JLS reunion tour at the 02 London:

Ever since they came second place on the X Factor in 2008 JLS became one of the biggest boy bands of the 2000’s. The band makes a different and much more upbeat pop type of music than what I usually listen to however their music is very nostalgic to me as when I was much younger they were arguably one of my favorite artists. The band consist of four singers Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes and JB Gill. Over the 2000’s the band had 4 albums with 5 songs hitting UK number 1. In 2013 the band broke up until 2020 when they announced a reunion tour!

 

On Saturday 20^th of November 2021, I went to see JLS live at the London 02 as part of their reunion tour and had an incredible night. I’ve been to the 02 venue twice before and I am personally not the biggest fan because of the impossible travel afterwards due to how busy it is. I also much prefer smaller venues where you can be nearer the band however I understand completely a band like JLS needs a much bigger venue. I was also surprised to see for JLS they filled the usual mosh pit area with seating instead of standing tickets. I assume this is because they are seen as quite a “family friendly” band with may younger fans and mosh pits can easily get out of hand.

 

JLS did have a support act of sorts however I have been told it was just a DJ. Doors opened at 6:30 but due to the busyness we didn’t get to the 02 until around 8 and JLS came on at 8:30. They decided on a very fitting boy band entrance where they leap up from within the stage and burst into their first song the club is alive. After 8 years the band still had incredible vocals especially Aston who has to sing a few very high notes but hit them perfectly. Furthermore, the band had whole dance routines incorporated including moves like immensely impressive flips. I was astonished by how they could remember all those dances at the same time and singing.

The band also had a section where they went through each of their albums and let the audience members choose between two songs. Thy only sang up to the first chorus of each of these songs however it was very exciting that the audience were getting involved. I also often feel hard done by when artists ignore their first albums and just perform new songs so it was great to hear JLS singing their songs from every album.

 

There was some heartwarming moments during the performance such as when the band said they had special guests and bought all 8 of their young children out onto stage. They also played a video on the screen during the song “proud” of all their kids and wives showing family is obviously very important to them and making many audience members tear up.

 

The audience was surprisingly a very mixed age group of mainly those ages 15-30 who grew up listening to JLS. There was also however some younger children and older people although many seemed to be parents dragged along by their children. Although everyone had seated tickets most people stood up and danced and held enthusiastic energy throughout the performance. During the more downbeat songs such as “love you more” and “proud” the audience created a sea of phone flashlights which is one thing I do think is beautiful at the 02.

 

The last song performed was one of their most popular “everybody in love”. Before performing it the band asked the audience to start singing what they think the missing song they haven’t played yet is and in unisono the whole stadium began singing everybody in love meaning its obviously very popular and was a great choice as the final song. Near the end stunning, bright confetti cannons blasted and even got tangled over a few of the band members. The concert ended around 10:30.

Overall, I was amazed by how well the band performed and sang especially for their first time touring and performing together in 8 years.

 

Setlist:

The Club Is Alive

Do You Feel What I Feel?

One Shot

Eyes Wide Shut

Take a Chance on Me

Only Tonight

Day One

Love You More

Keep You / Only Making Love / I Know What She Like / Better for You / So Many Girls

Close To You

Hottest Girl in the World

She Makes Me Wanna

Eternal Love

Beat Again

Encore:

Proud

Everybody In Love