April 19 brought a crisp air to Toronto, but the scene outside Sound Academy felt warm with anticipation. Australian pop-punk quartet 5 Seconds of Summer arrived on their STARSSTRIPESANDMAPLESYRUP tour with Jackson Guthy as a special guest, promoting a new EP. The crowd mirrored the band’s growing appeal, with thousands lining up for hours and waving signs supporting their favorite member. It was clear that 5 Seconds of Summer has carved out a lasting place in the pop scene, drawing devoted fans from across the country and beyond.
Before the show began, the band and crew relaxed in the city, choosing a playful downtime at Polson Pier Go-Karts next door. That easygoing pause set the tone for a night that would be high energy from start to finish.
Jackson Guthy opened the evening with a high-intensity set, proving his vocal range and stage presence. He teased the audience with a hint of defiance, lifting his shirt and making it known that he was single. He slowed things down to perform the piano-driven Legacy, then picked the pace again for See You Tonight, finally closing with Young and Single, leaving the crowd buzzing for what would come next.
5 Seconds of Summer, known as 5SOS by fans, exploded in popularity after opening for One Direction on the Take Me Home Tour last year. That momentum carried into this summer as they joined One Direction again on the Where We Are Tour. The four members — Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin — bring a blend of talent, charisma, and charm, and their evident warmth toward fans only amplifies the excitement. Tickets to the Toronto show sold out in seconds on Ticketmaster, underscoring the band’s growing footprint in North America. Those who secured seats were rewarded with a performance that did not disappoint.
The quartet kicked off with Eighteen, then treated the crowd to a mix of beloved tracks and material from their upcoming album, including the hot new single, Don’t Stop, along with several memorable covers that kept the energy soaring throughout the arena.
The band’s rapport with the audience was unmistakable. They checked in with the Toronto crowd between songs, asking if everyone was having a great time, and the cheers answered in unison with a resounding yes. The interaction turned intimate at moments, giving fans a sense of shared experience rather than a distant performance.
The night featured a distinctly Canadian moment when the group delivered an exclusive live cover of Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boy. A lucky fan was invited on stage to help sing Heartbreak Girl, and Michael Clifford famously leapt into the front-row crowd during What I Like About You, creating a scene that fans would talk about for days. These personal touches helped cement the connection between the band and their Canadian supporters.
Toronto’s show also marked a milestone for the band, as their new EP She Looks So Perfect reached the number one position in Canada within days of its release. Michael thanked the crowd, only for Ashton to interrupt with a playful burst of pride, saying, You made us number one in Canada! The reaction from the audience was electric, a true testament to the night’s shared energy and anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Toronto performance closed on a triumphant note, with fans demanding more after they delivered their hit She Looks So Perfect. The encore raised the bar, ending the night on a high with Try Hard, leaving no doubt about the group’s staying power in live music across North America.
Missed this stop? 5 Seconds of Summer will continue their summer run with One Direction, including additional dates in Toronto on August 1 and 2, where the excitement is sure to repeat itself for fans who crave big-stage pop-punk energy.
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