JLS kicked off their The Club Is Alive Tour 2025 in spectacular style at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, bringing with them a night full of nostalgia, energy, and pure joy.
Before the main event, English singer-songwriter and rapper Example took to the stage and immediately set the tone for the evening. His explosive energy and powerful vocals filled the Hydro, instantly getting the crowd in the mood for a party. Example commanded the stage effortlessly, interacting with fans and keeping everyone jumping to every beat.
The standout moment of his set came with his 2011 No.1 hit “Changed the Way You Kiss Me” — as soon as those opening chords hit, the crowd went wild and the entire arena was bouncing. If you’re looking for a performer who knows how to get the party started, Example is your guy.
Then, the club truly came alive. JLS appeared at the top of the stage in their trademark cool style, the iconic JLS logo lighting up behind them as they launched into their massive hit — and tour namesake — “The Club Is Alive.” The energy was electric as the lights came up and the crowd erupted. The party kept going with “Do You Feel What I Feel,” as fans sang, danced, and cheered along to every beat.
The show radiated light, love, and pure entertainment, with infectious energy flowing between the band and their fans. Despite Aston Merrygold’s recent injury during rehearsals, which meant he couldn’t take part in the trademark choreography, he still shone with his charismatic stage presence and flawless vocals. Dressed in a denim jacket emblazoned with “Backflips on Hold” and supported by diamanté crutches, he gave the crowd his signature cheeky grin and wave — a real crowd-pleaser moment.
For many fans, the night was a beautiful trip down memory lane. Tracks like “Day One,” from their 2021 album JLS 2.0, reminded everyone how far the band and their fans have come together. Other highlights included Marvin Humes’ surprise DJ set, spinning early-to-mid-2000s classics from Miley Cyrus, Flo Rida, Usher, Beyoncé, and more — instantly transporting the crowd back to their youth.
Of course, no JLS show would be complete without “Everybody in Love.” As the boys returned for the encore, the entire arena lit up with smiles, voices, and waving hands — a euphoric finale that perfectly captured what JLS are all about: fun, friendship, and connection.
From the dazzling staging and lighting to the nostalgic hits and slick dance moves, this was a show bursting with heart and energy. The Club Is Alive — and so, clearly, are JLS.
Photographs & Review by Ashleigh Maitland
