BUSTED PERFORMING AT TK. MAXX PRESENTS… THE PIECE HALL, HALIFAX

★★★★☆ (4/5)

BUSTED PERFORMING AT TK. MAXX PRESENTS… THE PIECE HALL, HALIFAX
PHOTOCREDIT: SABRINA RAMDOYAL

The vibrance of an open-air concert is hard to rival, especially when it takes place in a venue that matches the occasion’s excitement. On a chilly evening that felt like a sudden awakening from the summer’s warmth, patrons were ready to witness the reunion of the beloved British pop-rock band Busted. The Piece Hall’s stone floors were enveloped in an electric mix of laughter and anticipation. Fans of all kinds—families, couples, and nostalgic millennials—buzzed about the prospect of a night filled with beloved hits. It was evident that many, now older, were impatient to relive those moments that defined their adolescence, joyfully embracing the music that had once been the soundtrack of their younger years.

With the crowd lively in anticipation, the atmosphere crackled with energy as Busted finally took the stage. The iconic trio—lead Charlie Simpson, bassist Matt Willis, and guitarist James Bourne—sparked an eruption of cheers that echoed through the venue, reminiscent of their earlier days. The opener “Crashed the Wedding” ignited a thrilling energy that had fans singing at the top of their lungs. Next came “Air Hostess,” eliciting the continuous cheers, then “Loser Kid,” resonated deeply with the audience that it took a moment for their supporters to reminisce the good old days, while rocking out to the quintessential sounds of early 2000s pop-punk.

As the band launched into “You Said No,” Charlie’s powerful vocals filled the air, and hearing the main man belt out some striking chords of unrequited love and youthful heartache was felt by all. When they performed “Everything I Knew,” the audience swayed in unison, sharing voices that created a captivating sense of unity. The band energised the performance by dancing and encouraging participation, fully absorbing the harmonious crowd around them, enchanted by the venue's acoustics. Not to mention, the trio were a bunch of comedians in their own right!

“Sleeping With the Light On” offered a heartfelt moment, as the audience sang along while the rain lightly sprinkled a touch of love in the air. The scene was magical, with muted lights casting an ethereal glow over the crowd. Then came “What I Go to School For”, which submerged everyone in nostalgia that brought back memories of youthful rebellion. As the night wound down, the crowd bounced to “Thunderbirds Are Go,” and the seamless transition to “She Wants to Be Me” showcased the band's knack for surprises, reminding us why their audience still adores their music. Naturally, the evening culminated with their iconic hits “3 am” and “Year 3000,” drawing exuberant cheers, further proving that Busted’s appeal transcended time, uniting generations through music and memories, making the night truly unforgettable. Nostalgia was clearly the unifying theme, and the crowd was here for it.