It's often the fans behind a band that drives the band's success and fuels their motivation in today's music industry. While some bands might take this for granted, Australian rock band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) has taken this very seriously, forming a unique relationship with their fans through their music, concerts, tours, and personalities. In return, the 5SOS fans are some of the most committed who are willing to go the extra mile for the boys to do whatever it takes to ensure the band gets to the top of their career.

I have seen 5SOS perform multiple times in concert and every single time I'm left in awe of one thing: the relationship between the band and their fans. I run a 5SOS account on twitter (@5SOSSTPAUL) dedicated to the boys and fans from the Minnesota area, and it has especially been one of my favorite aspects of the fandom and social media. I have absolutely loved connecting with other fans who are extremely dedicated, persistent, strong, united and so supportive.

It's been truly remarkable to see what a band can do for their fans and vice versa. So many 5SOS fans share a strong love for the band and are willing to travel to different cities and states just to get a glimpse of the four boys and to hear their favorite songs performed live. After 5SOS' recent concert on the Sounds Live Feels Live (SLFL) in St. Paul, MN, I wanted to put together something to give back to both the band and fandom that mean so much to me by sharing some of those fans' dedication. In this article, meet some of the biggest 5SOS fans.

Introducing:

Laurel, age 27, twitter: @mplsfangirl - from Shakopee, Minnesota

Laurel is a huge 5SOS fan who has been to 15 5SOS shows all within the past three years. She has traveled to places like Chicago, Washington D.C., Tinley Park, Camden, Bristow, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, and New York City to see the boys. She said, “I have been traveling for concerts since I was 16. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, to see new places and meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have. I enjoy experiencing life in different places, so it just makes sense to me to mix the two things I love most - concerts and traveling. 5SOS concerts are my happy place. While they are on stage and I am rocking out singing my heart out with them, I can forget about all of the added stress and responsibilities of life. It's a few hours of pure fun, smiles and love from everyone."

Laurel said she loves 5SOS because, "Their music and lyrics mean so much to me. I also love them for what they stand for: loving and accepting everybody."

When 5SOS headlined their first ever concert at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in the heart of New York City, Laurel was there. She said, “As soon as I saw the tour schedule and noticed the the boys were going to be headlining MSG, I knew I couldn’t miss it. I had to cut back on my concerts this year because I’m getting married and weddings are expensive, but I made my fiance promise me that I would be able to do at least two shows on the Sounds Live Feels Live tour.” Laurel ended up being able to go to four SLFL shows and at the concert in St. Paul, MN, she celebrated her bachelorette party.

Mandy, age 21, twitter: @MyCaliSunrise - from Mandan, North Dakota

Mandy recently traveled six hours for SLFL in St. Paul, MN to see 5SOS perform this summer and she will also be attending the Irvine, CA, show which is a six and a half hour flight plus a three hour drive. Mandy is a dedicated fan who is willing to travel for 5SOS because “they are a truly incredible band. All of their music is written by them and they bring so much to the stage. Their music is meant to be performed live and they pride themselves on their live performances so much."

Mandy has spent hours waiting for soundcheck and pit because, "Being at the barricade and being as close as you possibly can to the action is an unbelievable experience. You feel almost extra special because they are close enough to make eye contact and throw you a guitar pick. Waiting for the concert is half the fun, you spend hours with new people who love the band as much as you do. You make new friends and memories that are unforgettable."

Mandy said she loves 5SOS because, "their music helps me realize who I am and who I want to be. I feel empowered to embrace my flaws and work hard for the things I want no matter who tries to tear me down. 5SOS has created an empire of outcasts and made us feel like family. They love us with all of their hearts and we love them even more.”

Melanie, age 17, twitter: @Mel5426 - from Osceola, Wisconsin

Melanie drove to the SLFL show in St. Paul, MN, and waited about seven hours in line to be merely feet away from the band during soundcheck. During the soundcheck experience, Melanie got the chance to talk to 5SOS, and she asked them what their spirit animals are. She said, “It was a once in a lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to talk to the people who are responsible for so much happiness in my life. I can’t put into words how amazing the time was."

Melanie said she loves 5SOS because "Their music always has some kind of message, life motto or relatable lyric that makes you feel like someone else is going through the exact same thing. They also make me laugh in so many ways and always seem to put a smile on my face. I have made so many amazing friends through 5SOS simply because we are going through the same things in life and are all there for each other. It’s remarkable what four people can do for millions.”

Joanna, age 18, twitter: @kindanotjo - from San Diego, California

Joanna flew all the way to Minneapolis, MN for the St. Paul, MN show and will also be attending a show in San Diego, CA this September. She said “I have a strong love for 5SOS and their music so I will always do whatever it takes to support their band as much as possible.” She went to the show in St. Paul in particular because she has two very close internet friends who live there that she met through 5SOS. She said, “I had an incredible trip and experience; I’d see 5SOS on the same tour over and over if money wasn’t a factor. Their live sound is something I would never grow tired of.”

Joanna has waited hours in lines for 5SOS because she considers herself a dedicated fan who doesn’t find it to be unnecessary or an inconvenience. She said “I find it to be extremely worth it just to be even the slightest bit closer to the boys and to make it a part of the whole day’s experience."

Joanna said she is a 5SOS fan because "I appreciate what they stand for as a band, and I want to do something in return for them in the form of support. I find myself often connecting to 5SOS’ music on a deep level because their lyrics and sounds have powerful effects on me in the best way possible. Whether it’s uplifting my spirits or distracting me from any stressful aspects of my life, 5SOS’ music always does the trick."

Skylar, age 16, twitter: @fangirl_skylar - from Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Skylar waited 18 hours at the venue in line for soundcheck because she wanted to be in the front row. She said, “I waited so they could see me and see that I was having the best time of my life. I wanted to show them how happy they make me. I would watch the same performance over and over again, just to watch them have fun onstage and to make me feel the happiness that I felt the first time I saw them. 5SOS have shown me that if you follow your dreams you truly can accomplish anything. Their music tells me that I’m not alone and it always has deep messages to it.”

Cassie, age 16, twitter: @toolukeforyou - from Wisconsin

Cassie has seen 5SOS five times in different cities including Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL. She has traveled a total of 17 hours to see them in the past four years. Shelby said she travels to see the band because “they have never come to Wisconsin, so I obviously have to travel to see them. Plus, traveling with your best friends going to experience something you both love is honestly the best part. You get to jam out to the band’s music for hours and what’s better than that?”

Cassie said she is a 5SOS fan because, "I feel I’ll always have a special connection with them and their music. They have helped me through my hardest times in life and if it wasn’t for them I honestly would not be here to experience the things I have. For example, getting Ashton’s drumsticks, getting Michael and Luke’s guitar picks and getting to meet Luke in a parking garage. They care about their fans so much and it means the world to me that they make music."

Behind every great artist is an even greater fan base. The girls featured in this edition are just a few of the many awesome and dedicated fans that make up the 5SOS world. Each 5SOS fan has their own story to share, and it's truly incredible to learn why each individual supports and loves the band in the way they do. Keep watch for next week's article containing part two!

Follow @5SOSSTPAUL on twitter for additional 5SOS related content, updates and a whole lot of fangirling.