The charming and easy-on-the-eyes Harry Styles did his damn best last Friday night simply to entertain the thousands of fans at the ‘bloody massive’ (his words, not mine) Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
Sydney’s very own The Preatures delivered another electric performance, as we’ve come to expect from the front woman, certified badass and hero of women, Isabella Manfredi. Although it was a tough act to follow, Hazza clearly came prepared as he boogied his way around the stage with his trademark enthusiasm and unique dance moves (read: dad moves) in between quips so witty they would’ve made your gran swoon.
Between performing his own 70’s soft-rock inspired tracks and trying to charm your knickers off, Styles paid homage to one of his influences during a rendition of the unreleased track Anna. As if his tribute to George Michael’s ‘Faith’ wasn’t obvious enough, he sang a line from the late icon’s enduring track, just to let the audience know he’s a fan.
It’s possible that someone had clued old mate Haz into the unofficial Australian National anthem, Daryl Braithwaite’s ‘Horses‘ because he led the crowd in a sing-along of the tune no less than three times and threatened to boot a displeased fan out of the arena (he said he was kidding, but i’m not convinced).
Unlike other former members of One Direction (we’re lookin’ at you, Zayn), Styles remained faithful to his boy band heritage and fan base by singing the One Direction bangers ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ and ‘Stockholm Syndrome’. It won’t surprise you to know that the screaming chorus of little ladies in the crowd temporarily deafened my old, old eardrums.
Harry topped the show off with his Bowie reminiscent ‘Sign of the Times‘ and a bona fide replica of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain‘. During the instrumental bridge of the track, Mr. Styles invited his impressionable audience to be whoever they wanted to be, as long as they were kind. Now isn’t that wholesome? Harry also earned bonus points for harmonising with his band beautifully, calling out encores as inauthentic, and for trying to touch every single persons hand as he walked through the crowd.
H is well known for his support of the LGBT community and feminism, and the court of public opinion has ruled that Harry Edward Styles is too precious and pure for this earth. We are therefore eternally grateful that he is heralding the return of 70’s soft rock and creating safe spaces all over the world!
Styles has now wrapped up the Aussie leg of his tour and left scores of happy little Vegemite’s. He’s off to Asia to perform in the Philippines today.
Did you catch Harry’s only Sydney appearance? Comment below!