Returning to the city where it all began, 5 Seconds of Summer delivered a homecoming performance at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena last night, proving that more than a decade into their career, the Australian four-piece band still knows how to command a stage.
As part of their EVERYONE’S A STAR! World Tour, Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin brought together the different chapters of their musical journey, blending their latest material with the nostalgic anthems that helped establish them as one of Australia’s most successful musical exports.
Opening with ‘NOT OK’, the band wasted little time setting the tone for the evening. Joined by ‘No. 1 Obsession’ and fan favourite ‘Teeth’, the opening stretch established the heavier, more energetic direction of their latest era. The transition into ‘Easier’, ‘More’ and ‘istillfeelthesame’ offered a different side to the band’s sound, showcasing the emotional depth and evolving musical identity that have become increasingly prominent throughout their discography.
The setlist was particularly effective in balancing the band’s newer material with the songs that have followed them throughout their career. Tracks including ‘No Shame’, ‘She’s Kinda Hot’ and ‘Youngblood’ served as reminders of just how far the band have come since their early beginnings, while ‘Boyband’ and ‘Telephone Busy’ highlighted the direction of their latest era.
One of the more distinctive elements of the evening came through the individual performances from each member. With solo selections including Luke Hemmings ‘Starting Line’, Ashton Irwin’s ‘Have U Found What Ur Looking For?’, Calum Hood’s ‘Don’t Forget You Love Me’ and Michael Clifford’s ‘enough’, the band created space to showcase their individual musical identities before bringing everything back together.
The emotional centrepiece of the set came through ‘Ghost of You’, ‘Bad Omens’ and ‘Amnesia’, demonstrating the band’s ability to move beyond their more upbeat pop rock sound. These moments highlighted the emotional connection that has kept audiences invested in their music across different stages of life.
As the night progressed, the energy shifted back towards the band’s earlier catalogue. ‘English Love Affair’, ‘Voodoo Doll’, ‘Don’t Stop’ and ‘Jet Black Heart’ brought a wave of nostalgia, celebrating the music that first introduced many fans to 5SOS. The closing moments, including ‘She Looks So Perfect’, ‘Everyone’s a Star!’ and ‘Youngblood’, brought the evening to a fitting conclusion.
More than simply another stop on an international tour, Sydney represented a return to the band’s beginnings. Having grown from four friends making music in their hometown into an internationally recognised act, 5 Seconds of Summer’s return demonstrated the longevity of a band that has continued to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
With the EVERYONE’S A STAR! era marking another chapter in their career, the Sydney show was a reminder that 5 Seconds of Summer’s appeal extends beyond nostalgia. Their ability to bring together new material, established favourites and four distinct musical personalities continues to define what makes them such an enduring live act.
Words & Photography: Jake Harm Nam
