Five are back and better than ever!
Ahead of their highly anticipated reunion, nobody knew quite what to expect, but the lads have obviously been working hard and have come back so much better than where when they ended.
This was the first band I ever saw live, probably around 2000/2001 in my home town at Cleethorpes Pier. I can't say I remember it well, but I know I was there as I have very limited memory of the day. now 20 years later I'm seeing them again and for the first time since 2001 all five are back together.
The lights went down and silhouettes appeared on the stage and the crowd erupted as 'Slam Dunk (Da Funk) hit the PA.
In typical boy band fashion, the dance routines hit in perfect sync and it was like they'd never been away. The whole venue was immediately up on their feet singing and dancing, many people have waited a long time to see this reunion and we were finally being treated to it.
'Shake' 'Straight Up Funk' 'When the Lights Go Out' followed and the routines continued, as if they were back to the days of the 90's. Full of energy, full of life and just loving every single moment.
J took a moment to talk about how amazing it was being back on stage and being back with his friends and brothers. How taking the step away Marrying his wife and having four children finally made him feel ready to have this life back and then the room was lit up by phone lights as they performed 'Invicible'
From an outside view, you can see the love and friendship between the lads and it's amazing to see and they must love seeing the crowds react the way they are doing after being gone so long. It's just a reminder of just how popular they were at the beginning and their fanbase is as strong as ever.
Covers of 'We Will Rock You' and 'Rappers delight' were fun additions to a stacked out setlist and the sing a longs just didn't end. 'Everybody Get Up' a melody of different popular songs and finishing on 'Keep On Movin'
The Five lads are back, better than ever and still controlling the crowd and dancing around the stage as if they were young kids all over again. I'm hoping this is just the start of an amazing return, but we will see what the future holds.
But for right now, FIVE are alive and hitting every beat along the way.