Busted – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre

By Rachel Crow, September 2024

“It’s been an awesome summer!” Yes, Mr Willis indeed it has!

That’s Matt Willis of Busted who are in Scarborough closing out another fantastic season at the Open Air Theatre.

For once the British weather is on our side, it’s dry and mild and the venue is bursting at the seams with people who’ve turned up early to watch support from Soap and rising indie stars Skinny Living.

It’s just after 9pm when pop punk outfit Busted take to the stage with a rousing rendition of 2004 hit Air Hostess. The crowd are loud, oh so loud, and the Brit Award-winning trio are ready for a great night.

“Barely aged”

It’s a high-energy set featuring old favourites like ‘What I Go To School For’, ‘Sleeping With The Light On’, ‘You Said No’, ‘Thunderbirds’ and ‘Crashed The Wedding’, alongside newer offerings like ‘Loser Kid’ and ‘Good One’, but the 6,000 capacity crowd are with them every step of the way.

Watching them bound around the stage like mischievous teenagers its hard to believe they’re celebrating 20 years in the business. And as they round out an electrifying night with fan favourite Year 3000 I can’t help wondering if they really are time travellers, they’ve barely aged in the last two devades!

Phew! What a night! What a gig and what a way to end the SOAT season! I love this venue, for me, it’s one if the best if it’s kind in the country so I can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store for next year.

images: Cuffe & Taylor