Reviews

After all, it’s only four years since critics shunned them as ‘Busted mark 2’. There’s little doubt that with McFly scoring seven number one singles and two number one albums since, those critics have chomping on their words for a while now.

McFly (c) Shirlaine Forrest

McFly’s secret is a healthy dose of fun, liberally applied through their songs and their performances. Before the four piece took the stage tonight, the crowd were treated to a hilarious film of the band’s ‘preparation’ for the show, including Harry Judd in Saturday Night Fever get-up, Danny Jones as Rocky and, rather confusingly in the movie-themed lead up, Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher engaged in a half naked towel fight (well, you have to give the fans what they want, don’t you?)

And whilst the lead-up and between song banter was hugely tongue in cheek, the music was anything but. The thing is with Greatest Hits tours, nobody loses. The fans get to hear all the best songs, for the most part, and the casual turn-ups and parents get to feel involved by recognising the entire set.

And aside from a few surprises set-wise - a fantastic cover of Rihanna’s uber-hit Umbrella and a brief segue into Beat It to mask some technical difficulties - McFly really did just pull out all the hits.

McFly (c) Shirlaine Forrest

Showing just what a great career the band have enjoyed, each single in turn prompted more screams from the crowd, and displayed yet another string to the boys’ bow, from the Beach Boys style Star Girl, through the trademark bouncy pop punk of That Girl, and out to the ‘hey Snow Patrol, THIS is how you write a power ballad’ of latest single The Heart Never Lies; not only does it seem that the band have been raised on some great music, but that they are producing some of their very own.

With a show that included huge pyro displays, fire, an impromptu mini-set in the round in the middle of the arena, and an encore of All About You and the still vibrant Five Colours In Her Hair, with the crowd’s chanting truly putting security’s earplugs to the test, it begs the question; had McFly been marketed simply as a young band with diverse influences and a knack for great pop songs, instead of a pop act, would Muse really still be considered the UK’s best live act?