There’s a specific kind of electricity that only a 5 Seconds of Summer crowd can generate, a mix of “I’ve loved this band since high school” and “this new album is their best yet”. Taking over the arena in Birmingham, the night wasn’t just a concert; it was a high-concept, multi-act celebration of a band that has successfully transitioned from pop-punk posters on bedroom walls to genuine rock mainstays. Supported by the cheeky Haiden Henderson and the Y2K-fueled South Arcade, 5SOS proved that whether they are playing gritty bass anthems or intimate solo sets, they still own the stage.
The night kicked off with Haiden Henderson, the “self-proclaimed obligatory American opener.” Draped in a bedazzled Union Jack jacket, Haiden charmed the crowd with a mix of powerhouse vocals and chaotic wit. Between a high-octane cover of Lady Gaga’s Pokerface and his own hit lovesucker, he set the ground rules: if your back doesn’t ache and your voice isn’t gone, you aren’t doing it right.
South Arcade followed, bringing a frantic “Game Start” energy. Their set was framed by Y2K gaming aesthetics, featuring a massive crowd-vote on the best 5SOS track (Harry’s choice, NOT OK, seemed to take the win). By the time they wrapped with Stone Cold Summer and a “GAME OVER” screen, the arena was vibrating.
As the house lights dimmed, the screens flickered into a mockumentary tracking the “rise, fall, and epic comeback” of 5SOS. It was a self-aware, witty framing device that led straight into the aggressive opening chords of NOT OK. Star-shaped confetti filled the air, and the band leaned hard into their new era with No 1 Obsession, though the crowd sang the lyrics so loudly that the monitors behind the band were practically redundant.
The setlist was a masterclass in pacing. They reached back for the gritty, industrial intro of Teeth and the synth-heavy Easier, with Luke Hemmings prowling the B-stage. For the romantic istillfeelthesame, the arena turned a soft pink, only to shift into golden leopard-print visuals for a high-strung performance of No Shame.
Midway through, the band paused for a “CONFIDENTIAL” presentation on how to survive a rock show. The highlight? A localised guide to Birmingham, featuring “must-dos” like:
- Braving “Chocolate Delusion” (a tip of the hat to Cadbury).
- Navigating the legendary Balti Triangle.
- Paying homage to the city’s heavy metal roots by channeling your inner Ozzy Osbourne.
In a move that highlighted their growth as individual artists, the band moved to the B-stage for a run of solo performances. Luke led with Starting Line, Ashton brought the soul with Have U Found What Ur Looking For?, Calum delivered a heartfelt Don’t Forget to Love Me, and Michael rounded it out with Enough.
This vulnerability peaked during Amnesia, performed under the glow of thousands of phone torches, before the band cranked the heat back up with a run of fan favorites: English Love Affair, Voodoo, and an impassioned Jet Black Heart led by Michael.
Just when it felt like the ceiling couldn’t hold any more energy, giant pink inflatable balls descended for She Looks So Perfect. It was a total sensory overload of confetti and 2014-era nostalgia.
The final act saw the band literally “returning” to the fans, entering from the side of the arena and walking through the aisles to the stage. As they closed with the anthemic Everyone’s a Star and the juggernaut hit Youngblood, it was clear: 5SOS aren’t just surviving the industry; they’re thriving in it. Birmingham didn’t just see a show; they saw a band at the absolute peak of their powers.
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