Harry Styles: Live On Tour Concert Review

Alexandra Truszkowska, Editor in Chief|June 29, 2018

By Author

Wearing pride flags wrapped around his black and white custom Gucci suit, Harry Styles promised to wow and entertain the crowd, and he sure did. June 21st, pop-rockstar Styles, formerly of the boyband One Direction, performed a sold out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Personally a huge fan since 2012, seeing him live during his first headlining tour at MSG was an amazing experience even non-fans should experience.

The concert started with 45 minute set by country artist Kacey Musgraves, a self-proclaimed “disco cowgirl,” which seemed a bit out of place for the rock-and-roll demeanor Styles exudes, but still had the crowd singing and “yeehaw”-ing along. She played her hits including the emotional “Lonely Weekend” and a sanguine “Space Cowboy” as well as a cover of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. After her set, the crowd listened to a slightly long playlist while waiting for Styles, but danced along to Shania Twain, Queen, and One Direction’s uber hit, “Olivia”.

Styles came on stage during his hit “Only Angel” and had the 30,000 fans dropping left and right. The setlist was upbeat, pop-y, but had the ballads that reminds he can still hit those high notes. He was confident, proud, a bit arrogant, and that’s what made him a true rockstar, not just a former boyband member. He danced around the stage with pride flags, flowers thrown on him, spraying water into the GA crowd, and he was 100% himself.

Rising senior Anna Fatovic said, “I think he has an amazing stage presence and was able to make the whole show dynamic and entertaining with his performances and keeping the crowd engaged, My favorite part would have to be when he played his new unreleased songs like “Anna” and “Medicine” because they showcased a king of classic rock vibe.”

Of course, a Harry Styles concert in 2018 wouldn’t be the same without his “Directioners,” myself included, so hits from the 1D era, like the most popular single “What Makes You Beautiful,” a sexy and sultry “Stockholm Syndrome,” and tear inducing “If I Could Fly” (all co-written by Styles) were performed. Before starting the 1D songs, he told the crowd he was lucky enough the sing these songs on the same stage in 2012, and nothing made him happier than being back and seeing our faces.

Styles told jokes (an ode to his promise to entertain the crowd), interacted with dads who brought their teens daughters to the concert, and sang happy birthday to the 4 or 5 girls wearing birthday crowns. At one point he pointed to a fan and asked why she was crying, mimicking dramatic tears, oblivious to the effect he had on her.

Rising sophomore Marissa Mendola, an avid One Direction and Harry Styles fan, saw the concert live and had an amazing time. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had and he’s so amazing live. My favorite part was honestly him just being himself cracking jokes on stage and singing his little heart out.”

Styles ended the set with Kiwi, a racy song easily recognizable from his episode of “Carpool Karaoke” with James Corden. The crowd sang (or screamed) along, and the floor was fully shaking by the end of the night.

Ears were clogged but hearts sure were full. Styles brought the passion of a seasoned rockstar at only 24 years old and surely will continue with amazing success with future concerts and upcoming albums. From the floor to the nosebleeds, everyone was fired up and had the time of their lives.

Harry Styles’ Setlist: