McFly are Number 1

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A boy band lives in dog years, expected to survive a fraction as long as its non-manufactured counterparts, so all credit to McFly for being the last lads standing.

Of course, Westlife and Take That are still spinning around in formation, but only McFly still look as if they have arrived at their concerts straight from detention, and only McFly still induce the terrifying, ear-melting screams of teenage abandon.

It is risky to build a fan-base almost entirely from hysterical schoolgirls, for whom yesterday's idols can so quickly become the worst in the world, but after three albums and three years, still they squeal.

Last night's relatively intimate show, at the 2,000-capacity Astoria, signalled anything but a change in fortunes. It was the last date of a massive 34-night tour, and yet another gig at Wembley Arena has already been announced for December.

The quartet, still almost as young as their fans, looked far from tired of the adulation. Bassist Dougie Poynter, 19, draped a growing collection of knickers on his microphone stand. Guitarist Danny Jones took great pleasure in towelling off his sweaty chest and hurling the damp results to the baying mob.

They also seemed thrilled to be able to rough up their sound for a proper rock venue, letting the guitars feed back and knocking over microphones while they bounded around every corner of the stage.

If their hearts seemed to lie in a highspirited cover of the Beastie Boys' Fight For Your Right, they brought just as much energy to original tracks such as I'll Be OK and Please Please.

Yet although Jones's current shaggy hairstyle makes him look like Razorlight Junior, and an elaborate tattoo was visible on Poynter's upper arm, there is no sign of the band following their predecessors, Busted, and splitting in order to make serious, boring rock.

It's far more likely that second guitarist Tom Fletcher will abandon them to star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The apple-cheeked stage school veteran's turn at the piano for Bubblewrap provided the evening's lone lull.

Otherwise, it was high-speed fun all the way, twangy surf guitars, great vocal harmonies and numerous singalong moments. With clear natural musical and songwriting ability, they are a band first and boys second. That may not keep the girls screaming but should ensure a career that lasts a lot longer than their haircuts.

by David Smyth, Evening Standard  09.05.07

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