They are from a continent called “down there”, but they are one of those Australian musicians who, despite the remoteness and small size of their country, managed to conquer the world music scene. Conquering the top of the music charts around the world, they are the recipients of a number of awards. 5 Seconds Of Summer are the first Australian musicians to have 3 albums at number one on the Billboard 200. They are also, among other things, the first Australian music group to have their first 3 albums at the top of the charts in America. It is also interesting that 4 documentaries have been made about them so far.
For the giant concert spectacle 5 Seconds Of Summer will bring stage equipment to Slovenia capitol Ljubljana in eight tow trucks and the team will come with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they will also have 2 large lasers to perfectly stage the concert spectacle. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also bring their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers will have to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They will also need as much as 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.
They have performed almost all over the world and during last weeks they are on a 2022 world tour in Europe, North America and Australia. As part of this, they are coming to Ljubljana for the first time on 6th May, to the Stožice Hall.

What are you most looking forward to and are you happy to meet Slovenian fans?
It’s always amazing to be able to go to a country for the first time. To experience the fans’ excitement especially after we have released so much music. It’s a huge opportunity for us to be able to soak in the culture and create a special night for the people who deserve it most.
Does your tour schedule consist only of concerts and hotels or can you sometimes take some time, for example, to explore the place where you are performing or have fun?
After being away from touring of nearly two years the band has totally changed its view on touring. We know for a fact we will be out exploring as much as we can of Slovenia as it’s such a huge blessing!
You have been a band since 2011. How have you changed in the meantime? You are older, more mature and have more life experience.
We have always prided ourselves on our willingness to evolve. Every album, tour and life cycle of this band is one where we can grow as musicians. This show were putting on is by far the most forward thinking of them all. We will continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of creating greatness.

The first ten years are behind you. Do you want to be on the scene as a band for decades? Do you see yourself as the Rolling Stones or Smokie, both of whom have been performing for over 45 years?
That is the plan! The outlook and mission statement of the band has been totally simplified. We love to do what we do and there are people who resonate with that. We want to be a multi-generational band. One where we can span over decades of time and one that is fruitful as much for the fans as it is for the band.
The group is involved in many charitable projects and organizations. Do you think that today, based on the general or current situation in the world, it is necessary for celebrities to get involved in charity and other humanitarian campaigns?
We created a non-profit organization called Friends of Friends a few years ago. We realize the amount of reach and influence this band has and we want to be able to project an environment where people are humane and empathic. It’s important for us to be able to give back to those who are in need.

The tour is named after your latest hit single Take my hand. Does it have an even more concrete and deeper meaning, not just as the title of the song?
Take My Hand is totally introspective. It’s a message to your past and present self from the form of your higher self. One that can be understood at any stage of life and circumstance. It’s a song you go to, to find hope.
When there are no tours or studio sessions etc what do you do in your free time? What do you do when you’re just relaxing at home?
We’re all currently based out of LA. We’ve created a home that’s filled with people we love, space to quieten within and projects we thrive to accomplish! It’s a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with ourselves!
Photo: 5SOS archive