Live Review: McFly – 10th October 2024 – O2, London, UK
4 min read
Last night, McFly took to the stage at the second night of their sold out 21st birthday party. Still so young, and yet so much history to pack into a single set. Before taking to the stage, LostAlone provided a boost of rock energy to kick off proceedings. Singer and guitarist Steven Battelle’s duel-necked guitar and the bands overall vibrant appearance lending to the wow-factor. Ending on a multi-levelled singalong that managed to get everyone present joining in, it was easy to see why they had been chosen to open the O2.
As soon as ‘21’ appeared on screen and YMCA played out, everyone was on their feet. What followed was a barrage of semi-embarrassing pictures of the lads from their past up to now. The explosion of their arrival didn’t let up, Five Colours In Her Hair launching the crowd into hysterics. Swinging arms, jumping, and most importantly dancing. That Girl, Surfer Babe, and Broccoli shot by in a wave of bassist Dougie Poynter’s energy, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones’ harmonised guitar lines, and Harry Judd’s drum solos. They used the full extent of the stage, skipping about as though still in their early 20s, and came front of stage to interact with phone cameras and fan-made signs, as well as each other. It was evidence that this was going to be a high octane night.
It was a comfortably chaotic performance, Danny in particular having to run to get back to the microphone on time at a few points, and times where the lads looked as though they were genuinely enjoying their time on stage together. Dougie, at one moment, pretended to stick his bass up Tom’s backside, while at another the pair took it in turns to crawl under each other’s legs while Danny led a sing-song. That moment in Everybody Knows became an instant highlight, Danny leading the band into a medley of classics including Queen’s Radio Gaga, and Twist and Shout, made famous of course by The Beatles. His guitar solo also led to the first dig at fellow pop-rock band Busted, who they are set to go head to head with on tour next year. “Beat that, Busted!” I’m sure they’ll try.
“What’s up O2!” were the first words spoken since they began, Dougie being told by Tom to censor himself, as the show was being recorded for a new special on ITV. He then proceeded to list swearwords he wouldn’t be allowed to say, it all leading into the band’s hit Sorry’s Not Good Enough. There were phone torches for Bubblewrap, fire on stage for Lies, Dougie doing laps of the runway for One For The Radio. Transylvania had its suitably spooky organ intro matched with harmonised guitars and an unprompted split-level singalong. It was a night for the fans, made even more special by their clear devotion to the music and the people behind it. Ukulele became a hint at what was to come, Tom bringing it out for Love Is Easy. Cheers from the front row caught Danny’s attention, shouting into the mic “did you just get engaged?” Tom then added “it’s the perfect time to be happy”, before playing Happiness in unintentional tribute to the happy couple.
There was an appearance from Masked Singer Piranha singing It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, before Danny took over, appearing on the B-stage. A red strand of neon rose from the pit, a microphone attached to the end of it, with which the band launched into Red. An acoustic moment followed, the string of hits being accompanied by harmonica, harmonies, and finally the rest of the band for Room On The Third Floor and Obviously. Gratitude was on the minds of everyone involved, from the B-stage back to the main, as Tom delivered a heartfelt thanks. “Having a soppy moment,” as he put it. It’s fair to say that the band has come a long way, and to celebrate what still feels like a young milestone with thousands of adoring fans is well deserved. Another round of hits ended the night, including the immortal ballad All About You, concluding a well performed and well earned sold out night.
Set List:
Five Colours In Her Hair
That Girl
Surfer Babe
Broccoli
I Wanna Hold You
I’ll Be OK
Ultraviolet
I’ve Got You
Star Girl
Transylvania
Sorry’s Not Good Enough
Bubblewrap
Lies
One For The Road
Everybody Knows
Falling In Love
Party Girl
If U C Kate
Shine A Light
Love Is Easy
Happiness
It’s All Coming Back To Me Now (Cover)
Red
Acoustic Medley (Walk in the Sun / Love is On The Radio / Touch The Rain / Too Close For Comfort / She Left Me / Tonight Is The Night)
Room On The Third Floor
Obviously
Forever’s Not Enough
Honey I’m Home
Memory Lane
Encore:
All About You
Heart Never Lies
Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.
