Man With A Mission Concert Setlist Evolution Over the Years

An Overview of Man With A Mission's Concert Setlists

Man With A Mission, often abbreviated as MWAM, is a popular Japanese rock band known for their unique combination of rock music and hip hop. The band consists of vocalist Tokyo Tanaka, guitarist and vocalist Kamikaze Boy, bassist Jean-Ken Johnny, drummer Spear Rib, and DJ Santa Claus. MWAM is beloved by fans for their high-energy live shows where they perform in distinctive wolf mask costumes. As the band has grown in popularity internationally, their setlists have evolved to include more English language songs.

Early Setlists Focused on Japanese Songs

When MWAM first emerged on the Japanese music scene in 2010, their setlists were predominantly Japanese language songs. Their self-titled debut EP released in 2010 included early fan-favorites like "A Shooting Star Is Falling," and "Run Run Run." These songs, sung entirely in Japanese, made up the backbone of their early live setlists as they gained a following with high-profile festival appearances across Japan.

Their first full-length album "Rock and Roll Renegades" arrived in 2012 and introduced more Japanese hits into their setlists like "Database" featuring rapper Ilmari. Another standout was "My Dear Fellow" featuring Camo-Flages female MC Chu-Z. As their national popularity grew in Japan, MWAM began playing larger venues and had longer set times to showcase their unique hybrid rock sound.

The Addition of English Songs

In 2015, MWAM made their first effort to court international audiences by releasing the EP "The World's On Fire" which featured English language songs. The driving lead single "Emotions" was their first taste of mainstream rock success abroad. When the band embarked on their first world tour, these English songs were incorporated into setlists alongside Japanese material.

The 2016 album "Out of Control" marked a major turning point with half of the songs in English. Major singles like "Take Me Under" and "Dead End in Tokyo" became concert staples and crowd-favorites. In 2018, the trend continued on their album "Chasing the Horizon" which featured notable English tunes "Survivor," "Cry Out" and "Left Alive." As the band played bigger stages internationally, these songs anchored setlists designed for global audiences.

Recent Setlist Staples

In 2021, MWAM returned from a hiatus rejuvenated and ready to conquer larger international venues. Their album "Break and Cross the Walls I" arrived in late 2021 signaling a new era. The powerful anthem "Animals" fast became a staple opener of their explosive live show. Other new English tunes like "Merry Go Round" and "Fly Again" joined the setlist rotation.

Long-time fan favorites still make regular appearances like "Database," "My Dear Fellow," and "Emotions." Covers also often pop up in setlists like Metallicas Enter Sandman or Queens We Will Rock You." MWAM is renowned for explosive high-tempo renditions blended with their signature rock-rap aesthetic.

In 2022, the band supported rock icons Green Day on an arena tour across North America. This introduced MWAM to wider mainstream audiences and garnered new fans. Recently added English songs like "One In A Billion" and "Remember Me" have become late-set highlights.

Setlist Variety Between Tours

Long-time MWAM fans know every tour brings a slightly different setlist. While certain staples remain in heavy rotation, the band updates their live show by swapping deep cuts and new material. Sometimes fan sites will get early leaks of setlists from tour rehearsals and predict changes.

In general, setlists on tours directly following an album release heavily feature those new songs. But there are always surprise older tracks dusted off to delight hardcore fans. The band also tailors setlists to match their touring lineups. Tours with multiple opening bands usually have shorter 15-18 song MWAM sets compared to being a lone headliner.

Moments of Spontaneity

While MWAM and their management carefully curate setlists for tours, there are always spur-of-the-moment surprises. The band often switches up encores or throws in rare b-sides for a certain city. One memorable moment was the band coming out for an unplanned acoustic encore after their headline set at Japans Summer Sonic festival.

There are also frequent guest appearances during shows. MWAM has welcomed famous Japanese rock musicians like ROLLY of MONGOL800 and YOU THE ROCK. The band always keeps fans guessing at shows with unexpected collaborations or rarities.

A Look at Specific Setlists Over the Years

Early Japan Tour Setlist - 2013

During their 2013 "Renegades" tour across Japan, a typical MWAM setlist was:

1. A Shooting Star Is Falling
2. Left Alive
3. Database
4. My Dear Fellow
5. Dancing In The Rain
6. Renegades
7. Seven Deadly Sins
8. Never Fall

Encore:

9. The Anthem
10. Mind Over Manners

"The World's On Fire" Tour Setlist - 2016

When touring their English language EP "The World's On Fire" in 2016, a typical MWAM setlist was:

1. Emotions
2. Take Me Under
3. Left Alive
4. Database
5. Survivor
6. My Dear Fellow
7. Fly Again
8. Seven Deadly Sins
9. The World's On Fire

Encore:

10. Broken Bones
11. Mind Over Manners

Recent 2022 Setlist

On their recent 2022 "Break and Cross the Walls" World Tour, MWAM played setlists like:

1. Animals
2. My Dear Fellow
3. One In A Billion
4. Left Alive
5. Database
6. Merry Go Round
7. Emotions
8. Survivor
9. Cry Out
10. Fly Again

Encore:

11. Remember Me
12. Mind Over Manners

Setlist Fluctuations Due to COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on MWAM's touring and setlists starting in 2020. As large concerts were cancelled for public health, the band had to postpone albums and rework setlists.

They participated in several live-streamed shows without an audience. The intimate sets featured acoustic versions and singles. When they returned to limited capacity venues in 2021, setlists were shorter with no signature mask reveals or crowd interaction.

Songs were carefully selected for high energy while reducing band member proximity. Fan favorites like "Fly Again" and "Left Alive" took on special meaning during this difficult period. The pandemic setbacks made MWAM cherish returning to full scale touring and production in 2022.

The Future of MWAM Setlists

As MWAM continues evolving as international rock stars, their setlists will grow and change with them. The band has hinted at a new album on the horizon in 2023 which will bring different songs into rotation. And with their propensity for surprise covers and collaborations, every show promises something new.

One thing is certain, that MWAM will continue delivering high-octane sets blending Japanese lyrics and Western rock. As the wolf pack migrates across the globe, eager fans await the next chapter of MWAM concert history.

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