Review and photographs by Sara Regan
Like the majority of the audience last night, my eleven year-old self emerged at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl watching 5 Seconds of Summer. Finally returning home after three years of delays due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Luke, Michael, Calum and Ashton were welcomed by an eager crowd for their Australian leg of the Take My Hand tour.
Despite the almost 40 degree heat and the scorching sunlight of the afternoon, crowds around the city swarmed to the music bowl eager to hear the band’s most recent releases, CALM and 5SOS5 live for the first time. A lot has changed since the band last toured Australia with Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings both deciding to break off and release solo records ‘Superbloom’ and ‘When Facing The Things We Turn Away From’ respectively, while touring was on hold. It is evident the bond between band members has remained strong despite pandemic interruptions and career explorations – coincidentally, the show at the Bowl fell on the same weekend as their 11 year anniversary.
A cool breeze relieving the crowd as the sun set, 5SOS treated the crowd to a series of pre-filmed skits before the show began. Despite now all being in their late-20s, the charisma and playfulness from their debut self-titled album remains.
With fans screaming after every song on the pre-show playlist in anticipation – the band took the stage with opener No Shame.
There was something for everyone – fans, new and old. From classics such as Disconnected, Amnesia and She Looks So Perfect to new releases like Blender, Wildflower and Bad Omens.
With over a decade of industry experience under their belt now, it was obvious the boys felt at home on stage. Despite any niggling fears that fame and fortune may reduce a live show to a dull spectacle – years of stadium practice ensured that no matter where you were in the crowd, you were treated to a special performance.
Safe to say, my eleven year old self thought it was a night to remember.
