Let’s start by setting the scene.

In 2006, I camped in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre outside HMV for the chance to meet McFly. I’d been counting down the days, barely slept with the adrenaline and played over the scenario in my head – ‘What would I say?’ ‘What do I wear?’ ‘How do I express my undying love for Danny Jones?’ Turns out the answer was an overwhelming explosion of overtired emotions, bursting into tears of pure happiness whilst sobbing into Danny’s shoulder.

Fast-forward to 2023, now aged 32, I find myself standing in one Edinburgh’s grandest venues awaiting McFly’s arrival.

For us 90’s children, we have found ourselves thrown back in time surrounded by a surge in reunion tours, with notable acts like Busted, JLS, S Club, and others either having just wrapped up their tours or currently in progress. However, when it comes to McFly, they’ve never been away. With this tour marking a celebration of their enduring musical journey.

Opening the show, LostAlone were also marking a triumphant return in the ‘reunion era’ as they only resumed as a band last year, 8 years since their original split. First featuring on Love Music; Love Life in 2013, it was great to hear the band were back, with their most recent album ‘The Warring Twenties’ seeing the band team up with a musical force of influences including Adam Noble, who was in the crowd in Edinburgh, Greg Wells, Rou Reynolds and Rich Collins.

Invited as the show opener, LostAlone frontman Steven Battelle played a large part in bringing McFly’s new music to life as he co-wrote seven songs on the band’s most recent album ‘Power To Play’, marking their seventh studio album release and charting at number 2 in the Official Albums Chart 40.

Within one song, it was clear that LostAlone have remained confident in their sound. Their music, featuring thunderous guitar solos, crashing drums and pulsating bass, is crafted to give each instrument room to breathe, enabling the band to demonstrate their skills with a powerful impact, as demonstrated in ‘False Flag Feelings’.

Battelle provided a masterclass in how to warm up a crowd, even if some fans were initially more reserved than others. Constantly engaging and igniting enthusiasm, he encouraged waving arms, fists in the air and singing along, maintaining an unwavering high level of energy throughout the performance.

Alongside allowing their instrumental talents time to shine, including showcasing his custom double-necked electric guitar, Battelle showcased his vocal versatility, particularly evident in singles ‘Blood Is Sharp’ and ‘Hostages (Destiny)’. During ‘Crusaders,’ the crowd engagement soared as everyone enthusiastically clapped along to the thunderous drums. Then came ‘I’m A Fire That You Can’t Put Out,’ arguably the most ‘McFly-esque’ track, which appeared to inspire even the remaining audience members to join in the excitement.

The final song, ‘The Last Drop of Forever,’ the band’s latest single, concluded the set with an abundance of high energy. As a support band with the responsibility of warming up the venue, LostAlone left the audience fully revved up and primed for the main act.

Following a short interval, ‘YMCA’ blasted out the speakers and I was instantly taken straight back to my youth, a McFly pre-show tradition that seemingly has continued before the band arrive on stage.

Blending new album tracks including ‘God of Rock n Roll’ to debut album tracks with hits ‘Obviously’ and – of course – ‘Five Colours in Her Hair’ through to ‘Corrupted’ ‘Lies’ and ‘Red’, the night was a feel-good musical journey through McFly’s 20 year repertoire.

Featuring a diverse set that encompassed their entire career, from singalongs to tracks that got the crowd jumping. The band’s undeniable musical prowess was on full display, offering a blend of high-energy releases and intimate, stripped-down acoustics, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher held the audience captivated from the very first note, their engagement unwavering throughout.

McFly has evolved as a band both in their sound and stage presence. However, it’s abundantly clear that they are still enjoying themselves just as much as they did two decades ago. With Jones amongst the audience, a fan invited on stage to play cowbell, synchronized guitar routines, intimate heartfelt acoustic singalongs, declarations of their affection for the capital, a touch of playful humour and even a surprise secondary appearance from LostAlone’s lead singer Steven, it was a jam-packed night to remember.

And it wasn’t only enjoyable for the band; the audience was fully immersed in the feel-good show embracing every moment alongside them.

And for 12 year-old me, it was a heartwarming reminder of the band who made me fall in love with music and a throwback to the soundtrack of some of the best moments of my life.