By Ella Bradbury
There are few bands that can celebrate more than two decades together while still making every show feel like the biggest party of the summer, but McFly have mastered exactly that. Returning to the stunning surroundings of Halifax’s Piece Hall, the quartet delivered a career-spanning set packed with nostalgia, impeccable musicianship and enough infectious energy to remind everyone why they remain one of Britain’s most beloved live bands. With support from fellow bands Remember Monday and Twin Atlantic, the evening promised plenty before McFly took to the stage.
Opening the night was Remember Monday, a trio who have seen their profile rise significantly over the past year thanks to their social media presence and flawless vocal harmonies. Oh, and their impeccable Eurovision performance that went viral for all the wrong reasons … gaining nil pois from the public vote.
Going into their set, expectations were understandably high. Having seen countless clips online, particularly the same viral snippet that seemed impossible to escape, it felt like this was a band ready to make a lasting impression.
The vocals were every bit as polished as expected. Their harmonies were beautifully executed throughout, with each member complementing the others effortlessly, creating a rich, country-pop sound that translated well to the live setting. However, despite the undeniable talent on display, the performance as a whole never quite reached the heights it promised. There was a feeling that something was missing; whether it was a greater sense of stage presence or simply a stronger connection with the audience, the set never fully came to life. It was enjoyable and technically impressive, but perhaps the weight of expectation built by their online popularity meant it felt a little underwhelming. They’re talented performers with plenty of potential, but on this occasion, they didn’t quite leave the lasting impression many had hoped for.
Fortunately, any lingering uncertainty about the evening disappeared the moment Twin Atlantic stepped onto the stage.
Having previously caught the Scottish rockers at a festival a couple of years ago, they had always fallen into that category of bands that were enjoyable live without ever inspiring a deeper dive into their catalogue. This performance completely changed that.
From the very first song, Don’t Quit It, Twin Atlantic possessed the kind of effortless confidence that only comes from years of touring. Frontman Sam McTrusty immediately had the crowd in the palm of his hand, effortlessly balancing huge rock anthems with genuine charisma and humour between songs. Their stage presence was magnetic, filling the vast Piece Hall with a level of energy that felt almost impossible for a support act.
They were truly exceptional. Every chorus landed with purpose, every guitar riff felt enormous against the historic backdrop, and the band’s chemistry elevated each song even further. More importantly, they delivered the kind of performance that every support act dreams of: one that sends people straight to Spotify the moment they get home. Days after the show, their songs were still lodged firmly in my head, a testament to just how memorable the set proved to be. If there were any newcomers in attendance, Twin Atlantic undoubtedly won over plenty of new fans.
For many in attendance, McFly were the soundtrack to their childhoods, teenage years and everything in between. Judging by the sea of fans spanning multiple generations, McFly’s appeal has never been confined to one particular era. Parents who grew up with the band now stood alongside children discovering these songs for the first time, creating an atmosphere that felt special.
From the moment they arrived on stage, McFly looked completely at home. More than twenty years into their career, the chemistry between Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd remains one of their greatest strengths. Every interaction felt natural, and every member looked like they were enjoying themselves just as much as the audience.
As a longtime fan, seeing so many familiar favourites performed live again was nothing short of joyous. Songs like Star Girl instantly transported the crowd back to the mid-2000s, prompting thousands of voices to sing every word without hesitation. Rather than simply relying on nostalgia, though, McFly continually found ways to keep the set feeling fresh while still pulling out their familiar tricks like their synchronised kicks in a line.
One of the evening’s standout moments came through an ambitious mash-up that showcased just how much fun the band continue to have on stage. Seamlessly weaving together Everybody Knows with Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer, Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club, One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful and The Beatles’ Twist and Shout, and many more, it could easily have felt like a novelty. Instead, it became one of the night’s biggest highlights. The transitions were slick, the crowd embraced every surprise, and it perfectly captured McFly’s willingness to celebrate not only their own catalogue but the music that has soundtracked generations.
Throughout the evening, the band struck the perfect balance between polished musicianship and pure entertainment. Danny Jones’ powerhouse vocals remain as impressive as ever, Tom Fletcher effortlessly led crowd singalongs, Harry Judd’s drumming never missed a beat, while Dougie Poynter’s ever-cool stage presence tied everything together. Years of experience have only sharpened their live performance, allowing each member the confidence to let their personalities shine through without sacrificing the tightness of the music itself.
As the night drew to a close, with a very typical encore, there could only really be one song to finish with. The opening chords of 5 Colours In Her Hair prompted one final eruption from the crowd, with every lyric shouted back as loudly as the first. It was the perfect finale to a set that had celebrated every era of the band’s career while proving they remain every bit as engaging today as they were two decades ago.
It’s easy to underestimate McFly. For some, they’re remembered purely through the lens of teenage pop stardom, but nights like this serve as a reminder that they’re so much more than that. They’re exceptional live performers, accomplished musicians and entertainers who understand exactly how to bring an audience together. Their ability to blend nostalgia with genuine musicianship, humour and an undeniable sense of fun is something many bands spend entire careers trying to achieve.
Supported by a promising Remember Monday and a genuinely outstanding Twin Atlantic, McFly transformed the Piece Hall into one enormous celebration. By the final chorus, it was impossible to ignore their lasting impact on British pop-rock. More than twenty years after bursting onto the scene, they continue to prove exactly why fans return to see them time and time again, and why they’ll likely be doing so for many years still.
Text Copyright 2026 © Ella Bradbury/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Photography Copyright 2026 © Jack Walsh/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Alexandra Pullen 
Morgan Hermiston