Pop sensations Five kicked off their long-awaited Keep On Movin’ arena tour on Wednesday night at a sold-out Utilita Arena in Cardiff, delivering what fans described as a “trip down memory lane.”
Reuniting for their first tour in 25 years, Abz Love, J Brown, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson and Sean Conlon had the crowd on their feet from the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes of hit single Slam Dunk filled the arena. The 90-minute show featured a string of fan favourites, including Keep On Movin’ and Let’s Dance, keeping the energy high throughout.
“Never in our wildest dreams could me and the guys have imagined we’d share a stage again. It really does show that at the end of the day love conquers everything,” said J Brown.
Formed in 1997, Five were the only UK act to secure a top 10 single with all 11 of their releases, including three number ones. Their double-platinum debut album topped the official charts in 1998, but the band split in 2001.
Reflecting on their enduring appeal, Sean Conlon said: “Back in the 1990s when we made this genre of pop, people didn’t expect for it to mean so much to so many people 25 years on. This is absolutely incredible.”
J Brown added: “The love and the bond that these five dudes have, and everything we’ve been through together, has made this possible. It’s beautiful.”
Following Cardiff, the band will return to the city on 2 November, after dates in Brighton and Bournemouth. Their UK tour has already seen the initial 12 shows sell out within three hours. The confirmed 2025 setlist, shared on Spotify, includes hits such as If Ya Gettin’ Down, Everybody Get Up and international smash When The Lights Go Out.
Fans were effusive in their praise. Jaylo Miles and Sienna Yates described the concert as “very nostalgic” and said “Cardiff did themselves proud.”
Mr Miles, 40, admitted he “never thought it would happen again” and that the show made him feel 15 once more. “It was pretty magical. I relived some real childhood memories… I still think Five could be six with me in it,” he said. He also praised the band for being “very interactive, constantly waving and saluting, which made me feel special.”
Both Mr Miles and Ms Yates, who have autism, said they felt “accepted and not judged” at the concert. Sienna added: “It was a really good night and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The band were honest and down to earth. Being a fan for 28 years, it was amazing seeing them altogether, especially after they matured. It was a trip down memory lane.”
