McFly vs Busted

Kerri Hammond

I want to start by saying that in some ways this is an unfair comparison but nevertheless I will be comparing my experiences at the two live performances of Busted and McFly!

Firstly, in July 2025, my daughter Lillia and I along with tens of thousands of others made our way to Portman Road for the Ed Sheeran “Home Coming” concert. We attended the Saturday night (12th July) as the supporting act was Busted.

They played a forty five minute set and in my opinion it was the best three quarters of an hour of the whole night. Starting with “Crashed the Wedding” & “Air Hostess” and finishing with my favourite Busted song “Year 3000”. Matt Willis, Charlie Simpson & James Bourne entertained us energetically from start to finish and warmed up the crowd brilliantly for Ed.

Unfortunately, we only had standing tickets however, we were allowed to use the lower level pitch seating which enhanced our night immensely. There were lots of food vendors outside the pitch and an abundance of portaloos.

Last week my husband & daughters attended Forest Live along with around eight thousand others. It was a beautiful relaxed venue with food vendors around the circumference, plenty of porta loos and families enjoying picnics.

Remember Monday & Twin Atlantic were the supporting acts and then McFly took to the stage, Harry Judd, Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher & Danny Jones started the evening off with “Where Did All The Guitars Go” and the evening progressed with all their hits including “Star Girl”, "Obviously" and “All About You”. The surprise (& actually for me the highlight) of the night was the medley of “Everybody Knows”, “Livin On A Prayer”, “Pink Pony Club”, What Makes You Beautiful”, “I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)”, “Radio GaGa”, “Twist & Shout” which everyone enjoyed. The finale was “Five Colours in her hair.” The evening was thoroughly enjoyable and we all loved it.

Now the age old debate who are better McFly or Busted, my conclusion really pivots on what definitions you use for best. McFly undoubtedly have the very best vocals the harmonies between Tom & Danny are second to none; the members also appear to really like each other and that comes across in their performance. Busted however had the best stage presence and the better songs, I knew pretty much all of the set and sang along enthusiastically.

I would have loved to have seen McBusted and then I wouldn't have to choose who I prefer however this would then have been a pointless blog!

And so if I could only see one of these boy bands again I would choose...........

Busted!