McFly - Doncaster Racecourse. August 2022.

August 13th. We’re all made up, ready for a day of basking in the 30° heat and gazing at the pretty ponies while the crowd bets on who will run the fastest. Forty quid to be course-side, having the best view of the thoroughbreds as they’re marched down to the paddock. Every horse passing has me gasping “oh look at that one!” “I want a horse”, but believe it or not, the horses aren’t the main event. Not for me.

For me, course side is also front row for McFly! Live at Doncaster Racecourse.

McFly, for me, were the band that started it all. I was three years old, hearing 5 Colours in her Hair and I was swept off my feet. It was love at first listen. The first concert I attended was the Radio: Active Tour 2008 at Sheffield Arena. When I was 12, I started learning the bass to be like Dougie Poynter, who was also my first crush. I buy their books; I watch their DVDs. What I’m trying to say, there may be some bias within this review.

When it comes to live music, I don’t like outdoor venues. Part of the experience is how the sound bounces of the walls – the volume, the vibrations. It’s so easy to get swept up in the moment when it’s all around the room. Outdoor venues take that away. The sound does travel out, lost in the air.

The day wasn’t a loss though!

McFly came on at 5pm, naturally the crowd started to gather and push. I’d been waiting five hours in the sun on top of my nineteen years as a fan to see them front row, and had begun to stand my ground. Entering to the YMCA, McFly took their places, before “technical glitch” sound effects and the beginning of Red, one of their so-called “lost songs” written in 2011 but released in 2019 after the band’s hiatus. One of the weaker lost songs, but one they tend to open with. They then played One for the Radio and Lies, before the band finally talked to the audience. A few minutes of gags and giggles, then a delayed PSA about safety in the sun. I’d already burned, down my chest and my arms – red with little strawberry shapes from the pattern in my dress.

Seven times I’ve seen McFly, they’re never short on banter or showmanship. To my surprise, they performed Transylvania - a hidden treasure from their 2006 album Motion in the Ocean. Out of all the times I’ve seen them, I’d only heard it live once before, yet it’s one of the fans’ favourites.

Songs to look forward to while seeing McFly are Shine a Light and 5 Colours in her Hair. Always played towards the end of the set – and rightly so. During Shine a Light the boys slow the tempo, lead it out – you’re able to really feel the music and get swept up in the moment. The repetition of ‘shine a light on her’ and the opportunity to just jump and dance, hands up in the air, feeling free as a bird.

5 Colours in her Hair is a perfect moment to let yourself go and just dance. Their debut single is a high-energy, party anthem from the noughties. It’s truly a ‘finish on a high’ rock song. Fast, fun and frisky.

Unfortunately, I’d got the PSA on staying safe in the sun too late. I’d tried to be brave, to rough it out. I succeeded through Shine A Light and All About You... but I’d been sat in the sun since half twelve. It was almost half six. I had heat exhaustion and was about to be sick, so I had to leave. Gutting!

I must stress that this is no reflection of McFly’s performance or music.

It would’ve been the greatest experience, had I stayed in the shade. 9/10.