Another fun-filled night of rock and sun lit up the heart of Southampton, featuring some of the UK’s best modern rock acts. Excitement buzzed through a crowd packed with thirty-somethings ready to belt out tunes that reminded them of Year 6 discos or MTV Rocks marathons with their mates and Plenty of kids were there too, dancing away as their parents eagerly showed them what ‘real’ music sounds like.
Devon kicked off the night, an independent alt-pop artist from the Forest of Dean who oozes passion and talent. Songs like this is where I’m going to die show his blend of emotional lyricism and poppy yet ethereal melodies that tug at the heartstrings while still making you want to move your hips. Although he’s a newer name on the scene compared to the acts he supported, he took the stage with the confidence and control of someone with a decade more experience. Devon didn’t just warm up the crowd, he proved he belonged on that stage.
Next up was Twin Atlantic. Frontman Sam McTrusty hit the stage like a true rockstar, radiating the kind of energy that demands your attention. The band’s set was impossible not to move to, from their latest track Salvation to fan-favourite bangers like Make a Beast of Myself, the crowd sang along to every lyric. It was clear why they’ve built such a dedicated following, and they gave that love right back to the audience.
One unexpected highlight came when a group of lads were caught trying to sneak over the venue barricade. Security quickly intervened, but not before McTrusty called them out in his thick Scottish accent, dubbing them “cheeky, cheeky boys!” The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, a perfect mix of rock show chaos and camaraderie.
Another standout moment was the band’s performance of Meltdown a raw, emotionally charged and almost euphoric track. The connection between the band and the audience was palpable, people swayed, sang, and even shed a few tears as the music hit home. It was one of those live music moments that felt genuinely cathartic.
They closed their set with Heart and Soul a final burst of energy that had the crowd jumping and screaming. As McTrusty threw his guitar into the air in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, the band left the stage to roaring applause, leaving the crowd fired up for the headliners.
Before we get to McFly, a quick shout-out to the audience itself. During the intermission, classic tracks like Bohemian Rhapsody and Livin’ on a Prayer blasted through the speakers, and the entire crowd sang along like it was karaoke night. When YMCA came on, thousands of arms instantly shot into the air, forming the letters with joyful precision. It was a surreal, unfiltered moment of shared joy, strangers united by nostalgia and good vibes.
Then, McFly took the stage, launching straight into Where Did All the Guitars Go? as the crowd surged forward in excitement. The setlist was a greatest hits extravaganza, spanning over 20 years, from their debut album Room on the 3rd Floor to their latest release Power to Play. Every generation in the audience seemed to know every word.
Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd reminded us why they’ve stayed so beloved for so long. Their sound was tight, their charisma off the charts, and their interaction with the crowd felt like catching up with old friends rather than watching a band on a stage.
Their signature charm came through during a moment of random food-based banter, joking about their love of a “big crepe”, trying to make it sound as crude as possible, as the delicious smells wafted in from the food stalls. Another fan-favourite moment came during Everybody Knows when they got the crowd to join in on a medley of classics like Livin’ on a Prayer and Radio GaGa, a playful, communal tradition at McFly shows that only works to bring the band and audience closer together.
They closed the night with arguably their most iconic hit, Five Colours in Her Hair, sending the crowd home beaming. Legs ached, throats were hoarse, but hearts were full. It was a night of pure joy, infectious nostalgia, and proof that pop-rock is very much alive and well.
As the people of Southampton wandered off into the night, many were still dancing, singing, and clinging to the tunes stuck firmly in their heads.