Australian pop-rock sensation 5 Seconds of Summer have opened up about how being branded the 'worst band in the world' ultimately became a surprising advantage for their career. The confession comes as the quartet celebrates the release of their ambitious new album, 'Everyone's A Star', and announces extensive global touring plans for 2026.
From Critical Punchline to Creative Power
Back in 2015, music publication NME awarded the group the dubious honour of 'Worst Band in the World' for three consecutive years. Rather than letting this criticism derail them, the band – consisting of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin – used it as fuel. Drummer Ashton Irwin told NME he now believes it is "foolish to allow any emotional damage to happen in the world of pop."
Guitarist Michael Clifford offered a refreshing perspective, revealing the label was actually "a blessing" in disguise. "We knew we were going to be around for a long time and we're as strong as ever now," he stated. The experience fostered a new sense of empathy, with Michael adding, "Now, whenever we look at any new artist who is thrown under the bus, I’m always rooting for those people."
Reclaiming the 'Boyband' Label with New Music
The band's newfound resilience is central to their recently released album, 'Everyone's A Star', which dropped on November 14. Tracks like 'NOT OK', 'Telephone Busy', and 'Boyband' see the group confidently redefining perceptions. Bassist Calum Hood admitted he once found the term "boyband" to be "a little belittling," but the band has since worked to "reclaim the power of what that is."
Michael Clifford echoed this sentiment, explaining, "The fun part of being a boyband is for us to redefine what it is... we would play in pubs and do all of the things that typical bands would do." This album represents their mission to become a "bulletproof" and "larger than life" version of themselves.
The 'Most Ambitious' World Tour is Coming
Fresh off the album's release, 5SOS are channelling this energy into their live shows. Lead vocalist Luke Hemmings promised they are "turning up the dial" for their forthcoming global tour, which he vows will be their "biggest, most ambitious" yet, declaring enthusiastically, "The limit does not exist!"
The massive 2026 world tour will kick off in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the SSE Arena on March 25. The UK and Ireland leg includes major shows in:
- Dublin
- Glasgow
- Birmingham
- London
- Manchester
- Cardiff
Following the UK dates, the band will take their show across Europe, with stops planned in Norway, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. The tour then moves to North America, with performances in cities including New York, Texas, Atlanta, and California, before wrapping up with a series of five gigs in Australia and New Zealand towards the end of the year.
