Harry Styles returned to New Zealand for the first time in five years, performing at Mount Smart Stadium on the 7th of March as part of his ongoing Love On Tour.
Having been one of many that had bought tickets to see the artist in Love On Tour in November 2020, which was ultimately cancelled, the chance to see Harry again equalled an almost indescribable joy.
Opening act Wet Leg delivered an energetic performance. Their song Wet Dream, notably covered previously by Harry Styles himself, rippled a wave of excitability throughout the crowd, undoubtedly due to the provocative lyrics that are all too easy and enjoyable to sing along with. However, the song was a delicious reminder for the man yet to come onstage.
The band had an undeniable magnetic charisma, with lead singer Rhian Teasdale’s vocal range delving to operatic levels with the crowd cheering at the sheer talent. Lead guitarist Hester Chambers danced along the stage with a whimsical shyness when placed at the centre of attention that was sweet to watch.
Then came the time for Harry Styles. Anticipation had the crowd cheering prematurely until the graphic introduction of his impending arrival onstage appeared.
Starting with the quirky, hyper-pop, and colourful song Music For A Sushi Restaurant, the opening song from his latest album, the crowd erupted. He had appeared in bright purple pants and a t-shirt bedazzled with the sequin tail of a dolphin. Or a whale. It’s probably up for debate, but a proper fit nonetheless.
Ever-charismatic, Harry got the crowd rearing, singing his song Golden before addressing everyone directly.
“Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi,” Harry yelled.
The iconic song known by all, perhaps even more than the national anthem, was immediately sung back to the artist, who was surprised when it lasted longer than he thought it would.
Quickly he addressed the census, a story plastered over the news nationwide as he was obligated to take part in it. For those like me who had wholly forgotten and found themselves rushing through it at midnight, outside the jungle that was the McDonald’s on Church Street, it served as a welcome reminder.
Harry was all that you could hope for. His beautiful and emotional performance of the gut-punching song Matilda had the crowd holding up lights in every direction. Everyone sang along with what could only be described as heartbreaking familiarity and connection to the song’s lyrics.
He played crowd favourites, Woman, Medicine, Satellite and, of course, Kiwi, our namesake, was saved until lucky last.
Like the charming performer he is, he toyed with the crowd beckoning them to scream and to quieten with a cheeky grin. He denounced a fan’s ex-boyfriend, pranced with the Māori flag, appeared shocked by the extremes of fans selling one of their cat legs to afford tickets, and thanked all for his welcome back to New Zealand profusely.
Time disappeared, and it was 10 pm. Uber prices skyrocketed, feather boas in every colour of the rainbow were trampled and scattered everywhere, and all that was left of merch was an extra-large Harry’s House t-shirt, which would serve this fan as a nightie for the next ten years.
Here’s to hoping it won’t be another five years until Harry returns.
