5ive ProfileThe sense of nostalgia was rampant as a crowd of 20-somethings gathered outside the Enmore Theatre on Friday night, a solid two hours before the concert was due to kick off, just hoping to catch a glimpse of '90s boy band 5ive. The UK pop band, who were idolised in the late '90s, have recently reunited (minus Jason Brown) and embarking on a Greatest Hits tour – and judging by the sold-out crowd – they are just as well received now as when they were in their prime.
Teen Spirit DJs took the stage first with a two-hour set featuring a track list that very much felt like we had stepped into a time machine and been transported back to the '90s. Spinning hits from Hanson, Backstreet Boys, Aqua and Blink-182, the whole crowd was singing along to every lyric of every song, and proudly dancing away to Macarena and 5,6,7,8 by Steps with no shame that they knew every move.
When 5ive (or, more accurately, 4our) finally took the stage, the crowd's reaction was intense. In true boy band fashion, their performance was highly choreographed and amplified with dreamy lighting, as they made their way through hit after hit.
Slam Dunk (Da Funk), Invincible, Don't Wanna Let You Go and If Ya Gettin' Down featured prominently in their set, with this reviewer remembering every lyric to every song like it was yesterday. People were screaming as the guys performed each track, choreography and all, in no way showing any signs that they have been apart for the last seven years. Abz Love stole the show with a killer performance and a seriously sexy voice, while Ritchie Neville was sporting some seriously buff biceps.
The guys were having a great time on stage, and interacted with the audience, with Neville leading us in a chant of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” and Love wearing a glow bracelet that was thrown at him by an adoring fan.
The boys have certainly blossomed since the '90s and the ladies in the audience showed their appreciation with many a scream as well as a rather large bra being thrown 5ive's way.
