New direction
Harry Styles turns rock star in his first ever solo show
Harry Styles The Garage, London, N5
‘Icouldn’t ask for a better group of friends to have in this room tonight, thank you so much for being here, all of you.” At his first ever solo show on Saturday, Harry Styles spoke to the audience as if they were the organisers of his surprise birthday party rather than a crowd of strangers. But the intimacy felt appropriate: the former One Direction member is more familiar with Wembley Stadium than a tiny, sweaty room on the corner of Highbury and Islington roundabout.
On his Twitter feed, Styles announced at 8am on Saturday morning that a surprise gig would be taking place that evening at The Garage in London, ahead of a larger tour later this year to promote his self-titled debut solo album. Tickets were only available, for £10, if bought from the box office in person, and even then you could only buy one. Profits would go to charity. Dedicated fans, some still in their pyjamas, jumped out of bed seconds later and the rush began.
The atmosphere inside was giddy as a result, ticket-holders delirious with luck. Styles, dressed in an outrageous pink satin Gucci suit with embroidered dragons snaking up his thighs, seemed genuinely excited to be there too, telling the crowd he was “overwhelmed” by their support.
His years of experience in one of the music industry’s most polished pop bands are clear to see: for what was essentially a warm-up show, this was a sleek performance.
Delivering his new album in its entirety, Styles was most impressive when letting loose on rocky tracks Only Angel and Kiwi, or exuding Seventies sex appeal on Woman and Carolina. As well as his solo material, he performed two other songs: an experimental riff on Kanye West’s Ultralight Beam and a much-loved One Direction track he has a writing credit on, Stockholm Syndrome.
It’s a joy to watch Styles interact with a smaller crowd. He has a knowing, teasing relationship with fans, but his desire that everyone present has the best possible time was obvious, as he paused the show to check on a fan struggling with the heat, and sung Happy Birthday to another at the front. It’s this combination of charm, ease, flamboyance and a really rather good singing voice that sets Styles apart from his former bandmates and many of his peers. Could this be the rock star British pop music needs?