Busted Vs McFly: A 00s Kids Nostalgic Dream
Words: Rob Bishop
★★★★★
When Busted and McFly took to the same stage, expectations run high—and this joint show delivered on every front. Blending nostalgia with precision musicianship, the night was a masterclass in how to evolve without losing what made fans fall in love in the first place.
Photo: Elliott Ingham / O2 Arena, London
McFly opened with characteristic flair, emerging from beneath the stage amid a burst of sparks and energy. Their set balanced polished pop-rock with heartfelt sincerity, highlighted by soaring harmonies and slick choreography. Crowd interaction came naturally, and by the time ‘The Heart Never Lies’ closed their segment, thousands of voices joined in unison—proof of a band still entirely in tune with its audience.
Busted followed with an electrifying, punk-driven set that raised the intensity even further. From ‘Crashed the Wedding’ to ‘What I Go to School For,’ their delivery was raw, confident, and unapologetically loud. The chemistry between band and crowd was undeniable, transforming the arena into a full-scale singalong.
Photo: Elliott Ingham / O2 Arena, London
A thrilling drum battle between both bands showcased technical prowess, before a playful rivalry between Dougie and Matt above the crowd led into ‘Hate Your Guts,’ nodding to their McBusted legacy. The joint encore sealed the night with explosive energy and nostalgia in equal measure.
Across two sets—and a shared finale—Busted and McFly proved that pop and punk nostalgia still has teeth. Flawlessly executed, relentlessly energetic, and crowd-pleasing from start to finish, this was more than a battle of bands; it was a war.