The 1975's 'At Their Very Best' Tour hit Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena like a hurricane last night, leaving a trail of ecstatic fans in its wake. The atmosphere at a 1975 concert is oh-so distinct. From the line-up outside to that first breath of excitement in the chatter-filled arena, it’s like a time machine to the 90s and Y2K. Platform boots, baggy jeans, glitter and never-ending black, their 80s-inspired sound has certainly found its audience. Many donned merch from their very first tour - not uncommon within this dedicated fandom. Cardboard signs with inside jokes in the hopes Matty Healy might notice floated atop the mosh pit. Lead singer Healy and his long-time bandmates Adam Hann, George Daniel and Ross MacDonald prove beyond a shadow of a doubt before even hitting the stage they are not only true masters of their craft, but a force to be reckoned with.

American singer-songwriter Wallice opened the night with her Indie-rock meets bedroom pop sound. Her musical style a mix of Gayle and Beabadoobie, her setlist flowed on the softer side. Wallice is the perfect example of the re-emerging love for 90s-esque artists, with fans scattered throughout the arena showing their love for the Los Angeles native. There’s no doubt she earned new admirers by the end of her set with her cool and carefree soft-grunge appeal.

Before The 1975 grace the stage on this tour, there are two things that take place. The first, Elvis Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’ plays in full. The second, we are met with a big, bold spotlight in the centre of their home-like set along with live video-footage of the band in their dressing room as they make their way to the stage. This time though, Healy appeared sleeping in a moving bed. As he awoke, the fans erupted in cheers and screams. Yawning and checking his phone from out of the sheets, he sat up and proceeded to put on his black button-up shirt for the night. Once the bed reached the side of the stage, Healy said with another cheeky yawn, “Hello, Sydney!” and the crowd lost it.

From the first notes of ‘When We Are Together’ to the final chords of ‘Give Yourself A Try," the band was firing on all cylinders, delivering hit after hit with an energy and intensity that left fans breathless. Healy himself was an emotional force, albeit melancholic, with an undeniable charisma that had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.

I’ve noticed this tour they have consistently opened with a calmer number, creating a more emotional connection with their audience, before jumping into their upbeat pieces. The setlist, which changes every night, has consistently been focused on love and all its trials and tribulations. You can feel this in Healy’s demeanour throughout the entire show. He is never vacant, but always feeling, and sometimes so deeply you find yourself lost in his eyes, wondering what’s going on beneath the surface.

Their latest album Being Funny in a Foreign Language has clearly become as loved as their earlier and most popular works of the past. ‘I’m in Love With You’ and ‘Oh Caroline’ had fans singing so loud it was almost hard to hear Healy. But ‘About You’ has taken on what feels like the same iconic status as ‘Robbers’ or ‘Somebody Else’. The dedication the crowd had to their newer work shows that consistently staying true to their sound and vulnerability means they’re only going to continue growing stronger with each album.

Hits like ‘If You’re Too Shy’ and ‘She’s American’ had the entire stadium dancing. But it’s during ‘The Sound’ where the ground literally shakes as Healy famously has everyone jump during the grand guitar solo. It really is a surreal experience, being surrounded by so many strangers who bond as deeply as you do within this 4 minutes and eight seconds of pure bliss. It’s one of the many reasons why after nine years I have never failed to attend a tour.

Healy treated the audience to an acapella cover of ‘I Want it that Way’ by the Backstreet Boys, pointing to different sides of the arena, guiding them on when to sing each part. More fun moments between Healy and the crowd followed throughout the night. Before ‘Somebody Else,’ Healy apologised to the crowd saying “Sorry about this next one guys, we gotta do it, it’s part of the night. DON’T TEXT YOUR EX.” The crowd laughed at his attempt to throw us off. He continued, “Don’t go to a ‘75 show then text your ex.” Words of wisdom right there.

But it wasn't just Healy's show - the entire band was firing on all cylinders, with each member contributing their own unique flair and style. Most notably new addition Polly Money with her heavenly vocals and long-time 1975 saxophonist John Waugh. From the intricate guitar work of Adam Hann to the thundering rhythms of drummer George Daniel, the effortless musicianship on display was truly world-class.

What really set this show apart, however, was the sense of community and connection that permeated the entire arena. From everybody screaming "I don’t wanna be your friend, I wanna kiss your neck” during ‘fallingforyou’, to yelling “selling petrol” during ‘It’s Not Living if It’s Not With You’ (die-hards will know exactly what I'm talking about) the unity is next level. Fans of all ages, genders and backgrounds came together to sing, dance, and celebrate their love of The 1975, creating a truly magical atmosphere that fans will no doubt hold onto.

From their first Sydney gig in 2014 at the Oxford Art Factory to now, fans’ love for The 1975 has only continued to grow. Even Matty mid-show asked for the lights to be turned on and his spotlight turned off, so everyone was on an equal level. He looked out in awe, saying “I don’t know how to play venues like this. Sometimes, I get obnoxious with it. We started this at 13 and we never meant to do this, we just loved it.” One of his most enduring qualities is his sense of humbleness and gratitude, which is as prominent as his rock-star status; a rarity in the industry.

The 1975's ‘At Their Very Best’ showcased not just a band, but best friends at the very top of their game and a fanbase that is beyond devoted. Even though they didn’t bring along the house-set they had during their UK leg of the tour, The 1975 do not need any bells and whistles to make their shows spectacular. If you have the chance to see this tour for yourself, don't hesitate - it's an experience I can promise you will never forget.