Last night, 5 Seconds of Summer proved “Everyone’s a Star!”

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the opening night of 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Everyone’s a Star” World Tour at the SSE Arena in Belfast, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. This Aussie band has come a long way since forming in Sydney back in 2011, and wow, do they know how to throw a party!

First off, how class is it that these guys have sold over 18 million albums and moved more than 6 million tickets worldwide? That’s some serious star power! With their new era kicking off with their sixth album “EVERYONE’S A STAR,” featuring bangers like “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” and “Telephone Busy,” it felt like we were in for a treat right from the get-go.

The staging was nothing short of spectacular. Imagine a circular stage with a glitzy white limo at its centre, complete with a drum kit on the hood. Movie spotlight stands dotted the main stage, and I loved the VIP Golden Circle for die-hard fans. It really set the scene for a night of fun. The semi-circular backdrop screen made sure that even those at the back had a front-row view, always a smart move in my opinion.

The show kicked off with a bang as we were greeted by a fun intro video packed with interviews and a glitzy plane visual. Out popped the boys in a pink leopard-printed limo interior, exploding onto the stage in a dazzling mix of leather, tartan, pink hair, and cool sunglasses. They were here to prove they’re not just a pop rock boyband anymore; they’ve fully embraced their status as alt-rock punk pop stars. Talk about a transformation!

The energy was palpable as they quickly dove into their set with “NOT OK,” followed by “No. 1 Obsession”and “Teeth." The crowd went wild…. I’m talking rapturous claps, and jumping everywhere, at one point I could feel the entire floor virating! There were moments where the show hit a few awkward pauses (but hey, they were just warming up, right?), but honestly, the fans were so into it that no one really cared. Screaming, dancing, and singing along, the excitement was infectious!

The setlist was a perfect blend of old and new hits spanning their impressive 14-year career. Personal favourites like "Youngblood,” “She Looks So Perfect,”and “Ghost of You” made it on the list, which had me fangirling a little. The lads' vocals were spot-on, and their energy was absolutely contagious.

They made sure to cover every inch of that circular stage, and at one point, they even walked through the crowd during the encore for “Everyone’s a Star.”Audience participation was through the roof, with fans bouncing, singing, and waving along. There were even crowd-surfing dolls of the guys and giant pink ping pong balls flying around, what an electric atmosphere! And during the slower moments, the phone torch game was strong and in full swing, creating a magical vibe throughout the SSE.

The stage design and setlist ensured each member had their moment in the spotlight, showcasing their individual talents and collective charisma. It was a joy to watch, and you could feel the love from each fan for all four of them.

As if the night couldn’t get any better, they wrapped it all up with “Youngblood,” and the venue erupted in a confetti explosion that had everyone screaming at the top of their lungs, the perfect ending to an unforgettable night for 5SOS fans old and new alike.

If the opening night of the “Everyone’s a Star” tour is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an epic journey for the foursome. 5 Seconds of Summer proved they’ve not only grown as artists but also as a band that’s here to stay, and I cannot wait to see where this adventure takes them next!

Oh and anyone who is seeing them tonight in Dublin is in for such a treat