THE 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER SHOW, an experience beyond the music
It was the dawn of July 25th, 2023, in São Paulo. The clock struck exactly 5:36 a.m. At that hour, only a few people and cars crossed the wide lanes of Avenida Paulista, while the city still seemed asleep under the soft glow of the rising sun and the chill of the morning breeze.
Underground, however, at the Trianon metro station, a completely different scene was unfolding. It felt like a human anthill in full motion, with hundreds of people moving frantically.
Amidst the crowd, four girls stood out with their outfits: makeup on, leather jackets, checkered flannel shirts, and black clothes that contrasted with the casual attire of the other passengers.
One of those girls was me. Some people wore uniforms or everyday clothes, carrying heavy backpacks on their shoulders, all sharing one common goal in that moment: the rush to get to their destination.
For me, that rush had a different meaning. I knew that, unlike most of them, my Tuesday morning wouldn’t end at work or with any appointments. I had taken the day off to be there, ready to live a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But where were we going? We were heading to the venue of the long-awaited show of the band 5 Seconds of Summer, who were returning to Brazil after five years.
As I moved through the station, I felt nothing but happiness and gratitude, grateful to be heading to the concert of my band, fully aware of how much that meant. This would be the first time they’d bring their official tour to Brazilian fans, with two concerts scheduled in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. That was the reason we were willing to wake up at the crack of dawn, face the morning cold, the afternoon sun, the discomfort, the thirst, and the long lines that awaited us until showtime.
Our goal was clear: to get as close to the barricade as possible, securing the best view of the show. That’s why, at exactly 6:18 a.m., we were already in line. I was there, holding spot number 68, for the second show of the tour in Brazil. I had already gone to the first one, in Rio de Janeiro, just two days before, but I’ll tell everything from the very beginning, in chronological order.
To me, these concerts meant much more than just the chance to see a live performance. It was the fulfillment of a dream nurtured over 11 years of devotion as a fan. For many different reasons, I had missed out on the band’s previous shows in Brazil, but when I found out they would be performing twice in 2023, I eagerly waited for the announcement, knowing this would be my moment, not only to finally see the band, but also to meet, for the first time, the friends I had made online on X, formerly Twitter, during my journey as a fan.
I was determined not to let this opportunity pass, even if it meant taking four flights and traveling 5,300 kilometers, from Natal to Rio de Janeiro, from Rio to São Paulo, and back home, all to make this dream come true.
NO, BUT… WHO IS 5SOS?
Photo: Internet Reproduction
Before diving into everything I experienced at the shows, I think it’s important to give some context — especially for those who might not know who 5 Seconds of Summer is.
Made up of four Australian members, Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin, 5 Seconds of Summer (or 5SOS) officially came to life in Sydney, back in December 2011. Luke, Calum, and Michael had already known each other from school, where they shared the same dream: to make music and start a band. But something was missing, or rather, someone. That someone was Ashton, who joined as the drummer and completed what would become the original lineup of the band.
Luke already had a YouTube channel called “Hemmo1996,” where he posted covers of popular songs at the time. Once the band was formed, they began uploading more content to the platform, sharing their versions of songs like “I Miss You” by Blink-182, “A Drop in the Ocean” by Ron Pope, and “If It Means a Lot to You” by A Day to Remember. But it wasn’t until May 2012 that the band released their first original song, “Gotta Get Out”, a track that would unknowingly change the course of their lives. The release of their debut EP, Unplugged, gave them even more visibility.
By June 2012, they hit the road for their first small tour around Australia, the “Twenty Twelve Tour,” which sold out every date. The band had already become a hot topic among Australian fans, and their popularity soared even higher in October 2012, when they were invited to open for Hot Chelle Rae during their "Whatever World Tour" in Australia.
It was through the song “Gotta Get Out” that Louis Tomlinson, from the boyband One Direction, discovered them and gave them a shoutout on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2012. From there, things started happening, quickly. setting the newly formed band on an unexpected path.
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
The global breakthrough came with the support of One Direction. In 2013, 5SOS was invited to open for the “Take Me Home Tour,” which spanned the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and other countries. It was the opportunity that truly launched 5SOS into the international spotlight. Their chemistry with One Direction was such a hit that in 2014, they were asked back to open the “Where We Are Tour” around the world.
At the same time, the band was starting to make waves with their own music. In February 2014, they released the hit single “She Looks So Perfect”, their first official release, which quickly climbed to the top of the charts in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the U.K. That’s when everything changed, for them and for us, the fans.
Since then, they’ve released a string of hits like “She’s Kinda Hot,” “Amnesia,” “Youngblood,” “Easier,” “Teeth,” and “Who Do You Love,” building a solid career. With five studio albums, 5 Seconds of Summer (2014), Sounds Good Feels Good (2015), Youngblood (2018), CALM (2020), and 5SOS5 (2022), the band has grown, both musically and in the strength of their connection with their fanbase.
The shows from The 5SOS Show tour in Brazil marked the band’s third visit to the country. Their first time performing here was at the iconic Rock in Rio in 2017, followed by concerts in São Paulo and Porto Alegre. In 2018, they returned for a more intimate show in São Paulo to promote their Youngblood album. And now, in 2023, they finally delivered their long-awaited first official tour in Brazil, something fans had been hoping and dreaming about for years.
The Long-Awaited Tour Announcement in Brazil
After the pandemic hit in 2020, everyone’s plans changed, including the plans of 5SOS. With an album release that fell flat due to the global shutdown in March of that year and a canceled tour, all that was left to do was… wait. Just like the rest of the world, they were confined.
During this period, many dynamics changed, and fan communities were no exception. With few options for entertainment, fans around the world went back to being chronically online, especially on X (formerly Twitter). It was during this time that I recovered my fan account, which I had created back in 2013 but hadn’t used since 2016, when I lost access. Until then, I had stepped away from fan club-related social media.
But during the pandemic, I started interacting with the fandom again. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and rediscovered how comforting and welcoming these online spaces could be, a true place of belonging and escape from an anxiety-ridden reality. I would spend hours chatting with my internet friends and keeping up with every post from the 5SOS members, who were very active online at the time, doing lives, posting more, interacting with fans. During that period, I had interactions with the band again, something that hadn’t happened for years. The first time was back in 2014, when I didn’t even speak English properly (as you can tell by my message in the screenshot below). I got to feel the thrill of the famous “notice”, when there’s direct interaction like a like, reply, or retweet, this time with the lead singer, Luke Hemmings. For a fan, it’s like touching the sky for a few seconds. A chill runs through your body, your heart races, you freeze, stare at the screen, refresh it a million times to make sure it actually happened.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
Social media has truly taken on a massive role in how artists connect with their audiences, not just in terms of visibility and reach, but in building real connections with their fans.
If there’s one thing many of us had in common during the pandemic, it was the classic “to-do list for when this is all over.” Among all the conversations that happened in the fandom and the exchanges with my friends, one dream kept coming up: experiencing a 5SOS concert. We’d talk about the day we’d finally meet, what we’d wear, what places we’d visit, and of course, our plans to try and see the band up close. We spent hours imagining that moment. The band had a new album, a postponed tour, and both they and us, the fans, wanted nothing more than to live that experience in person.
The pandemic stretched on longer than anyone expected, delaying dreams and leaving a void. But when 2021 arrived, it brought with it 5 Seconds of Summer’s 10th anniversary, and it felt like a spark in the dark for the fandom. The band gifted fans with new songs, a podcast, and the commemorative film The 5 Seconds of Summer Show – A 10 Year Celebration. It was enough to get us wondering: could a new tour be coming?
And at the beginning of 2022, we got our answer: the Take My Hand Tour was announced, promising a setlist with tracks from the CALM album (2020) and new singles. But hope quickly turned into a familiar feeling — once again, South America was not on the list. “Frustration, desperation,” as 5SOS sings in Permanent Vacation.
Still, we didn’t give up. As the TMHT wrapped up and the band released their fifth album, 5SOS5, the excitement and pressure from Brazilian fans only grew. Maybe the band had never seen or heard so many “come to Brazil” messages as during that time. It was a massive, yet spontaneous campaign, not organized, just a shared desire that came from deep within. Many of us had been waiting for this moment for years. After such a long period of isolation, the return of live events created a kind of pent-up demand, especially in the entertainment world. Concerts and festivals exploded, and so did our anxiety.
The 5SOSFam was waiting for an announcement at any moment.
Music journalists, who are always posting updates about the music industry in Brazil, couldn’t take it anymore, fans asked them every single day: “When is 5SOS coming?”
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
April 6, 2023.
Image: @5SOSBRNoticias / Internet Reproduction
The announcement of The 5 Seconds of Summer Show tour finally dropped, and I was in shock, staring at the screen for a few minutes, wanting to react but not knowing how, after all, right there in front of me was the real chance to make this dream come true. There were 40 cities with confirmed shows around the world, and among them: Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This time, I had the money and was old enough to live this experience, something I didn’t have when I was younger. 25-year-old Dayane could finally live this dream, and in that moment, I didn’t even know how to process it. Then I snapped out of it, I cried, took a screenshot of the announcement, and started sending it to my friends, my mom, my fiancé. At that moment, my X timeline was already flooded with reactions, chaos, and celebration over the long-awaited news. Two shows had been confirmed, five years after the band’s last time in Brazil. This time, they had gained a bigger fanbase, since after their last visit in 2018 and with the release of Youngblood, the band experienced the second big boom of their career. That’s why this 2023 visit was so eagerly anticipated by so many.
Official tour banner and tweets showing some fan reactions after the announcement.
Images: X / Screenshot / Internet reproduction
A week later, ticket sales opened, which among fans is more commonly known as the Hunger Games moment, every person for themselves, since tickets for high-demand shows usually sell out within minutes. But with the help of a few friends, I managed to get tickets for both shows. From that point on, it was just a countdown, after all, there were only three months left until the big moment.
And you know how fan life goes, right? The preparations started immediately, and every detail was carefully thought out. Personally, I spent the following weeks fully immersed in what this event would be like, since I was traveling from Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, I had to plan way more than just my outfit (which I had always imagined while saving inspo on Pinterest).
It was time to organize flights, accommodation, room-sharing with friends, transport, everything. As real as it seemed, it still felt like a dream. When you spend so long dreaming about something, the moment it becomes real feels almost like a final piece of proof that you're not “fanfic-ing” again, you're actually materializing what you’ve manifested for years.
If I sound a little dramatic in telling this story, I’m sorry, but this feeling is really hard to put into words. Maybe by the end of this piece, you, reader, will better understand this sense of belonging and fulfillment, something that goes far beyond the ordinary or tangible. It's a raw and vivid emotion that shapes me as a person, a friend, a daughter, and a professional.
Being a fan is that: it's about feeling and living.
And I was right there, about to make it all come true.
rio de janeiro
Being in Rio de Janeiro to see my favorite band live felt like a scene from a movie I would’ve written myself at 16. I already had the entire script in my head, but reality went far beyond anything my teenage imagination could’ve predicted.
I arrived in Rio de Janeiro with my friend Nala — Ana Laura, also a fan of the band, who, funnily enough, is from the same city as me, Natal. Even though we had mutual friends, we’d never met before, it was 5SOS and Twitter that brought us together.
After a flight with a layover in Brasília, we headed straight to the hotel, where we met up with two more friends: Bruna Amandio, from Camboriú/SC, and Maísa Matos, from Manaus/AM.
When I first saw them, my brain had a slight delay processing the fact that my friends—the ones I’d always spoken to through screens, were standing right in front of me, waiting for us to run to the concert line together. Life surprises us like that, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. Once we got to the hotel, it was a rush to check in, get ready, and head to the line as soon as possible.
We arrived at Vivo Rio around 12:40 p.m. and settled under the shade of the trees to protect ourselves from the intense Rio sun. In line, we randomly met Alice, who joined our group and was the perfect match, proving that even in concert lines, you can make new friendships.
I should mention that my friendship with Maísa began back in 2014, thanks to our shared love for One Direction. It’s been a whole decade of a lasting friendship built on music. Now, finally together in the same city, we were about to make our dream come true, experiencing a 5SOS concert side by side.
That day, we spent 8 hours in line before the show started. We connected, laughed, and had plenty of time to just be friends in real life.
From the very beginning, I always said I had to go to both shows, even if the performance was exactly the same. In my mind, the logic was that during the first show, I’d be overwhelmed and in awe, living everything in slow motion like a film; by the second show, I’d be less stunned, more grounded, and fully aware that everything happening was real, not a movie.
So, in this part, I’ll share my first impressions of experiencing a 5SOS show on Brazilian soil. In the next sections, I’ll dive into the details of the interactive, dynamic, and personalized concert they brought to fans on this tour, and how the storytelling and immersive experience they created fostered a deep connection with the fans who’ve been with them along the way.
Oh, and before I forget to mention: at the end of this feature, you can listen to the podcast Beyond the Music, split into four episodes and featuring fans mentioned throughout the article. They share their stories and reflections on community, mental health, connection with the band, and, of course, The 5SOS Show in Brazil.
(I should mention that the podcast is entirely in Portuguese, so apologies for that, but who knows, maybe some AI will help translate it so more non-Portuguese speakers can listen.)
countdown!
It was already nighttime, and the clock finally struck 7:35 PM , the moment we entered Vivo Rio after long hours of waiting. And yes, yes, I remember the exact time of every moment because the timestamps on my phone’s media remind me of it all. The unspoken rule when the doors open at a concert is: scan your ticket and run as fast as you can to get as close to the stage as possible. And that’s exactly what we did.
In that sprint, we made it to the pit, and I think I ended up no more than 5 meters from the stage. Being tall definitely has its perks, I had a perfect view of the stage, which I tested right away during the opening act by Day Limns and her band. Their set lasted about an hour. At 8:40 PM, we had just 20 minutes left before 5 Seconds of Summer would take the stage, and those 20 minutes felt way longer than the 8 hours we spent in line. My anxiety was through the roof, I had a knot in my stomach and couldn't stop fidgeting.
At 9:05 PM, the lights went out. The show’s intro video began, with a male voice narrating over clips of the band members on the big screen. The sound slowly faded until the narrator declared, “AND HERE IT IS: 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER!” The crowd erupted in screams. My heart froze when they stepped on stage and I saw their silhouettes through the lights.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
The first impression is indescribable, but that’s what I’m here for, so I’ll try to find the right words. Without exaggeration, I want to describe the feeling of being fully present, body and soul, at the concert of a band I deeply admire, one that has marked important moments in my life.
They opened the show with “Bad Omens”, a track from the 5SOS5 album. I always say I’ll never get over the fact that I got to experience that song live and sing the bridge along with them.
“We go 'round again, we jump back in bed That's what you do when you love somebody”
I’ve always loved that song, but now, after hearing it live, it carries a whole new meaning when I listen to it through my headphones. The connection grew so much that my feelings for it have deepened tenfold.
When you love something, or someone, everything connected to it moves you and resonates deeply. There I was: fully present, completely immersed, singing with joy and emotion, dancing alongside people I had never met before, yet it felt like we were lifelong friends, just like in the chorus of “Jet Black Heart.” I still wonder who that lovely person beside me was. I even posted on X afterward, hoping to find them in the fandom, but had no luck. Still, I was left with the memory of sharing those moments with someone who felt the same love and excitement of being there.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
During the show, I would hold up my phone to record, but my hand stayed off to the side and my eyes looked past the screen, searching for each of them on stage. The phone was just there to capture the moment, my eyes were the ones truly taking it all in, live.
A lot of people criticize the habit of filming during concerts, that “sea” of phones raised in the air to catch every moment, instead of just living it. I disagree. For me, the need to record that moment was my way of making sure I’d never forget that I really lived it. Maybe that’s why we feel such an urge to document things, the fear that memory alone might not be enough with time.
Even though “post-concert amnesia”, as many psychiatrists and psychologists mention, like in that BBC article, tends to blur our memories, I truly wanted to live every second there. But at the same time, I wanted to save those little pieces to look back on later. I wanted to really be present in every minute.
Capturing moments like the crowd screaming “Michael, eu te amo” over and over again is clear proof of how determined the fans were to make them feel welcomed and loved by the Brazilian audience. The energy and the affection were so real, and Michael definitely felt it, even if he didn’t understand right away what we were shouting. He responded in a symbolic way during the São Paulo show, which I’ll talk about later on...
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
It felt strange to watch it all happening live, because after all these years as a fan, it’s like I’ve memorized every move they make on stage. How they act during each song, their interactions, how they play their instruments... I’ve seen it all so many times through social media that it almost felt like I was inside a screen, scrolling through my X timeline to see the update accounts posting what the shows were like.
I kept trying to ground myself in the moment, reminding myself that my time had finally come. I was really there, with them, with my friends, and with hundreds of other fans. What more could I possibly ask for?
Luckily, at the end of the show, I was blessed with a guitar pick thrown right next to me. I just remember instinctively bending down, reaching for it, feeling people stepping on my hand while my friends were shouting, “It’s done, it’s done, she got it!” And there it was, my tiny souvenir from an unforgettable night. Green and yellow, specially made for the Brazil leg of the tour.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
I came back to the hotel ecstatic, still overwhelmed by every second I had just lived. Sleep? I swear I tried, but it was almost impossible. My friends and I couldn’t stop talking, reliving every detail. We were no longer at Vivo Rio, but our minds were definitely still there. Still, we needed to rest, because the next day, we had a flight to catch to our next destination, and with it, another dream waiting to unfold in São Paulo.
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
bruna AMANDIO
Source: Personal archive / Bruna Amandio
maísa MATOS
Source: Personal archive / Maísa Matos
ana laura
Source: Personal archive / Ana Laura
HERE WE COME, SÃO PAULO!
July 24, 2023 wasn’t just another Monday. Bruna, Nala, and I said goodbye to Maísa and headed to São Paulo, where we’d meet up with our friend Kaoma. I have to mention that Kaoma is yet another friend I met back in 2020 because of the band. We had already met in person twice before, and to this day, our connection goes beyond just 5SOS. But anyway…
We stayed together and spent Monday getting everything ready for the next day. This time, we were about to have a completely different experience: WE WERE GOING TO THE EXCLUSIVE VIP SOUNDCHECK WITH THE BAND, basically a pre-show soundcheck where they answer a few fan questions and play some songs.
As night fell, we went out to grab food and prep our snacks to get us through the long day ahead in line, since we’d be there for hours and hours waiting.
In the end, the snacks, outfits, and our plan for the big day were all set and double-checked. We laid down and chatted until sleep kicked in. The clock hit 2 AM, and finally, we managed to get a few hours of rest.
JULY 25, 2023.
THE DAY!
At 5:23 in the morning, we were already ready in the elevator, heading to face the crowded people at the subway. After a few stations and transfers, we finally arrived at Barra Funda, more specifically at the Unimed space, where the concert would take place.
Every minute heading towards the line was precious to ensure we arrived early and secured a good spot. At 6:18 AM we had officially marked our place, with me being in position 68 in the soundcheck line. There was a small difference in the line counting for those going to the VIP area, while others were divided among different sections.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
the line
One of the most curious and fun experiences in the line is the fact that you start to identify who’s who in the fandom. Before, people who were just icons on X now had a real face, and you think, “Oh my god, this person really exists and they’re here too.” I met so many moots, hugged so many special people.
Some say being a fan is just a collective hysteria, but from now on, this report is here to prove that the connections that start online extend far beyond a screen and become tangible in many ways, from lasting friendships to professionals who became experts in their field because of their fan life influence.
That day, in addition to meeting and recognizing so many moots along the long, kilometer-long line, I also met with some very special friends: Camila Brandão, Cacau - Clara Marques, Thaci. We had been planning this meeting for a long time, and we still have a group to keep us close, commenting on every new update that comes up, which keeps our bond alive.
I’ve already mentioned the good part of the line, but the bad part is that the line for any big show is an unhealthy place, and almost everyone knows that. By noon, the sun was unbearable, the heat was melting the makeup. Several tents with blankets and sheets started to form, delivery drivers arrived with lunch, people were coming and going to buy food, water, merch, and go to the bathroom at a nearby market—there was everything. There wasn’t much to do but wait for the hours to pass, but every minute felt like an eternity.
Finally, at 1:44 PM, there was some movement to form the Soundcheck line.
After that, we spent a few more hours waiting, standing, until the gates finally opened.
The line is an exhausting place, but also too special for creating and strengthening connections. Here are some photos of what the line was like in São Paulo.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
soundcheck.
Exactly at 4:10 PM, I was checking in to go to the soundcheck, and I had no idea what to expect. This was my first intimate experience with my favorite band, and to be honest, maybe this account of the moment will only have flashes, because 1. filming was not allowed, and 2. my memory is all jumbled up about that day. This report will certainly help me preserve those memories in a lasting way.
We entered the show venue and waited in the hall until we were allowed to run to the barrier. This was the last chance to use the bathroom before the show, because once we were at the front of the stage, it would be impossible, or we'd lose our spot at the barrier. We made some signs to catch the band's attention. I grabbed a piece of paper and a lipstick from my bag and wrote my signs, which said "ash, give me your drumstick" and "come back soon! real."
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
Minutes later, I hear from production:
"Attention, we will be opening the stage entrance to start the soundcheck. No running! Anyone who runs will be sent to the back of the line."
I froze.
It was time. After 12 hours in line, I quickened my pace to get to the barrier as fast as possible, but without running. I managed to get a spot in the second row, one person away from the barrier, right in front of Michael, the guitarist, just like in the Rio de Janeiro show. This time, I was with Kaoma and Nala. Bruna split off from us and went to the side of Calum, the bassist.
But let's move on… a short list of what I remember from the soundcheck:
1. Luke Hemmings wearing a The Smiths shirt.
End of the list 😀.
Joking aside, the soundcheck felt like a conversation with friends. I felt like I was chatting with some old pals, listening to every word they said. They were completely kind and attentive.
One of the things that struck me the most was when Calum mentioned that they and the band coexist, and they always strive to maintain a high level as they evolve. The goal is always to stay happy and make music for a long time. That thought never left my mind, and it says a lot about who they are as a band, always focused on making music that has their essence and connects with those who listen.
I have no doubt this is one of the reasons they’re authentic in what they do, with no filters or barriers separating them from their fans. On the contrary, making real music for real people is something intrinsically tied to their creative process, and that's something the audience can feel. This applies to the music they create in their solo projects as well.
After the talk, they played two songs: one old track from the first album, "Long Way Home," and "Valentine" from the fourth album. I never imagined that Dayane from 2023 would hear "Long Way Home" live. That definitely wasn’t on my life bingo card.
The experience of a soundcheck is probably one of the greatest experiences a fan can have the chance to live.
The 5 Seconds of Summer Show: An Experience Beyond the Music.
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
The performance for this tour was meticulously thought out, from the band to the fans. Those who weren’t fans still enjoyed the show, knowing only the songs. But the fans had a personalized experience, with a special and personal touch.
There’s a lot of talk about experiences in the entertainment market linked to innovative proposals, but what exactly is this so-called experience offered to the audience? For me, it’s about “breaking expectations and going beyond,” doing the unexpected, and making the audience the protagonist, not just passive spectators.
It was right there, once again, that the band proved fully how their connection with the fans, built over the years, especially through online platforms, transformed into an interactive tour with transmedia narratives. These narratives played with interactions through video skits in the breaks between songs and also involved fans in dynamics throughout the show. All the skits were created by the band and filmed to elevate the fan experience.
To start, one of the biggest surprises for this tour was the creation of the setlist. They went beyond expectations. The song selection was made in a way that encompassed all eras of the band, featuring songs from their first to fifth albums, the fifth being the latest one released before the tour.
Hearing their old songs in 2023, who would’ve imagined? For those experiencing their show for the first time, like many Brazilian fans who hadn’t been able to attend previous tours, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear those songs live.
Even before the tour began, the band encouraged fans to speculate about the setlist on social media, sparking a wave of interactions and a treasure hunt to uncover what was coming, leaving intentional gaps for the audience to connect the dots.
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
Fans are, by nature, deeply nostalgic. They enjoy revisiting moments and eras that marked the journey of their idols, as it brings a sense of comfort, belonging, and connection. Knowing this emotional bond well, 5SOS hit the mark in building every detail, creating an experience that speaks directly to the heart of those who follow them. Now, let’s dive into this experience of The 5SOS Show with me.
THE SKITS.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
The show starts with an opening skit introducing each band member and transitioning them from the big screen to the stage. If there's a high point to measure the peak decibels of this show, perhaps this is the moment of climax. Seeing the band appear right in front of you is magical; it's reaffirming that these people exist beyond the screen of your phone or your imagination. They are real.
And as if the magic of this moment wasn't enough, Michael appeared on stage wearing a Brazilian national team shirt, with the surname "Clifford" printed on the back. It was the cherry on top. The big impression I had from this gesture was that he wanted to return the love and energy he had received at the first show. Seeing that scene, him wearing the shirt of my country, deeply moved me. It was an image that stayed with me and reinforced how much the band values this cultural exchange with the audience.
After a sequence of eight energetic songs, the stage dimmed, and the 5 Seconds of Summer members left the scene for a quick instrument change. The audience, still breathless and filled with adrenaline, was surprised by the screens that lit up the venue with the second skit of the night, a comedic and carefully planned pause.
On the screen, the band members appeared dressed in blue lab coats, acting as doctors in a peculiar consultation. The perspective was clear: we were in the place of a fan being "treated" by doctors. At first, the scene seemed routine, but then came the first inside joke. One of them commented that they needed to remove the plaid shirt tied around the patient's waist and, in a playful tone, diagnosed: "Doesn't look too good, still wearing black skinny jeans... We're not in 2014 anymore."
The audience burst into laughter. It was impossible not to recognize the playful reference to the nostalgia of the fandom, which frequently mentions on social media how much they miss the band's first era, when the pop-punk style and look were the band's trademark. Black skinny jeans, plaid shirt tied around the waist, bracelets, a "you complete me" shirt or ripped clothes, colored hair, and lip rings: this is the perfect starter pack to define that era.
In the end, the "doctors'" diagnosis was announced with a mix of humor and affection: "You have been diagnosed as a 5SOS fan." They knew how much this hit emotionally and made the older, nostalgic fans feel like they belonged. Bingo! Another connection point created. Then came their advice: "You need to slow down." After all, up until that point, the fans had faced a flood of energy and emotion with the frenzy of the songs. This skit came to slow down the adrenaline.
Oh, and I should mention that the skits always appeared on the screen with Portuguese subtitles, adapted for the Brazilian audience.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
The skit ended, and the audience barely had time to catch their breath before the stage lights gently came back on. The chords of "Amnesia" (2014), one of the band's most introspective ballads, began to fill the space, bringing a necessary contrast. The audience, who moments before had been singing and dancing frantically, now swayed their arms, holding up their phones with the flashlights on, and sang every word in unison.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
the dice.
This moment was, without a doubt, the most special for me throughout the entire show. It captured the essence of the relationship between 5SOS and their fans: a dynamic of exchange, surprise, and more nostalgia.
We can clearly see that nostalgia might be one of the feelings that most define the fans' journey during this show. The band's approach is a response to their active listening to the fandom, a sharp curation and social listening. It's as if the band had truly understood the fans' persistent requests to revisit songs from the beginning of their career, those rarities that, for years, had been left out of the setlists.
To make it even more hilarious and prove that anything goes for entertaining the audience, I must say that some of the older songs aren’t necessarily their personal favorites, but they were included in the dice and the setlist to please the fans, like "Heartbreak Girl" (2013) and "Don't Stop" (2014).
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
The concept was simple but innovative: on the screen, the second sketch of the night showed the band members gathered around a poker table, explaining to the audience the rules of a dynamic that would unfold live. The scene had the relaxed tone that defines the band. Then, at the end of the sketch, they brought out a giant dice, with each face representing an old song from the early EPs, from a time when the band hadn’t even released a full album yet.
The game consisted of throwing the dice to the audience, who had to roll it among themselves and return it to the stage within a pre-determined time. If we failed, the band would choose the song to be played.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
The screens highlighted the six songs from the dice, and the band appeared back on stage, holding the giant inflatable dice, which now had the tough job of passing through the hands of the Brazilian audience.
From my spot, it was exciting to watch that interaction: fans were holding, pushing, shouting, and rooting, more determined to touch the dice than to return it to the stage on time. It was more than a game; it was a total moment of fun. And expectation too.
Everyone hoped it would land on their favorite old song. I was hoping for "Wrapped Around Your Finger" (2014), because I would have given anything to hear Michael sing it live right in front of me. Spoiler: It wasn’t this time.
When the dice finally returned to the stage, lead vocalist Luke Hemmings announced the chosen song, but not without triggering a wave of reaction from the audience. As soon as he began speaking, people around me, myself included, started chanting in unison, “No, no, no, no, no!” already anticipating what was to come.
The dice landed on "Heartache On The Big Screen" (2014). In the end, the truth is that it didn’t matter which song it landed on, because after complaining, everyone would still scream the chosen song at the top of their lungs. And that’s exactly what happened.
More than the song chosen, it was the dynamic, the interaction, and the feeling of being part of that moment that really mattered. What stood out was the collective experience.
The band brought back the memory of their early era and did so in a way that put us at the center of the choice, actively involving the audience’s participation. We weren’t just there watching; we were actively participating, connected to each other and to the band in a gamified way. This exchange, between stage and audience, between present and past, made the fan community even closer to the 5SOS universe, increasing engagement with the fandom and promoting the feeling of being part of that storytelling of the show. I can only call all of this: GENIUS. This is where they truly stood out.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
Best Friends Cam.
The story of 5 Seconds of Summer is, above all, about friendship. Since they were very young, Luke, Calum, Michael, and Ashton built a bond that has only grown stronger with time, and that’s something that captivates everyone who follows them.
Today, I have amazing friends scattered across Brazil and even in other countries, people I probably would never have met without this bridge created by music and online interaction. And this isn’t just about us, the fans. It’s something the band itself understands and values. That’s why I truly believe: fandoms are fertile grounds for building community and lasting friendships.
During the show, the song Best Friends (2022), from their latest album, was included in the setlist at a very special moment. The goal was to celebrate friendship, connection, and the joy of being there, side by side with the people we love. The idea, brought by Michael, the guitarist, was to use the “Best Friends Camera” to capture both the bond between the band members at the center of the stage and the friends in the audience, shown on the big screens. It was a moment of euphoria—and meaning.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
This dynamic carries so many layers that go beyond the music itself. It represents the bonds that are formed within a fandom, bonds that last a lifetime, just like it happened with them and happens with us. This space and these connections create a support network among individuals who often feel out of place in other social contexts.
That’s what music is: an alliance that brings people closer and builds shared stories. In that moment, everyone there was connected.
“Memories I hold to keep safe And I live for that look on your face I got the best friends in this place And I'm holding on”
During "Best Friends" with my friends Kaoma and Nala.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
Ashton vs You
Ashton Irwin, the drummer of 5 Seconds of Summer, stood center stage, lit by a spotlight, ready for a showdown. But this time, it wasn’t against another band member, it was against us, the audience. The dynamic put the fans in the spotlight, once again making the crowd an active part of the show.
On the screen, the message "Ashton vs You" appeared in big letters, along with a progress bar showing who was winning. In the first round, Ashton showcased his talent with an intense drum solo, while the word SLAP flashed on the screen, prompting the audience to clap along in response to the fast-paced rhythm. Claps, screams, and laughter echoed, creating a collective sound that answered Ashton’s beats.
In the second round, things escalated. The word SCREAM lit up the screen, daring fans to scream as loud as they could to overpower the drums. The intensity of the moment was almost deafening, shouts competing with drumbeats made everything vibrate.
And then, the final verdict: the screen displayed ASHTON WINS, YOU LOSE, followed by another wave of screams.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
But before there was even time to process it, the whole band came back on stage, guitars joining the drums, lifting the crowd even higher. It was goosebumps-inducing. I already miss what I saw and lived.
I can’t forget to mention Ashton’s gesture either, he gave us the treat of watching him drink a Guaraná live right in front of us. A cultural connection move that reinforced a collective identity with the audience. A true king, right?
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
Encore.
The band was getting ready to play one of their biggest hits, “She Looks So Perfect.” The atmosphere instantly shifted. We knew the show was nearing its end.
After the final chords of the song, the lights went out, and the band left the stage. But the silence didn’t last long. A final skit began playing on the big screen, the last of the night.
The story was comedic, like all the ones they had crafted throughout the show’s narrative. In the fictional “Cone Hotel,” an inside joke referring to the previous tour, the band members appeared in bathrobes, simulating a post-show conversation.
They were approached by the hotel receptionist, who, clearly excited, asked how the show had been. Suddenly, the front desk phone rang. The receptionist answered, and her expression shifted as she said, “Yes… they’re right here…” while eyeing the band. Then she added, “It looks like they want one more song…” The crowd erupted in a single scream, and the energy took over the room.
Michael asked, “Are you sure they really want another song?” The quick-witted receptionist placed the phone next to the band so they could hear the sound coming through.
On the other end of the line, or rather, from our side, deafening screams from the crowd seemed to pour through the receiver, begging for an encore. Luke, with a daring look, said, “If they really want one more song, they’re going to have to ask louder!” That was the cue for an ear-shattering chant of “5SOS! 5SOS! 5SOS! 5SOS!” to take over the entire venue.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
And then, they returned to the stage in the most unexpected way, still wearing the same bathrobes from the skit, prompting laughter from the crowd. There I was, in the middle of it all, feeling a mix of joy and melancholy as I realized this was the final act.
When the opening chords of Outer Space (2015) rang out, I completely lost track of time. That song has always been one of the most meaningful to me, a soundtrack to some of the most important moments in my life. I remember playing it on repeat at the height of my 18s, like an anthem, a ritual, a song that felt like it had the power to heal everything. As I sang at the top of my lungs, I noticed I couldn’t take my eyes off them on stage. I knew that maybe this would be the last time I’d see them live on this tour—or at least for a long while, which made every second feel even more precious.
In my plans, I hope to see them many more times and at many more shows, but the chances would now be left to an uncertain future.
Source: Personal archive / Dayane Cibelle
The second-to-last song ended, and to close the night, they chose “Youngblood.” It wasn’t just the band’s most famous track, with over a billion streams on Spotify, it was also the peak of energy the crowd needed for that “see you later.” We sang the lyrics as if our very breath depended on it, and the band seemed to soak up that energy, giving it back to us in return.
Amid the catharsis, the band’s filmmaker, Ryan, captured the moment, filming the emotional faces of fans and the hoarse voices singing with all their might. It was special. They said goodbye holding the Brazilian flag, tossed picks and drumsticks to the luckiest fans, and thanked us as if they were just as grateful for the connection we all created that night.
Video: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam). Source: 5 Seconds Of Summer / Youtube / Internet
“I’m here and this is happening in real time, and I’m seeing people connect with the music, and I’m seeing everyone grow, I’m seeing people sing their favorite songs, and I’m also seeing those songs they don’t like as much, and I’m seeing those they surprisingly like more than others. It’s been the wildest, craziest journey over the years, and all we want to do is make sure our fans have fun with everything we’ve done and the songs we’ve created, and the shows we’ve put on, and connect with them.” - Michael Clifford, The 5 Seconds of Summer Show (Live & Backstage In Amsterdam)
Coincidentally, in the part where Michael shares his words in The 5 Seconds of Summer Show Live & Backstage In Amsterdam, a performance they posted on YouTube, he perfectly captures what we experienced in that moment. The reciprocal bond between the band and the fans. In the video, while he speaks, scenes of fans from around the world appear, including a shot from the show in São Paulo. There I was, in the middle of the crowd, emotional and completely immersed, captured by Ryan’s lens at the end of that unforgettable night.
Just like for me, these shows were deeply meaningful for hundreds of other fans. In Brazil, we know that attending a concert often requires great effort, especially for those who have to travel from other states to the Rio–São Paulo axis. During the events, it was impossible to ignore the stories of fans who faced long journeys, coming from distant cities, determined to make a dream come true. And, of course, there were those who already lived in the cities hosting the shows. Clara, Camila, and Kaoma were “at home,” honored to see them in their state, São Paulo. Thaciana and Beatriz, like me, traveled from the Northeast to experience this achievement. Moreover, Beatriz was among the lucky few to return to Caruaru/PE with much more than memories, she had photos with the band members and a signed CD.
Every effort, whether standing in long lines, enduring exhausting trips, or physical fatigue, carries an immeasurable emotional value. I bet if we asked each of these fans if they would do it all over again, the answer would be a unanimous “yes,” without hesitation. I certainly would.
clara marques
Source: Personal archive / Clara Marques
kaoma almeida
Source: Personal archive / Kaoma Almdeira
thaciana barreto
Source: Personal archive / Thaciana Barreto
camila brandão
Source: Personal archive / Camila Brandão
beatriz ribeiro
Source: Personal archive / Beatriz Ribeiro
5 Seconds of Summer proved that, to deliver a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience, the secret lies in nurturing and valuing the community they've built throughout their journey. A famous quote by Michael Clifford echoes in our minds and gives meaning to everything we experienced: “Real bands save fans, real fans save bands.” That’s exactly what we saw and felt, a genuine exchange, where fans and band support each other, grow together, and turn every second into something real.
The outcome of this tour was more than just positive, it was an experience that left a visceral mark on us, as if every chord and every collective scream had been immortalized, creating a memory that, even as time passes, will never be forgotten. It was a chapter etched into our souls, with that unmistakable feeling of “we want more.”
Source: X / Internet Reproduction
I feel that writing about this experience is like each word is an attempt to preserve the vivid memories I hold, like a ritual to protect everything in a sacred place in my mind. It’s as if I need to eternalize it in every possible way, so that it never fades or weakens. I relive the flashes of light, the notes of the songs, and the raw emotions. These are memories I carry with me, and even when the longing hits hard, they will always remain alive, in every photo, every video, and every beat of my heart.
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