Gig review: Little Mix at Spark Arena

Little Mix at the Spark Arena in Auckland. Photo / Garry Brandon

Experiencing the Little Mix concert was what can only be described as a light-bulb moment.

Surrounded by 10 to 16 year-olds, I - for the first time in my 27 years - felt old. Really old.

After a restless hour-long wait after the support act Zoe Badwi, we listened to what I can only assume was the entire Top 40 countdown before sleepy teens finally perked up in their seats when silhouettes of their "sassy" idols appeared on stage.

As Little Mix walked onto their marks for their first song Power, I experienced true 90's girl band hysteria and witnessed tears flow down the faces of my fellow concert goers.

Perrie Edwards as she came on stage for the opening number. Photo / Garry Brandon

It didn't take me long to get totally on board with what was happening. I was soon belting out all the lyrics without even realising I was doing it and giving die hard fans a real run for their money.

The atmosphere was electric and the girls commanded the stage, knowing exactly what their young audience wanted - even poking fun at the "awkward dads" at the show - and the crowd were loving every moment.

When Perrie Edwards grabbed the microphone to chat to the crowd, we were all eagerly anticipating her shout out to New Zealand, where she spent part of her childhood.

"Some people don't know, but I actually spent a few years living in New Zealand," she announced.

And that was it.

The crowd, though visibly disappointed with her tribute, still played their part when told "I can't hear you Auckland" for the 10th time that evening.

I was so entranced by the divas and their impeccable choreography and singing, I almost didn't notice how uncomfortable it was to watch 10-year-old fans sing about faking an orgasm during Shout Out to My Ex.

But I did notice. And it was uncomfortable. Especially for the "awkward dads".

I was a little confused about what demographic they were actually performing for; some of their dance moves made me feel like I was watching four dominatrixes perform at a Wiggles concert.

But aside from this, I loved it, everybody loved it. Even the dads had to admit they loved it too.

Little Mix on stage at their Auckland concert. Photo / Garry Brandon