That night delivered the full spectrum of a major concert experience: pure happiness, a surge of energy, a chorus of cheers, a few shared tears, and an abundance of fan devotion. On stage stood five gifted performers — Max George, Tom Parker, Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes, and Jay McGuiness — beneath a banner proudly bearing The Wanted. The ensemble treated the audience to a wide range of songs, weaving together the best from their catalog with the momentum of a band that knows how to ride a wave. The Toronto stop, part of the Word of Mouth Tour in support of the latest album Word of Mouth, arrived on Thursday, April 17, and the venue hummed with anticipation from the opening note. Judging by the way fans sang along and danced in unison, the night delivered everything the crowd had hoped for and more. The energy was contagious, a moment in which everyone could forget the ordinary and live fully in the present. The setting felt like a celebration, a memory in the making that would echo long after the encore.
Opening the show were Midnight Red, stepping into the light with a striking cover of Rihanna’s Diamonds. They also treated the crowd to tracks from their self-titled EP, including Nothing Lasts Forever and the fan-favorite Take Me Home. In a hometown nod, they paid homage to Toronto’s talent with a bold rendition of Drake’s Hold On, We’re Going Home, earning a roar of recognition from the audience.
Next on stage was the rap-pop duo Cassio Monroe, who quickly earned new fans with their swagger and charm. They rolled out their latest single Under The Lights and followed with Life Is Good, an upbeat anthem that lifted the room. Between numbers, both groups paused to capture a crowd-wide selfie with the audience, a small gesture that underscored the night’s sense of connection and camaraderie.
The main act arrived with a fan favorite, Gold Forever, and then guided the audience on a chronological journey through The Wanted’s career. The set drew from all three studio albums, balancing high-energy pop with intimate, melodic moments. Moments like Nathan Sykes stepping to the piano for the somber Everybody Knows showcased the band’s musical range, while Jay McGuiness added a playful touch by bringing out a triangle to punctuate a chorus. The group’s chemistry was evident as each member took a turn highlighting his talent, creating a performance that felt both polished and spontaneous.
Before the city lights dimmed, the group delivered a note that would ripple through the night: this tour would pause for a while. An official statement released in January explained that Tom, Max, Jay, Siva, and Nathan had decided to take time to pursue personal endeavors after the tour’s conclusion. The announcement did not dampen the mood so much as transform it into a celebration of what the band has accomplished and what the future might hold for each member. Fans listened closely, clapped along, and turned the moment into a collective pledge to stay connected with the music and with the members beyond the stage. Citation: Official January statement from the band.
Between songs, the group created a sense that this was more than a setlist—this was a conversation with the audience. They exchanged smiles, shared quick banter, and offered warm hand hearts, reminding everyone that the moment belonged to them. The atmosphere felt like a continuous party, even during the slower songs, with the band leaning into the crowd for closer contact and shared moments of joy. They waved, encouraged sing-alongs, and offered thanks to the back-up musicians, the openers, and the wave of fans who had traveled to be part of the night. Citation: Recap of performance and fan engagement.
Closing the evening, The Wanted returned for a final bow, their gratitude evident in every gesture. They finished on the high note of Glad You Came, a song that had become an anthem for their fan base and a fitting sendoff for a night that left many hoping it would not be the last visit to Toronto. As the lights faded, the city’s warmth lingered, and the crowd carried home a memory worth replaying. The show also paid respect to the performers and to the city’s supporters, including the presence of Toronto’s mayor at the event, a reminder of the city’s enduring connection to the group. Citation: Appreciation extended to city officials and fans.
Whether they perform solo in the future or together again in the studio, Toronto walked away with a memory to hold onto. The Word of Mouth Tour offered more than a string of hits; it delivered a sense of community and a shared celebration of a band that has grown with its fans. The night stood as a reminder that The Wanted remains part of Toronto’s musical fabric, and that doors to future visits will always be open for fans who remember these moments and hope for more to come.