LIVE REVIEW: Olly Murs, Newcastle - May 2025
By Maisy Stewart
photos and writing by maisy stewart
If there’s one thing Olly Murs knows how to do, it’s throw a party — and on May bank holiday weekend in Newcastle, he did exactly that. Returning to the stage with his trademark charm, cheeky grin, and boundless energy, Murs kicked off his May 2025 show at the Utilita Arena with an absolute bang.
From the very first notes of ‘Trouble’, the energy in the room shifted. It was instant — thousands of fans leapt to their feet as the beat dropped, dancing and singing as if they'd been waiting for this exact moment for years. It was a bold opener, but Murs didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them.
Without missing a beat, he launched into a string of beloved hits — ‘Right Place Right Time’, ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’, ‘Thinking of Me’, and ‘Oh My Goodness’ — each met with deafening cheers and an army of voices singing back every word. There’s something timeless about his earlier tracks; they bring a sense of nostalgia, but still hit with freshness, thanks in no small part to Murs’ infectious energy and effortless connection with the crowd.
But it wasn’t all just polished pop perfection. One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Murs decided to ditch the stage altogether. Mid-set, he disappeared from the spotlight — only to reappear in the standing stalls, microphone in hand and surrounded by stunned (and delighted) fans. With a knowing grin, he launched into a surprise cover of The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, instantly turning the arena into one massive pub-style sing-along. It was loud, chaotic, utterly joyful — and pure Olly.
After making his way back to the stage (but not before grabbing a few selfies along the way), he kept the hits coming. ‘Dear Darling’ brought a quieter, more emotional moment to the set, while ‘Heart Skips a Beat’ reignited the party vibe, with fans bouncing and dancing like they never wanted it to end.
And then, after the encore, just when it felt like things couldn't get any better, Murs gave the crowd what they were all secretly waiting for: ‘Dance With Me Tonight’. Hands waved from every corner of the arena, and for those final few minutes, it genuinely felt like the entire venue was united in one big, glittering, feel-good finale. It was the perfect closer — joyful, high-energy, and unmistakably Olly.
It’s easy to forget how long Murs has been doing this, but nights like this one prove he’s not just still here — he’s thriving. He doesn’t rely on spectacle alone; he connects, he entertains, and above all, he makes people feel good. In a world that feels increasingly heavy, an Olly Murs show is pure, unfiltered joy — and judging by the grins on people’s faces as they spilt out into the Newcastle night, it’s exactly what we all needed.
