In January 2005 a huge quantity of households were filled with the floods of tears belonging to children, teens and young adults as ‘What I Go To School For’ hit-makers Busted, announced their break-up.
Not all was bad though because since 2004 music lovers around the world have had the wonderful talents of man band McFly to fill their sorrow and lift their spirits. Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry have been a continuous success, all well deserved and last year celebrated their 10th anniversary together. This was of course done in style by playing four shows at the Royal Albert Hall and where Matt Willis and James Bourne of Busted took to the stage with them.
Shortly after, a public announcement was made that both accomplished rockers Busted and McFly would be working as a six piece. This exclusive news caused a mixture of excitement for fans, along with an expected doubt from some.
With a great respect for both bands and their music, I was thrilled to hear about this unique collaboration, but slightly skeptical myself. Would the Busted songs sound as perfect minus Charlie? (who wasn’t going to be involved in the new super-group), plus, how would I feel about two new vocals being added to McFly?
The only real way of finding out was by securing a ticket for their McBusted: Back To The Future Tour. Scheduled dates for April and May included three nights at the O2 Arena in London and two shows at the Brighton Centre, one of which I attended.
A trio of support acts was a terrific start to the event, but soon it was time for the lights to darken and the introduction video to play for the main act. Footage of the Busted press conference marking their split was soon cut short when James interrupted with a mastermind idea. This brainwave incorporated that Matt and himself should travel to back to the future in their DeLorean car, to meet with McFly, who were currently in the year of 2014, to form as one group.
In a matter of minutes after the video ending, the vintage car lowered into the room with both of the duo inside and in an instant all four members of McFly flew out of the bottom of the stage. This entrance, with a beginning song of ‘Air Hostess’, was something that can only be described as simply magical.
An unbeatable mixture of classic Busted tunes ‘You Said No’, ‘Sleeping With The Light On’, ‘Who’s David’ and McFly’s ‘All About You’, ‘Obviously’ and ‘Star Girl’ also featured.
Furthermore tracks in the name of ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ and ‘Shine A Light’ ingeniously followed, along with extra happenings involving a groovy cover of The Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’. On this particular number McFly’s Danny spent most of the songs duration leaning on the front rows barrier to really get up and personal with ecstatic fans.
Later on free t-shirts were thrown out into the crowd and Tom Fletcher’s popular YouTube speech was showcased with a slight tweak after getting humorously put to a stop by James and Matt. This scene fittingly lead into ‘Crashed The Wedding’, where Matt performed sporting a wedding dress.
Audience interaction, amusing banter, remarkable vocals and skilful instrument playing on all parts went on to make the show even more outstanding. The finale of ‘Year 3000’ and Harry, Dougie, Tom, Danny, Matt and James all leaping off of the back of the stage, marked the end to an unforgettable night.
On a final note, long live McFly, welcome back Busted and hello McBusted.
Published on 27 May 2014 by TasminAnderson
