5 Seconds of Summer returned to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro for the first time in a few years, and they didn’t disappoint.
The night opened with Haiden Henderson, a rising punk-pop artist who instantly brought early 5SOS energy. His set felt like being back in 2014. He was the perfect choice to open, getting the crowd moving straight away, with his guitarist Bella adding to the chaos in the best way. It set the tone for the night. South Arcade followed, keeping that same high-energy, punk-leaning atmosphere going. 5SOS know their audience, and they know exactly how to build a lineup that gets people excited.
When Luke, Calum, Ashton and Michael finally came out, they opened with Not OK under a confetti drop of stars, immediately setting the theme of the night. It was a show built on nostalgia, but it never felt stuck in the past. Instead, it balanced their older music with newer material in a way that felt natural.
The set was split into different sections, almost like acts, which kept things interesting throughout. One of the highlights was the “breakup” segment, where each member performed their solo work. It added something personal to the show and showed how much they’ve grown individually as artists.
For a band that’s been around this long, it’s not easy to satisfy both long-time fans and newer listeners, but they managed it. The show didn’t take itself too seriously, there was a lot of humour throughout, especially during the talking moments between songs. At one point, they even held their own award ceremony, naming themselves “Best Boy Band”, which somehow worked without feeling forced.
At the same time, the production was clearly well thought out, from the staging to the visuals, it all felt intentional. Whether you discovered them recently or were a teenager watching them open for One Direction in 2014, this tour is for you. 5 Seconds of Summer know exactly what they are, and they lean into it.
They’re stars, and for a couple of hours, they make sure you feel like one too.
