Busted and McFly were the forerunners of a new generation of rock music that catered to a younger audience more than 20 years ago. After they both exploded onto radio stations and television channels across the United Kingdom, they have also had a friendly rivalry from day one. Over two decades since their formation, their fan base has doubled in size, becoming a generational band as fans who were around in their rise to stardom, have now passed on their love to their children who equally adore them. Winning hearts of many, and inspiring others to form bands, every saga has an ending.

With no support act required, Busted and McFly took matters into their own hands to warm up the crowd. The screens showcased a two minute recap of both bands’ highs and lows of the last 20+ years. From their chart topping singles, securing BRIT Awards, Busted’s split in 2005, McFly taking the podium, to Busted’s return ten years later all the way to present day, where Busted called out McFly during their 21st birthday at the O2 Arena in London. It was time for the battle to commence.

McFly leaped from below the stage to a deafening scream that filled the arena. Opening with ‘Where Did All the Guitars Go‘, this led right into ‘Star Girl‘ which had the whole arena engrossed and singing along. While Harry remained focused on drum duties, Danny, Tom and Dougie were causing all sorts of mischief as McFly always do as a collective. Switching between each others microphones to give each section of the crowd a glimpsed of the trio, fan favourites continued pouring out. ‘Obviously‘, ‘Happiness‘ and ‘All About You‘ equally sustained the pasion that pervaded before concluding with ‘The Heart Never Lies‘ to set up Busted‘s arrival.

The arena returned to darkness, the screens dropped down to the stage floor. Silhouettes appeared on stage and the cheers began to be heard as Charlie and Matt were standing there ready for action. Immediately launching themselves in to sixth gear, Busted kicked off their show with a thunderous heavy opening to follow up with ‘Crashed the Wedding‘ and then ‘Meet You There‘. Matt addressed the “missing elephant in the room”, meaning the absence of guitarist James Bourne. Urging the Sheffield crowd to send their well wishes to James, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce his replacement for a handful of songs, and it was his brother Chris. The crowd welcomed Chris with huge cheers, kicking things back off with a medley of their deep cuts ‘Dawson’s Geek‘, ‘Britney‘, ‘Nerdy‘ and ‘Why‘. The bands first number one ‘You Said No‘ followed, alongside ‘Loser Kid‘ and ‘Who’s David‘ to set up James’ favourite song ‘Sleeping with the Light On‘. Willis encouraged the crowd to shine their phone torches to fill the arena and said that James will be watching. Rounding off their set with ‘Thunderbirds Are Go‘ and their debut hit ‘What I Go to School For‘, Busted exited the stage with the crowed wondering what was to come next.

Opposite sides of the arenas seating sections began to scream, indicating they were able to see something those on the floor couldn’t. All of a sudden, Matt and Dougie appeared in the seating sections, staring each other down before throwing play ground like jokes at each other and performed ‘Hate Your Guts’ in the gangways. Eddy and Harry rose from underneath the stage for a drum battle, and Charlie and Danny returned to the stage for stripped back versions of ‘3am’ and ‘Not Alone’.

Matt and Eddy re-joined Charlie on stage for ‘Air Hostess‘, before making way for McFly to round off with ‘5 Colours in Her Hair‘. Busted made their way back on stage to join forces with McFly for the finale. Kicking off with McBusted track ‘What Happened to Your Band‘, and covering ‘Shine A Light‘ and ‘Year 3000‘ to round off a night filled with hits but more importantly, unrestrained fun.