5 Seconds of Summer are Aussie-music royalty. They’re arguably Australia’s most successful export into the international music industry and we couldn’t be prouder.
From performing at pubs to pretty much selling out the Sydney Opera House, the boys are about to embark on their biggest tour yet. The No Shame tour hits our shores this November and December, and to get you in the mood, we thought we’d cast your mind back to a much simpler time. Here are five fun facts about the band.
Their First Show Was In Front of 12 People At The Annandale Hotel
Hey, all bands have to start somewhere. Just over 8 years ago now, the boys had their very first show at the Annandale Hotel in Sydney’s Inner-West.
They played their first few gigs here, to such small crowds, until their big break came opening for One Direction.
We asked the boys about the Annandale Hotel when we played GOAT Kart with them, and Mikey said: “I would want to go back.” Luke added, “We’re saving it for like… maybe the 10th anniversary of 5 Seconds of Summer, go back there, do a little documentary… Something like that, that would be cool”. Well, that’s not too far away now!
They Got Their Start On YouTube
The 5SOS boys, like many other stars today, got their start by uploading covers on YouTube. In 2012, Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin uploaded acoustic cover videos, among others, onto YouTube that got them loyal, Aussie fans. Those fans grew exponentially when they got a little shout out from none other than Louis Thomlinson. Their success caught Sony’s attention and they ended up signing a record contract in 2012. By the way, all their old covers are still on YouTube, so definitely go check it out.
Ashton Joined Later Than Everyone Else
Calum Hood, Luke Hemmings and Michael Clifford were all friends at school before their music career kicked off. The three of them launched the band on April 3, 2011. But the band wasn’t truly complete until Ashton came in at the end of 2011 and the 5SOS band, as we know it, was born. Honestly, we couldn’t imagine the group without all four of them, could you?
They’re Philanthropists
The boys grew up in Western Sydney, near Blacktown, before making it big, but they definitely haven’t forgotten where they came from. Last year, they put on a special concert at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville as part of their “Friends of Friends” initiative, where all the profits went to the Blacktown Youth Services Association. Just when you thought they couldn’t get any better! Here’s them talking a little bit more about the cause.
Back In The Day, They Were Super Close With One Direction
We already know that Louis Thomlinson Tweeted out an O.G. 5SOS cover. But, Naill Horan also showed the boys some love by Tweeting out one of their earliest original songs, “Out Of My Limit”, which helped the boys rake in 100,000 views in 24 hours. The 5SOS boys ended up opening for One Direction on three separate tours in cities around the world. Also, there are rumours that Harry Styles often pranked the boys on tour. God, I would love to be pranked by Harry Styles.
The No Shame Tour hits Brisbane and Perth this November and Newcastle, Melbourne and Sydney this December. They’ve just added a second Sydney show because of overwhelming demand! Get your tickets on sale now at Live Nation.
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