"Olly Murs-ical Magic: Pop’s Cheeky Chappy Brings the Hits and Hype to Wembley"
- Alan Bryce
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
WEMBLEY AVO ARENA, 18TH MAY 2025
WORDS AND IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
Olly Murs has been a significant figure in UK music and television for over a decade—and rightly so. He’s a talented singer, a dynamic performer, and a first-class presenter who brings charm and cheek to every project he touches.
Murs first rose to fame on the 2009 series of The X Factor, where, despite finishing as runner-up, he proved that you don’t have to win the show to win the nation’s heart. From there, he launched a chart-smashing music career, quickly becoming a mainstay in the world of British pop and entertainment.
After The X Factor, Murs signed with Simon Cowell’s SYCO label and spent the early part of 2010 recording his debut album. His first single, "Please Don’t Let Me Go," was released in August that year and debuted at number one in the UK charts. His self-titled debut album, Olly Murs, followed in November and hit number two on the UK album chart.
He followed up with the 2011 release of In Case You Didn’t Know, which topped the album charts and earned triple platinum status. Murs returned in 2012 with Right Place, Right Time, which also claimed the number one spot and delivered five hit singles, including the infectious chart-topper "Troublemaker." The momentum continued with a fourth album in 2014 and a fifth in 2016, both of which were warmly received and commercially successful.
By 2018, Murs had switched labels and released You Know I Know, a dual-sided collection of new songs and greatest hits, featuring collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Shaggy, and songwriting from Ed Sheeran. Though it peaked at number two, it demonstrated Murs’ staying power and musical range.
Then came a brief pause. After You Know I Know, Murs admitted he'd lost his creative spark—until he met now-wife Amelia Tank, who reignited his passion for music. Their relationship inspired his latest album, Marry Me, released in December 2022. The record became his fifth number-one album and marked a personal and artistic resurgence.
Now, in 2025, Olly Murs is celebrating 15 years in the industry with his 15 Years of Hits Tour. It’s a greatest hits celebration, a career retrospective, and a full-blown party rolled into one—and tonight’s show at the OVO Arena Wembley proves why Murs is still one of the UK’s most beloved entertainers.
Adding extra sparkle to the evening is the support act: none other than early 2000s pop royalty, BLUE. The boy band kicked off the night with a storming 10-song set that had the crowd dancing from the word go. Their performance included singalong classics like "All Rise" and "One Love," and a touching rendition of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" that showcased their vocal strength and nostalgic charm. They’ve still got it—and then some.
When Olly Murs finally bounds onto the stage, he’s met with a deafening roar. He opens with "Troublemaker," and instantly, the entire arena is on its feet, singing every word. He follows up with "Right Place, Right Time," and it’s clear we’re in for a night of relentless pop energy and polished showmanship.
Backed by a tight, funky live band and a trio of powerhouse backing vocalists, Olly effortlessly moves through a setlist packed with hits. "Kiss Me," "Army of Two," and "Dance with Me Tonight" hit all the right notes, combining infectious hooks with that signature Murs charm. There’s a special moment during "Up," originally a duet with Demi Lovato, where one of his backing singers joins him for a soulful and heartfelt performance—arguably one of the vocal highlights of the night.
Midway through, Olly shifts gears with a medley from Marry Me, his latest album, revealing a more mature and reflective side. But it’s not long before he launches into what might be the night’s most joyous segment: a high-octane '80s medley, complete with hits from Wham!, Rick Astley, and Bon Jovi.
Here, Olly really lets loose. He leaves the stage and parades through the crowd, shaking hands, taking selfies, and giving out high fives to stunned fans. It’s part rock concert, part house party, and all vintage Murs.
The production is a spectacle: flashing lights, bursts of smoke, blasts of fake snow, a full-scale travellator, and massive video walls flashing highlights from Olly’s 15-year career. We see clips of his early X Factor days, behind-the-scenes tour footage, and heartfelt messages to fans. It’s emotional, celebratory, and perfectly timed.
One of the most touching moments comes when Olly dedicates "Dear Darling" to his late friend Caroline Flack, with whom he co-hosted The X Factor final at this very venue. You can feel the emotion in the room, and it’s a poignant reminder of the ups and downs behind the glitz.
As the night nears its end, Olly teases a brand-new song, "Save Me"—a ska-tinged, Two-Tone-inspired anthem that hints at a fresh musical direction. It’s upbeat, bold, and a perfect bridge between old and new. He closes the night, of course, with "Dance with Me Tonight", sending the crowd into a final euphoric frenzy.
Olly Murs delivers a show that’s big, brash, heartwarming, and full of soul. His vocals are strong, his energy is infectious, and his connection with the audience—young and old—is undeniable. The diversity of the crowd is testament to his universal appeal, and the joy on their faces confirms it: Olly Murs still knows exactly how to entertain.
Fifteen years in, and Murs is still moving in the right place at exactly the right time.
SET LIST
1/ Troublemaker
2/ Right Place Right Time
3/ Please Don't Let Me Go
4/ Thinking of Me
5/ vOh My Goodness
6/ Kiss Me
7/ Army of Two
8/ Hand on Heart
9/ Up
(With Katie Holmes-Smith)
10/ Die of a Broken Heart / I Found Her / Dancing on Cars / I Hate You When You’re Drunk
11/ Seasons
12/ You Don't Know Love
13/ I'm Your Man / Never Gonna Give You Up / Livin' On A Prayer / Beat It / Careless Whisper / I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) / I'm So Excited
14/ Dear Darlin'
15/ Never Been Better
(With John and Darren backing singers)
16/ Heart Skips a Beat
17/ Wrapped Up
18/ Save Me
(Unreleased)
Encore:
19/ Dance With Me Tonight
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