Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington
Photo credit: Olly Murs Instagram
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 15 years since Olly Murs first burst onto our screens as the cheeky Essex lad on The X Factor in 2009. Finishing runner-up to Joe McElderry didn’t slow him down — in fact, it launched a pop career that’s seen him notch up chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and an army of devoted fans. As Olly celebrates this milestone with his 15 Years of Hits tour.
Over his career, Olly Murs has released seven studio albums, with four of them reaching No.1 on the UK Albums Chart. His consistent chart success, including multiple platinum-selling records, has firmly established him as one of the UK’s most popular male solo artists of the past 15 years.
Tonight Olly Murs showed he isn’t going anywhere – and what a way to mark 15 incredible years in music! His “15 Years of Hits – Live 2025” tour rolled into Newcastle with all the charm, cheek, and energy we’ve come to love from the Essex star. From the moment Olly bounced onto the stage, the crowd was on its feet, ready for a night packed with feel-good tunes, singalongs, and a hefty dose of nostalgia. With a hit-stacked setlist, flawless vocals, and even a little help from pop favourites Blue, this wasn’t just a concert — it was a full-blown celebration. And trust me, Olly knows exactly how to throw a party.
Supporting Olly on this epic tour were none other than Blue, and they brought all the early 2000s nostalgia you could ask for. It’s rare to see a full house out ready for the support act, yet tonight here they were. In my opinion they could sell out and headline this arena themselves on any day.. The crowd loved every second as they belted out classics like All Rise, Fly By, and U Make Me Wanna. There was a real moment when they slowed things down with Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word — their Elton John cover still hits hard live. From Bubblin’ to Curtain Falls and One Love, Blue reminded everyone why they were once topping the charts. And just when you thought they were done, Breathe Easy and Too Close wrapped up their set perfectly, leaving the crowd buzzing and more than ready for Olly to hit the stage.
When Olly Murs hit the stage, it was game on. He kicked things off with the infectious Troublemaker and instantly whipped the crowd into a frenzy. It was hit after hit as he powered through fan favourites like Right Place Right Time, Please Don’t Let Me Go, and Thinking of Me, each one sounding as fresh as the day we first heard them. The energy never dipped as he continued. By the time Dear Darlin’, Never Been Better, Heart Skips a Beat, Wrapped Up, and Save Me rolled around, Olly had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand and showed just what a great performer he still remains.
I couldn’t believe Olly is 40 years old in only a couple of weeks time, not only from the energy he produced or the ripped body (if you’ve seen his Instagram photos) but his younger looking face. With his age though he brought he lovely section of his set dedicated to some of his favourite 80s music. A brilliant mash-up of classics like I’m Your Man, Never Gonna Give You Up, Livin’ On A Prayer, Beat It, Careless Whisper, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), and I’m So Excited turned the night into a full-on party.
Olly wasn’t content just owning the stage — he was also off running around the Utilita Arena, working every corner of the crowd like the ultimate showman.
Olly had the crowd laughing when he joked about being a little worried how he’d be received in Newcastle — after all, this is the city where two Geordies, Joe McElderry and Cheryl Cole, famously beat him on The X Factor! But any worries were clearly unfounded, as the Newcastle crowd welcomed him with open arms. It was a brilliant, self-deprecating moment that showed Olly’s trademark humour and reminded everyone why he’s such a likeable performer.