by grace lamb

After three years, Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer returned to headline The O2 Arena in London on April 2, nearly a decade after their first performance at the venue. Supporting their sixth studio album, Everyone’s A Star, they performed for 15,000 attendees and promised their biggest show yet. The setlist was packed with fan favorites and moments of humor, nostalgia, and emotion. The “Everyone’s a Star” tour highlighted their journey and playfully embraced the”boyband” label they once avoided, poking fun at how success is measured.

Opening the night, the band energized the crowd with their electrifying lead single "NOT OK." Momentum continued with catchy beats from "No. 1 Obsession" and "Teeth." This carefully chosen setlist flowed seamlessly, showcasing the band's genre diversity and evolving sound.

PHOTO BY GRACE LAMB FROM THE CROWD

Each song showcased the band's evolution as the crowd sang along. The evening featured skits inspired by their 2023 tour, "The 5 Seconds of Summer Show," playing with boyband stereotypes. The members humorously accepted the title they once resisted as teens.

A highlight came when the band invited a fan onstage to present the "Boyband of the Year" award. Riding the excitement, the group kept engaging the audience and mirrored the crowd's energy, creating an electric, inclusive atmosphere.

Blending old hits and new tracks, the setlist included "She's Kinda Hot," "No Shame," and "Ghost of You." Each member had a solo section: Luke Hemmings with "Starting Line," Ashton Irwin with "Have U Found What Ur Looking For?," Calum Hood with "Don’t Forget You Love Me," and Michael Clifford with "Enough." These solo moments highlighted their individual talents and growth.

As the night ended, the concert peaked with "Jet Black Heart" and "She Looks So Perfect." After a brief exit, the encore opened with "Everyone's a Star!" and closed with "Youngblood," sending the audience home exhilarated.

Reflecting on the evening, 5 Seconds of Summer's London show was more than a concert, it celebrated their past, present, and future. By embracing the "boyband" label, they made the show fun and meaningful, keeping fans coming back.