On Tuesday, August 15th, the Australian rock band, 5 Seconds of Summer, graced the Budweiser Stage as part of their global tour aptly titled “The 5 Seconds of Summer Show.” This marked their return to Toronto after a previous performance was curtailed due to adverse weather conditions. The band vowed that this time, the audience would experience an uninterrupted spectacle that would leave fans amazed.
The four-piece ensemble started off the show by pulling a curtain with their name down, then acknowledging their fans with enthusiastic waves. Their performance encompassed a diverse array of tracks from their latest record, “5SOS5.” Amidst the songs on the setlist, Luke (lead vocalist), Calum (bassist), Ashton (drummer), and Michael (guitarist) each took moments to extend warm greetings to their passionate Toronto following. Notably, Michael affectionately shared how each visit to Toronto held a special place in their hearts, as they always mark the date on their calendars.
With a new approach for this tour, the band decided to take things back with a setlist full of both new and old songs. Tracks like “Don’t Stop,” “She’s Kinda Hot,” and “Waste The Night,” were performed, evoking a wave of nostalgia among their dedicated fans. Offering an interactive twist, an inflatable dice was brought on stage, featuring six cherished old songs. A serendipitous “roll” of the dice throughout the crowd in the pit brought forth “Voodoo Doll,” a cornerstone track from their self-titled album, much to the crowd’s delight.
A testament to their dedication, the band masterfully incorporated prerecorded videos between songs, providing context for the next song. A particularly heartfelt moment was when Michael inquired about the loyal fans who had stood by them from the outset. A sea of hands ascended, prompting a passionate performance of “Jet Black Heart,” igniting a chorus of emotion and singing from the audience.
As the night reached its end, 5SOS culminated their show with the powerful “Outer Space,” followed by the hard-hitting “YoungBlood.” The former track brought just the right amount of intensity and passion for fans to sway along with their phone flashlights. The concluding song, “YoungBlood,” brought a last chance for fans to soak in every minute of 5SOS’ performance, the entire arena jumping and jamming out. True to form, 5SOS dazzled with their stage charisma and left an undeniable mark on their Toronto fans, cementing the night as an extraordinary testament to their musical prowess.
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Photos and words by: Sara De Ledesma
