The full setlist is as follows:
1. La prisión 
2. Corazón espinado 
3. La cama incendiada 
4. Cuando los ángeles lloran 
5. Oye mi amor 
6. Somos más americanos 
7. El Rey (José Alfredo Jiménez cover) 
8. Mi verdad 
9. Clavado en un bar 
10. Me vale 
11. En el muelle de San Blas 
 Drum Solo 
Acoustic:
12. Te lloré un río 
13. El reloj cucú 
14. Vivir sin aire 
15. Mariposa traicionera 
16. Bendita tu luz 
17. Si no te hubieras ido (Marco Antonio Solís cover) 
Encore:
18. Labios compartidos 
19. Rayando el sol