McBusted

For all their supposed nerves, apprehension and self-confessed arrogance of putting on an 11-date arena tour, supergroup McBusted reeked of success before they'd even announced their grand plan. It now seems like an inevitable chapter, perfectly timed and a move that has brought their collective story full circle.

Back in 2005 when Charlie Simpson ditched pop for alt-rock leaving Busted bandmates Matt Willis and James Bourne up shit creek without a second guitarist, it must've been a tough blow for McFly's Tom Fletcher. Having been 'cast' in the original line-up, the label then settled on a three-piece assigning him only songwriting duties instead.

However, the demise left a McFly-shaped gap in the market for a new outfit to pick up where their 'big brother' finished and Fletcher was given his moment in the spotlight. Now he's back in that original band - sort of - realising the pinnacle of both group's lifetimes.

Just consider McBusted's arsenal. Here's a six-piece (comprising Bourne, Willis, Fletcher, Dougie Poynter, Danny Jones and Harry Judd) toting two hit-laden back catalogues attracting a double-strength legion of fans. Little wonder they were able to stage a whopping live production complete with Back to the Future-style car in which they make their entrance.

Live at the O2 and Tourplay (on DVD and downloadable) presents one such glorious concert featuring Busted classics What I Go To School For, Year 3000, Air Hostess and Crashed the Wedding (complete with bridal garb). Reinforcing the setlist, there's McFly's 5 Colours in Her Hair, Obviously and All About You. Plus a cover of the The Jackson 5's I Want You Back with added dance moves. Every song sounds like it was originally recorded by McBusted. And despite it being years since the lads harboured lustful thoughts about their school teachers or the punky girl in class, it works.

Willis even states in the commentary that 'being cool' is not on their agenda - and he's right. It never was on the table so why should that change now? Even though most of McBusted are settled down, they're still card-carrying scamps, not taking themselves too seriously, and reaping the rewards of that refusal to deviate beyond recognition.

Supplementing the live show is a documentary about the great pop merger and tour rehearsals, peppered with reflective and slightly schmaltzy interviews offering an insight into life on a road once again travelled. From quite sweet moments - such as Bourne climbing aboard the tour bus genuinely appearing to have 'come home' after his hiatus, and wide-eyed flashes of them discovering the scale and detail of their epic stage set - to backstage banter about their tattoo roulette game, it makes for a story both fans and band will revel in for a while.

Is this the best boyband ever, poses one television presenter in a montage of promo clips? Well, obviously.

Check out the exclusive Music-News.com press conference clips below.