Print & Features Editor Tamara Greatrix reviews 5 Seconds of Summer’s captivating performance at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena
Few bands command a fanbase quite as loyal as Aussie heartthrobs 5 Seconds of Summer, and their long-awaited return to Birmingham on 31st March proved exactly why. Three years since their last visit, the Utilita Arena was charged with anticipation, as the band continued the European leg of their ‘Everyone’s a Star’ tour.
The opener, South Arcade, proved to be a stellar addition to the evening’s lineup, delivering an unforgettable set. Their unique punchy pop-punk sound, combined with strong crowd interaction and natural chemistry, made them the perfect opener.
At the heart of 5 Seconds of Summer’s performance is their chemistry.
At the heart of 5 Seconds of Summer’s performance is their chemistry. Calum Hood, Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings and Ashton Irwin each bring a distinct energy that blends seamlessly into a thoroughly captivating live show, balancing their pop punk roots with their endearing humour.
The crowd spanned generations of fans, all equally enthusiastic for the band’s newer material as for their beloved hits. As promised by Clifford, they ‘gave the people what they want,’ with classics like ‘She Looks So Perfect,’ and ‘She’s Kinda Hot,’ and you’d be hard-pressed to find anybody in the arena not singing along.
The tour’s theming was impressive, adding an unexpected theatrical dimension to the performance. The concert was framed as the band’s ‘final ever show’ and followed the fictional rise, controversy and brutal downfall of the band as they become the biggest boyband to ever exist. The narrative unfolded through interspersed video segments styled as Netflix documentary and news reports. This storyline element of the show elevated it beyond a regular concert, offering something immersive and unique. Moments such as the ‘5SOS Birmingham Takeover,’ and ‘How to Have the Best Rock Show,’ presentation showcased the band’s humour. The crowd were enthusiastic in response to inside jokes and playful callbacks to the band’s earlier eras – particularly the hot debated topic of whether the much contended, ‘she looks so perfect’ versus ‘you look so perfect’ debate.
‘Amnesia’ brought a notable stillness to the arena, a poignant moment where the whole crowd came together.
Despite the humour, the band are equally good at demonstrating emotional depth. Michael Clifford’s heart-felt performance of ‘enough’ followed by the whole band performance of ‘Amnesia’ brought a notable stillness to the arena, a poignant moment where the whole crowd came together. It was nothing short of heartbreaking.
The visual production of the tour was equally as impressive. The colourful stage lighting and unique stage design was ambitious but paid off. The stage that elevated from in the ground through the middle of the floor was also good. The carefully curated bursts of shaped and coloured confetti were great and the inclusion of huge balloons with stars on elevated the vibe further.
he floor pulsed beneath the crowd and, for a moment, everyone was unified by the music.
I had been looking forward to hearing ‘She Looks so Perfect’ for weeks leading up to the show, and it certainly delivered. The floor pulsed beneath the crowd and, for a moment, everyone was unified by the music. As the show ended, the band’s decision to walk through the crowd provided an intimate close to an impressive performance, again demonstrating their powerful stage presence.
I walked into the Utilita Arena as an occasional 5SOS listener, only revisiting the band most for childhood nostalgia. I left as a fan, with ‘I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again’ on repeat.
5/5
Comments