Easter Sunday, and time for 5 Seconds Of Summer to bring 100 minutes of high energy to Cardiff’s Utilita Arena. A slick, seven-act masterpiece bookended with skits, video idents and nostalgia, 5SOS’ set carries the storyline of their 15-year journey through the lens of their latest album, Everyone’s A Star!
A sentiment which feels apposite for opening act Haiden Henderson. His vocals are laced with a beautiful tone, his songs are addictive and he flourishes in front of this arena-sized crowd. UK tour of your own? We’re ready when you are.
After a satirical documentary-style intro, the arena darkens, and in the centre of a ringlike stage, the headlights of a pink limousine (which houses Ashton Irwin’s drumkit in its popped bonnet) illuminate. The screens switch to a back-of-the-limo POV, revealing the Australian band to the hyped-up crowd. Donning a Welsh flag and spinning a rugby ball, Callum Hood, Ashton Irwin, Luke Hemmings and Michael Clifford kick off the show at top speed with the punchy hit Not OK.
The Everyone’s A Star! concept aims to playfully highlight how, throughout their rise to fame, the Sydney quartet have persistently shunned the ‘boyband’ label; and how they now embrace it, redefining the label with outrageous irony. From audience cameos presenting the band with an award, to a PowerPoint of their sidequests in Cardiff, this show has it all. 5SOS are brilliant at keeping the fans connected with a personalised and intimate attitude.
A moving acoustic rendition of Amnesia creates a memorable moment, while more established hits – and a space for each member of the band to sing their respective solo projects – peaks the show to give the audience everything they could ask for. Cardiff, one of the smallest venues on the UK leg of the tour, is nonetheless acknowledged by 5SOS as one of the loudest crowds.
Following She Looks So Perfect,a video segment states, “Every great story has a final chapter” – cue a triumphant encore comprising the EAS! title track, a walk through the audience back onto the stage, and their most recognisable hit Youngblood. A reminder that – even with incredible success under their belts – 5 Seconds Of Summer are still rising.
5 Seconds Of Summer + Haiden Henderson, Utilita Arena Cardiff, Sun 5 Apr
words JOSEPH ELIJAH
