McFly brought a wave of nostalgia and high-energy fun to the final night of Forest Live 2024 at Cannock Chase Forest near Birmingham on Saturday, July 15. The band, known for their pop-rock anthems, delivered a set that had the crowd singing along to every word.
Setlist Highlights and Fan Favorites
The quartet, consisting of Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, and Harry Judd, performed a mix of classic hits and newer material. The setlist included fan favorites such as 'Obviously', 'All About You', 'Five Colours in Her Hair', and 'Star Girl'. The band also played tracks from their recent album 'Power to Play', including 'Where Did All the Guitars Go?' and 'Honey I'm Home'.
According to setlist.fm, the band's performance lasted approximately one hour and 45 minutes, featuring 20 songs that spanned their two-decade career. The crowd, estimated at over 5,000 fans, sang along enthusiastically, creating a vibrant atmosphere under the forest canopy.
Emotional Moments and Band Interactions
One of the most touching moments came when Tom Fletcher addressed the audience, saying, "We've been doing this for 20 years, and nights like this remind us why we love it so much. Thank you for sticking with us." The band also interacted playfully with fans, with Danny Jones encouraging a sing-off between different sections of the audience.
The concert concluded with a fireworks display synchronized to their hit 'Obviously', leaving the crowd cheering for an encore. The band returned to perform 'It's All About You' and 'Transylvania', ending the night on a high note.
Forest Live Series Success
Forest Live is an annual concert series organized by Forestry England, featuring major artists in unique forest settings. The 2024 series included performances by artists such as James, The Script, and Anne-Marie, with McFly headlining the final show. Forestry England reported that the series sold over 100,000 tickets across 16 venues nationwide, with the Cannock Chase show being one of the best-selling.
Local fans praised the event's organization and the unique experience of watching a concert in the forest. One attendee, Sarah Thompson from Birmingham, said, "It's such a special atmosphere. You can't beat seeing your favorite band surrounded by trees and under the stars."
McFly's Continued Relevance
McFly's performance demonstrated their enduring popularity, two decades after their debut. The band has sold over 10 million records worldwide and continues to tour extensively. Their latest album, 'Power to Play', released in June 2023, debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, further solidifying their place in British pop-rock history.
The band's ability to blend nostalgia with new material was evident throughout the night, appealing to both longtime fans and newer listeners. As Harry Judd remarked during the show, "We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay, and we'll keep making music as long as you keep coming to see us."
Looking Ahead
Following the Forest Live appearance, McFly is set to embark on a UK arena tour in November 2024, with dates in Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Tickets for the tour went on sale shortly after the Forest Live show, with many dates already selling out. The band's continued success underscores their strong connection with fans and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Forest Live will return in 2025, with the lineup expected to be announced later this year. The series remains a highlight of the summer concert calendar, offering a unique outdoor music experience.
