5 Seconds of Summer Performed in Front of a Sold-Out Crowd in Saint Louis Sunday
–by Laura Tucker
If you were wondering where all of the young ladies were Sunday night, a very large amount of them could be found at the St. Louis Music Park for the phenomenon known as 5 SOS (that’s 5 Seconds of Summer). The seats for the sold-out show were mostly filled by swooning girls, and a few guys. (Probably some who were regretting the decision to take their girlfriends to the show.)
Although the day topped-off in the triple digits, by evening, the sunset lit up the Midwest sky in an array of pink and orange and brought cooler temps (in the 80’s). And with a breeze blowing through the venue, it was a perfect summer night.
The show began with a laser light coming straight down creating a triangle which revealed the band members standing inside. After that, it was starry nights and a color palette that seemed to be an extension of the cotton candy sky and just screamed cool summer vibes.
The Australian pop-rock band consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Luke Hemmings, lead guitarist Michael Clifford, bassist Calum Hood, and drummer Ashton Irwin came out with the well-known fave, “No Shame” and kept the momentum going for the rest of the night, feeding off the bubbly energy of the audience.
Their latest hit “Complete Mess” was followed by “Who Do You Love”, a Chainsmokers cover. The band from Sydney, New South Wales, formed in late 2011. Like many others in the digital age, they gained a fan base by posting covers of their favorite artists on YouTube. But, according to Music Universe, they are the only band in history to see its first three full-length studio albums enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1. That’s a pretty big deal.
Each member took the mic for at least a bit proving that they are not just pretty faces and talented musicians; they all sing. And they all sing well.
In-between songs during the hour and 45-minute set they took turns speaking to the crowd and seemed genuinely thankful for the opportunity to perform making comments like “Thank you for being present in this moment with us”. Their Australian accents seemed to make it even more pleasant to hear. The night felt very much like a private party for serious 5 SOS fans rather than a stop on major US tour. The band has played 27 shows in just six weeks on their 2022 Take My Hand tour. But you’d never know it. I wonder if they make every city feel that special?
The fans were screaming in approval at every turn and brought signs and pictures of the band. There was no lack of love from either side. And if you want to drop them a line and let them know how great they are, the email address is HI@5SOS.COM.
The band’s influences are not hard to spot. Their website seems to pay homage to the Beatles with a “Help” jump silhouette but with a groovy, modern twist while their 2020 Album cover for CALM is reminiscent of Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack.
The song “Teeth” from that album made it impossible for fans to hide their pearly whites or sit still. They were dancing, jumping, and singing on cue; all while just grinning from ear to ear.
It was near the end of the night and they slowed it down with “Jet Black Heart” and ended the night with their hit “Youngblood” from their third album released in 2018.
This ice rink turned summer concert venue has proven to be an amazing place to catch a show. It’s not as large as the neighboring amphitheater so you get to be a little closer to your favorite artists. And, the dome that covers the venue makes for a cozy and acoustically perfect experience.
As I left the show, I couldn’t help but notice the cars lined up outside to pick up the concert-goers who are likely too young to drive. There were also several parents who scored some major brownie points waiting outside the gates to claim their elated teens.
5 Seconds of Summer Setlist:
No Shame
Easier
More
Want You Back
Disconnected
Take My Hand
Red Desert
Waste the Night
Complete Mess
Who Do You Love (The Chainsmokers cover)
Wildflower
Best YEars
If Walls Could Talk
Old Me
Me, Myself and I
Blender
Amnesia
2011
Castaway
She Looks So Perfect
Teeth
Jet Black Heart
Encore:
Ghost of You
Youngblood
