This is an archived post from our old website. Please excuse us if it looks a bit off, we are working through old posts and making sure they look tip top!
McFly – Friday 30th August 2013
With support from:
Connor Lawlor-Mahon & Nathen Walters
Alan
The Vamps
Starting the evening to a packed out crowd tonight were local duo, Connor Lawlor-Mahon & Nathen Walters, kicking off proceedings with a stripped down cover of Kings of Leon’s ‘Someone Like You’. With guitar & beat-boxing they grabbed attention from the outset. During CeeLo Green hit ‘Forget You’ Connor’s rock-infused vocals and Nathen’s freestyle rapping really make the song their own. They show their versatility with a cover of Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’ and original song ‘Castles’ is catchy, upbeat and showcases their songwriting ability. When they announce they are going to perform their final song they are met with sighs of disappointment from the audience; they are a fantastic start to the evening and truly got the audience engaged in their performance.
Next up is 16-year old local Alan, who also supported The Wanted here earlier in the season. Set to release his debut EP on iTunes soon, he has just been filming the video for his debut single ‘Never Let You Go’. Alan opens with original song ‘Falling’, playing guitar and with smooth vocals which reminded me a little of Lifehouse lead singer Jason Wade. His cover of U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ is a more upbeat version, the crowd singing along. Original song ‘One Day’ was dedicated to his Mum; this was met with sighs of approval from the ladies present. Picking up the pace somewhat, ‘Start Again’ saw Alan put down his guitar and sing along to Ollie Green’s backing, freeing him up to dance and move around the stage a bit more. He finishes with his upcoming single ‘Never Let You Go’ to a warm reception.
The Vamps are next to take to the stage. The band formed last year and already have 19 million views on YouTube; single ‘Can We Dance’ is due out on 29th September. Opening with The Undertones’ hit ‘Teenage Kicks’ gets the crowd going wild, and ‘Wild Heart’ keeps them clapping and screaming; the song has a very ‘One Direction’ feel about it. Judging by the wolf-whistling, people are thoroughly enjoying what they see, and it is lovely to see so many up dancing. ‘Can We Dance’ sees the band jumping up and down on stage – saying they wanted to jump in the lake, but were told they were not allowed; they are enjoying themselves and it shows.
The atmosphere well and truly hyped, McFly build up their entrance with ‘YMCA’ playing while the stage is in darkness. The band burst on and straight into performing ‘That Girl’ and ‘Star Girl’, getting the full house on their feet from the outset. ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ has the audience singing back and showcases Harry Judd’s drumming skills. Suffering some mosquito bites leads to great banter from the band that amuses everyone between songs. ‘Room on the Third Floor’ shows nice harmonies, although the saxophone solo does not happen as planned: Dougie steps up and improvises a guitar solo instead.
Danny, Tom & Dougie entertain with the story of how the band formed, 10 years ago after Tom left Busted, making it sound like an old Western tale – Tom riding his guitar, Danny playing a Western theme on his, and Dougie narrating, to a lot of guffaws and giggles. Tom kicks off ‘Lies’ with the Fresh Prince of Bel Air intro, much to everyone’s amusement. Beatles cover ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ is another pleaser. They keep the energy and excitement of the crowd going with hits such as ‘Shine a Light’, everyone’s phones out with their lights on, of course. Tom gets grief in more playful banter from the rest of the band for getting bitten by a mosquito while playing his pink ukulele. A cover of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ has everyone jumping and dancing in the aisles, it’s a real party.
The band thank the fans who have supported them from the beginning and the fans they’ve made tonight, dedicating the song ‘It’s all about you’ to one they had been speaking to at their meet and greet backstage, which was a lovely touch. Their final song is my personal favorite: ‘The Heart Never Lies’. There was never a dull moment in the entire show. For the final performance at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre this year, it was a fantastic finale; an unforgettable evening and a resounding success for everyone involved.
