The 5 Seconds of Summer Show: Live at the Forum!
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
As the last stop on their epic US leg of the 5 Seconds of Summer Show, their unforgettable performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California was a culmination of talent, passion, and a fanbase that knows how to party. Join us as we recap the thrilling night that left fans buzzing and hearts racing, showcasing why 5 Seconds of Summer continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
The Kia Forum, otherwise known as ‘The Forum’, prepared for the band’s and fans’ arrivals with lyrics from a number of their songs on the columns around the venue. These made for great photo spots for concert goers to take Instagram worthy pictures for the night. Fans queued lines to take pictures with their favorite songs and lyrics, the longest lines of the night being for songs ‘Bad Omens’, ‘Jet Black Heart’ and ‘She’s Kinda Hot’. The one line that seemed to wrap around the most was for the “5SOS Show’ sign they had up at the very entrance of the show.
This was my first time attending a show at the Forum, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the venue itself. I’ve seen pictures and heard stories from friends who have been to shows here before, and it lived up to the expectation. My original seats were in the 200 level of the venue, but we later got upgraded to the section below. Regardless, the view from up top on the side was still a great view for anyone who wasn’t able to shell out money for floor or lower level seats.
Opening for 5 Seconds of Summer was pop-punk band Meet Me At The Altar. As a dedicated fan who has attended the past three 5 Seconds of Summer tours, I can confidently say that they always have the most amazing support acts. This tour proved no different, as Meet Me At The Altar unleashed an electrifying performance that ignited the crowd with their infectious energy and powerful melodies. The group even performed a few covers that were popular with the crowd, which included songs by Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and the Jonas Brothers.
Following Meet Me At The Altar's exhilarating performance, the stage was meticulously prepared for the grand appearance of 5 Seconds of Summer, complete with a massive curtain adorned with the iconic "5 Seconds of Summer Show" logo. As anticipation built in the audience, a series of entertaining videos and playful band skits graced the screens, ensuring that excitement continued to surge throughout the venue while we eagerly awaited their arrival.
At approximately 9 PM, the much-awaited moment arrived, and the show kicked off with the enthusiastic introduction of the band. Moments later, 5 Seconds of Summer graced the stage, met with a thunderous eruption of cheers and applause from the electrified crowd. They wasted no time in launching into their performance, opening the night with their hit single 'Bad Omens,' setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of music and pure excitement.
Much like their tour from the previous year, 5 Seconds of Summer once again delivered a musical whirlwind, seamlessly performing a string of their chart-topping hits back-to-back. Their aim was clear: to cram as many beloved songs into their setlist as possible, giving the audience an unforgettable night. Between these electrifying musical sequences, the band took well-placed breaks to interact with the crowd and share anecdotes from their previous show at the very same arena, creating an intimate connection with their fans.
One of the show's standout moments occurred in the middle of their set when they introduced the surprise dice song. This engaging twist involved the band tossing a die into the eager audience, and the song it landed on when it made its way back to the stage became the next track to grace our ears. The song options were a mix of fan favorites, including 'Wrapped Around Your Finger,' 'If You Don't Know,' 'Voodoo Doll,' 'Heartbreak Girl,' 'Heartache On The Big Screen,' and 'English Love Affair.' However, there was a thrilling stipulation – the die had to return to the stage within a tight 90-second window, or 5SOS retained the power to choose the next song. Fortunately, in this exciting instance, luck was on our side as the die landed back onstage in the nick of time, treating the audience to the infamous 'Heartbreak Girl.' It was a moment that underscored the spontaneity and sheer fun that defined the evening.
The show was not just about the music; it was an immersive experience that made the audience feel intimately connected to the band. Throughout the evening, a series of entertaining video skits and interactive moments added a layer of fun and engagement to the performance, ensuring that fans felt like active participants in the show.
One memorable highlight was a "volume" battle featuring drummer Ashton Irwin, where the audience joined in to create an electric atmosphere. Another creative segment involved a hospital-themed video skit where the band members, dressed as doctors, humorously "diagnosed" fans as 5 Seconds of Summer fans, adding a playful touch to the evening.
Perhaps one of the most beloved parts of the show was when fans got "sauced" by bassist Calum Hood. Meanwhile, guitarist Michael Clifford and frontman Luke Hemmings made an appearance with confetti cannons cleverly disguised as "red" and "yellow" sauce. This lighthearted and interactive approach not only showcased the band's sense of humor but also reinforced the sense of community and shared excitement that defined the 5 Seconds of Summer concert experience.
As the show progressed, a poignant and heartfelt moment emerged when Michael stepped forward to deliver a semi-emotional speech that resonated deeply with both the band and their devoted fans. In his words, he expressed the profound significance of this particular show, underscoring just how much the band and their supporters meant to one another. It was a touching reminder of the unique bond that had been forged over years of music and shared experiences. This emotional interlude paved the way for a truly special performance of "Jet Black Heart," a song for which Michael Clifford takes the lead and which stands as a cherished favorite among the crowd.
The remainder of the setlist was a thrilling ride through a treasure trove of fan favorites and iconic singles that resonated with the entire crowd. For the encore, the band reappeared after a hotel skit dressed in bath robes, starting off with nostalgic, fan-loved “Outer Space”.
As the night drew to a close, there was no more fitting choice for an encore than their signature closer from the past three tours, "Youngblood." With its pulsating beat and infectious melody, "Youngblood" never failed to leave the audience on an electrifying high note. It was the perfect conclusion to an evening filled with music, passion, and the kind of memories that fans would carry with them long after the final notes had faded away. This concert was a testament to 5 Seconds of Summer's enduring appeal and their ability to create an unforgettable experience for their dedicated fanbase, ensuring that they remain a dominant force in the music industry.