McFly at the O2 Arena

You are cordially invited to McFly’s 21^st birthday – a celebration of a band at their best.

Taking over London’s O2 Arena for two sold-out shows, this party has everything; dancing, singing, laughter, tears, a piranha costume and a whole lot of Busted slander. Bringing together a vibrant mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, the fourtet delivers a stunning set of classic hits and fan favourites.

Kicking things off with their hit Five Colours in Her Hair, it is evident from the get-go that tonight is all about having fun and basking in the magic of a band who relishes in pushing boundaries. The set is split into sections, each dedicated to a different album. It runs in mostly chronological order, showcasing the group’s musical growth. With no expense spared, impressively detailed lighting and visual elements enhance the atmosphere. Each section is awarded its own identity, leaning into the respective record’s branding and colour scheme. There’s pyro, fire and an enthralling rendition of the band’s track Red with a glowing microphone cable on the b-stage.

Co-frontmen Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher make a charming pair, bouncing off each other’s energy. The blending of their individual vocal tones is superb, while the rhythm section is in safe hands with bassist Dougie Poynter and drummer Harry Judd. Known for their playful banter and off-the-cuff musings, there is brilliance in the group’s comfortability with each other and their ability to interact and improvise so effortlessly. Moving between a main stage with a circle runway protruding from it and a much smaller b-stage, the band is able to switch between tender moments and high-energy performances.

A surprising yet stand-out moment of the evening appears in the form of Jones’s The Masked Singer piranha costume appearing in the audience at the back of the arena against a backing track of Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now before the man himself performs a live rendition on stage. It’s a lovely nod to his stint on the television show, of which he notably won.

The band’s infectious spirit and camaraderie make it clear that tonight is not just a celebration of McFly’s anniversary, but also their enduring connection with their fans. “It’s not always easy but McFly’s here forever,” Fletcher belts out to the room during set closer The Heart Never Lies. It’s a sweet sentiment but judging by the crowd’s reaction, every person in the room believes it. 21 years young couldn’t be more apt for a band that feels so youthful and full of life. With a new tour already on the horizon – a “band vs band” style show with longtime frenemies Busted – the new kids on the block have a lot to live up to while McFly’s still around.

Katherine Parry
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit McFly’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Honey I’m Home here: