There are concerts, and then there are shows that remind you exactly why a band has remained so relevant for more than a decade. On Saturday night, July 11, at the Kia Forum, 5 Seconds of Summer delivered the latter, blending humor, musicianship and genuine connection into a performance that celebrated both their past and their future.
The evening kicked off with a strong opening set from The Band CAMINO, who warmed up the crowd with soaring anthems and infectious energy before handing the stage over to one of pop-rock’s most enduring acts.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
5SOS made it clear this wasn’t going to be a typical greatest hits show. Throughout the night, a hilarious storyline played out on the video screens, leaning into the tongue-in-cheek idea that they are “the greatest boy band in the world.” The recurring VCR segments were brilliantly self-aware and one of the night’s biggest highlights, poking fun at the band’s image while celebrating everything fans have loved about them for the past 15 years.
One standout pre-show video even parodied Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC movie theater commercial, reimagining it for a concert setting. It perfectly captured the band’s sense of humor and set the tone for an evening that never took itself too seriously, even while delivering world-class performances. Of course, the comedy only worked because the musicianship backed it up.
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Unlike many groups that emerged alongside them, 5SOS continues to prove they’re a real band. Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford and Calum Hood seamlessly switched guitars throughout the night while Ashton Irwin commanded the drums with relentless energy. Watching the members effortlessly trade instruments and deliver tight live performances was a reminder that their talent extends far beyond catchy hooks.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
Each member also had opportunities to shine individually, with solo moments that highlighted their unique strengths while reinforcing just how cohesive they are together.
The setlist struck an impressive balance between honoring longtime fans and embracing the band’s evolution. New songs fit naturally alongside beloved classics, creating a show that celebrated every era of 5SOS without feeling overly nostalgic. Whether fans had been there since the early YouTube days or discovered the band more recently, there was something for everyone.
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Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was just how interactive the show felt. The amount of crowd engagement rivaled some of the best K-pop concerts, with constant audience participation, playful banter and an encore that featured the band walking through the crowd, making the massive Forum feel unexpectedly intimate.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
Even after 15 years together, there wasn’t a hint of complacency. Every song was performed with the confidence of seasoned veterans and the excitement of a band still chasing their next great moment.
More than anything, Saturday night’s show reinforced one simple truth: 5 Seconds of Summer may joke about being “the greatest boy band in the world,” but they’re something even more impressive. They’re four exceptional musicians, charismatic performers and undeniable rock stars who continue to evolve while never losing sight of what made fans fall in love with them in the first place.
For even more thoughts on the shows we’ve loved, click HERE to read our review of Madison Beer in San Diego.
