By Lorena Flores, Special Contributor
Maná fans know they can expect two things at live shows: a great stage production and an oversized sing along with the veteran Latin rock band from Guadalajara.
And that is exactly what fans received Sunday night at Maná's packed American Airlines Center concert, the first Texas stop of the "2015 Cama Incendiada Tour."
With almost three decades of history, the band has an extremely loyal fan base in the U.S. that eagerly awaits each tour. This year was no exception—as soon as tickets went on sale, marquee venues like the Staples Center in Los Angeles sold out in hours.
On Sunday night, Dallas fans eagerly showed up wearing their Maná t-shirts and took pictures in the AAC lobby with life-size figures of the band members and outside next to the tour bus.
In the front seating section you could see parents with small children and teenagers singing along with the band. For many it was a combination of a Maná concert and a family night out.
"The whole city is here," lead singer Fher Olvera said to the crowd after starting out with "La Prisión," a song from the latest album Cama Incendiada, as well as the classic ballad "Corazón Espinado."
The show lasted two hours and had a smooth and fast pace, combining songs from the latest albums along with old-time favorites. Maná's current record is the first co-produced by someone outside the band, George Noriega (whose credits include projects by Shakira and Ricky Martin). For many, this combination has infused the band with a fresh new sound that builds on its signature style.
A must-see moment during any Maná concert is a solo by drummer Álex González. This time around his drum set was raised from the stage as he played with choreographed pyrotechnics. The audience went wild. He finished his solo toasting the occasion with a beer in hand, which he grabbed as his kit descended from above.
González also sang the fan favorite "Me Vale," a 1992 hit which featured fan José Álvarez, a local guitar player who'd won a competition to play with the band.
During this tour Maná has been vocal regarding recent comments made by Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump when he launched his campaign in June. Trump has caught fire for disparaging comments about those who migrate to the United States from Mexico.
"He is ignorant," Fher said when addressing the controversy before covering Los Tigres del Norte's "Somos Más Americanos." The singer urged the audience to not forget Trump's words when they cast their votes in future elections.
The band had an extra stage in the shape of a bed that was placed closer to the crowd, and they used it to perform some classics unplugged. Fher and guitarist Sergio Vallin played "Te Lloré Un Río," "El Reloj Cucú," "Vivir Sin Aire" and "Bendita Tu Luz."
As the evening was drawing to a close the group offered up its classic anthems "Labios Compartidos" and "Rayando El Sol," during which it was impossible not to sing along with the euphoric Maná crowd. We wouldn't be surprised if the band returned to Dallas for an encore show.
