You know Five. Even if you didn’t actively listen, their music was all over the radio, fans had posters of Five on their walls and even now, hearing a song might conjure up shock that you know all of the words, even if you haven’t listened to a song of theirs in years.
Five were everywhere in Australia. While the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were the boybands of the US, and other UK boybands of the era like Boyzone and Westlife were more known for their abundance of ballads and even more suits. It was Five (occasionally stylised as ‘5ive’) who held the torch as the UK equivalent, matching the up-tempo and street dance style of the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, with the three groups existing simultaneously in the late 90s and early 2000s of pop music’s prime era. That’s right, long before those One Direction lads were even born.
Take That (era predecessors) walked so that Five could run, embracing the edgier street-style and expanding on it. They were conquering the charts with the likes of rock music legends Queen even collaborating for a version of ‘We Will Rock You’ that was mixed with Five’s contributions as fresh rap lines and poppier vocals. No, seriously.
With less ballads than their fellow boyband countrymen and more upbeat tunes, Abz Love, Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon, and Jason “J” Brown, collectively known as Five, returned to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena for the first time in 26 years as part of their 2026 Australia and New Zealand Keep On Movin’ Tour.
The sold-out Rod Laver Arena venue was filled with eager fans of all ages, some long-time fans even bringing their families and little ones to enjoy the happy party atmosphere, collectively keen and waiting for their favourite five UK boyband men to take to the Melbourne stage. The staging was quite simple with screens at the back, a ramp, and their four-piece band members filling either side of the stage. It may have seemed quite minimal but when Five emerged, it was easy to see that this style set-up was all the UK icons really needed. Rod Laver Arena passionately burst to life with nostalgia-filled celebratory joy; for Five’s career and our love for a time where this genre of music was the entire world.
J was grateful from the get-go, sharing wholeheartedly, “We just wanna thank every single one of you for being the other half of this equation.” Each member of Five shared the same sentiment but it was J that was the most eloquent in thanking Melbourne fans for their attendance. Five were also very interactive, such as instructing fans to wave their hands in the air, and Melbourne patrons were willingly very responsive in return.
All the hits were there Melbourne fans erupted with pure glee when they were performed with tunes including ‘When the Lights Go Out’, ‘If Ya Getting’ Down’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’. For majority of the concert, everyone, whether it be on the floor or in the stands, were on their feet and dancing. I found myself laughing at the visuals on the screen during ‘Partyline 555-On-Line’ which had old Nokia phones flashing across the big screen behind the boyband.
It wasn’t all upbeat songs though! There were samples, covers, and Five also made sure to have their voices on full display, serenading the Melbourne venue through ballads ‘Invincible’, the Human League slow jam style cover remix of ‘Human’ and my favourite part of the evening, finally hearing the unofficial UK anthem, ‘Until the Time Is Through’ live. I found myself admiring patrons in the Melbourne crowd as everyone shamelessly sung along to Five’s signature ballad at the top of their lungs.
With simple staging, this left Five with nowhere left to hide but it didn’t matter because Five were fearless and more than ready to show off their skills. Their choreography brought you back in time with their undeniable synergy and well-maintained dance skills. Thoroughly vocally impressive as well, at one point of the evening, Five only sang acapella and showcased their gorgeous five-part harmonies to an attentive, respectful and supportive sold-out Rod Laver Arena which was *chef kiss* brilliant.
When Five were ready to perform their final number, the highly anticipated ‘Keep On Movin’’, I didn’t want the night to end. Not only were we having fun, but Five, now humbled and openly eternally grateful for their journey, were having the time of their lives, right there with us. Even when leaving, patrons were still singing and beaming all the way out of the Melbourne venue.
Some bands just make music. but Five have evidently made, for themselves and for others, the greatest and most precious music memories. Plus, a new one for everyone lucky enough to be in attendance that night! I know that I will be remembering this special Melbourne concert for a long time.
Five performed in Melbourne on Saturday the 23rd of May at Rod Laver Arena as part of their 2026 Australia and New Zealand Keep On Movin’ Tour. This was the last show of the Australian leg. Five have one more show in Auckland, New Zealand on Monday May 25th at The Trusts Arena.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://itsfiveofficial.com
https://www.tegdainty.com/tour/five
https://rodlaverarena.com.au/event/five-keep-on-movin-tour-2026
https://www.instagram.com/itsfiveofficial
Photography by Grant Alexander.
