Michael Clifford

Michael Clifford, born on November 20, 1995, in Quakers Hill, Sydney, Australia, is best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of the internationally successful pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS). Formed in 2011, 5SOS quickly became renowned for their energetic performances and catchy tunes, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the pop-punk and alternative rock scenes. ​

Growing up in Sydney, Michael attended Norwest Christian College, where he met future bandmates Calum Hood and Luke Hemmings. Their shared passion for music led them to form 5SOS, initially catching attention with their YouTube covers of popular songs. This online presence eventually paved the way for their mainstream success. Over the years, 5SOS has sold more than 10 million albums, played to over 2 million concertgoers, and amassed over 7 billion streams globally. ​

In April 2025, Michael took a step toward a solo career with the release of his debut single, “cool.” The song keeps the band’s signature polished rock sound but introduces a more introspective and personal lyrical tone. This marks the beginning of his solo journey, with the release of his debut album SIDEQUEST scheduled for later in the year under Hopeless Records.

Beyond music, Michael married Crystal Leigh in January 2021, and they welcomed their first child later that year. Despite the demands of his growing family, Michael continues to connect with his fans on social media, sharing both personal insights and updates on his career.