The Wanted

photo: W Dallian

The Wanted, on the last stop of the Canadian portion of their tour, sold out the Orpheum last night to a host of loyal fans...

photo: W Dallian

The Wanted, on the last stop of the Canadian portion of their tour, sold out the Orpheum last night to a host of loyal fans most of whom were in their early 20s. The Internet figures more and more prominently in today’s society so when prompted, it wasn’t surprising to discover that many of the audience members were first introduced to this band from across the pond, through online music videos and music-based chat-lines.

photo: W Dallian

This night, to find so many like-minded fans in the same place at the same time was clearly an invigorating experience. For many of the audience members it was the first time in such an upscale theatre as well, which only proved to heighten that experience. As the clock ticked its countdown to show time and the excitement mounted, the energy in the building expanded to eject a large group of young adults on the balcony level out of their seats, to the great delight to the viewers below, and into formation for an impromptu line-dance to the piped in music. 

photo: W Dallian

Minutes later the lights dimmed and the band burst onto the stage.

photos: W Dallian

The Wanted’s set list was a positive blend of love songs and playful, flirtatious audience interaction, which set many to screams of rapture when they were singled out from the crowd. They guys were on their game and they knew it, in the most delightful way.

photos: W Dallian

Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Max George, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker utilized the stage to the best of their ability and while there were no choreographed dance numbers or coordinated moves, they were all very aware of the others’ position on stage and were quick to fill in the gaps so every section of screaming fans had someone up close. 

photos: W Dallian

Each band member took a turn at addressing the audience between songs, while the others playfully taunted each other in the background. The songs were divided among them and as each sang their part the others would often mouth the words: a supportive gesture often seen with Japanese entertainers.
They had a nice energy about them that sent up a steady stream of hand hearts, which they were quick to reciprocate.

photos: W Dallian

Sykes, Kaneswaran, George, McGuiness, and Parker took their turn playing to the fans, and at one point in the show, brought six lucky fans onstage to be coddled and wooed up close. The men in the audience were clearly as excited as the women about this gesture, so given the nature of this band it would have been nice to see at least one of those lucky fans a male. 

photos: W Dallian

During We Own the Night the band physically fell to their knees, which sent the audience to raptures once again. McGuiness asked the audience if they were done yet to which they screamed, “No!”. They then lit into the final act of their show, which culminated in an ovation that showcased their hit, I’m Glad You Came.

photo: W Dallian

The Wanted is a band of young men who clearly realize the level of their charisma and its full potential. Their music is fun and engaging, and their fan base is strong and rapidly growing because, as is the glory with boy bands, there is literally something for everyone.