Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium

When he dropped debut single Sign of the Times in 2017, it immediately became apparent that Harry Styles had a favourable career ahead of him as a solo artist. With a more alternative, soft rock sound than the boyband that made him famous, Styles has since released three albums, all of which have exhibited exciting artistic and musical growth.

In support of sophomore effort Fine Line and 2022’s Harry’s House, the singer now enters the twilight phase of a nigh on two-year tour. Four nights at London’s momentous Wembley Stadium signify the huge demand to see an entertainer enjoying considerable commercial and critical success. His approachable demeanour suggests his feet are still firmly on the ground, despite already reaching such stratospheric heights. 

A euphoric crowd – largely adorned with pink feather boas – ecstatically greets the singer, who mirrors the energy with genuine glee. The star oozes zest and vigour, his “cheeky chappie” disposition endearing and accessible. Conversing with the audience like they are friends affords a sense of intimacy, which is no small feat given the expansive 90,000 capacity. Styles never takes his fans for granted, rightly acknowledging them as a major part of his show. 

Stadium tours, especially those headlined by former pop group members, can all too easily become overpopulated by gimmicks and special effects. While this is a visual spectacle, complete with fireworks, Styles ensures substance prevails and allows his music and phenomenal band to do the talking. 

The atmosphere is awash with anticipation before being punctured by opener Daydreaming, which renders the eager listeners even more alert and energised. Golden, with its infectious riff and catchy chorus, flows into the funky Adore You. The easygoing Keep Driving moves into the guitar-laden She – one of the rockier numbers of the night. 

A tender rendition of Matilda eases the pace before we rev into latest release Satellite. Late Night Talking follows, before the cool and easy Cinema. The opening of YMCA playfully notches up the camp factor before seamlessly shifting into Music for a Sushi Restaurant. Treat People with Kindness enjoys an almost comforting retro quality and makes for an uplifting addition to the set.

Styles then ventures back in time with a well-received rendition of One Direction’s debut single What Makes You Beautiful. It’s a nice nod to the group that established his career and further hypes his day one fans. Grapejuice, with its laidback chorus, arrives like a welcome summer breeze. It’s fittingly succeeded by fan favourite Watermelon Sugar, a song that was designed to be performed live and pleasingly feels as fresh as ever. 

Entering an encore with the anthemic Sign of the Times – a highlight of the night – Styles goes on to close the set with monster hit As It Was. This marks the end of an adrenaline-fuelled evening and, like all memorable gigs, leaves the audience craving more. It is a real joy to observe the evolution of a true talent who has come an incredibly long way since first appearing on a television contest. One of the defining artists of our time, Styles more than lives up to the hype he is surrounded by and confirms himself a born showman. 

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Lloyd Wakefield

For further information and future events visit Harry Styles’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Satellite here: