The O2 Arena throbbed with a palpable energy, a wave of pure, unadulterated nostalgia washing over the crowd as McFly launched into their Halloween gig. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a portal back to teenage bedrooms plastered with posters, to mixtapes worn thin with replay, to a simpler time fueled by pop-punk anthems.
From the opening chords of “Where Did All the Guitars Go?” it was clear this wasn’t a typical performance. Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher commanded the stage with an effortless charisma, their energy infectious. Danny Jones, while possessing a natural stage presence, occasionally veered into a territory that felt…tense, a disconnect from the easy camaraderie of his bandmates.
Despite a slight stiffness early on, the hits flowed seamlessly – “Star Girl,” “Room on the Third Floor,” “All About You” – each one igniting a chorus of voices from the ecstatic audience. A playful addition to the setlist, a mashup of “Transylvania” and “Lies,” sent a jolt of excitement through the arena, a delightful surprise for longtime fans.
Then, a shift in the atmosphere. The lights dimmed, a triangular screen descended, and a buzz of anticipation filled the space. It was Busted’s turn. They exploded onto the stage with “Crashed the Wedding,” instantly transporting everyone back to school discos and carefree summers.
The weight of the moment was undeniable. This was the first time many had seen Busted live since the McBusted tour in 2014, and the absence of Charlie Simpson was keenly felt. But Simpson’s return more than compensated, his vocal performance a masterclass in dynamic range, effortlessly shifting from raw energy to delicate nuance.
A heartbreaking circumstance had led to a unique moment: James Bourne’s illness. His brother, Chris, stepped in to fill his shoes, a testament to family and a remarkable display of musical talent. The gesture was met with overwhelming support and appreciation from the crowd.
The true magic of the night, however, lay in the interplay between the two bands. A drum battle between Harry Judd and Eddie Thrower was a thrilling showcase of skill, while a hilarious head-to-head between Dougie Poynter and Matt Willis, dressed as iconic “Wicked” characters, had the audience roaring with laughter.
Despite frustrating technical glitches – Charlie Simpson’s microphone cutting out during “Year 3000” – the energy never faltered. The crowd, undeterred, sang the song with unwavering passion, a powerful demonstration of their devotion.
Ultimately, Busted edged out McFly, their performance radiating a captivating energy. It wasn’t a competition, though. It was a celebration of two iconic bands, a shared journey down memory lane, and a reminder of the enduring power of 00s pop-punk.
As the final notes of “5 Colours in Her Hair” and “Air Hostess” faded, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience. A reminder that some songs, some bands, have the power to transport us back to the moments that shaped us, and to create new memories along the way.
