Harry Styles
Sydney Olympic Stadium
4 March 2023
“Is that what you’re wearing?”
The question came from my daughter.
She repeats it.
“Is that what you’re wearing. I can’t go to a concert with you if that’s what you’re wearing.”
Shouldn’t that conversation be reversed? Shouldn’t I be saying that to her? But she looks fabulous.
I don’t want this to be all about me, but I don’t think I’m too unstylish. It’s not like I wear the clothes that my dad wore (socks and sandals are a fashion crime. Let me just leave it at that). Anyway, I think my outfit is fine.
You know that you hear people say that things were better in their day? But what if we are wrong? Maybe (and don’t say this too loud) maybe the kids are right? They view their attendance at a concert as a vital part of the show. And you know what? They’re right. On Saturday night they came dressed the part. Feather boas, cowboy hats, sequins, costumes. The whole place was buzzing. There’s no doubt that the atmosphere was fantastic.
When Harry himself made an appearance
the excitement level went up a notch or two. I mean, of course he looked
fabulous and you might bristle if I call him a singer-songwriter (isn’t he just
an escapee from a boyband?). But his songs really speak to the current
generation. There are modern concerns such as depression and anxiety mixed with
timeless topics like heartbreak, love and loss.
The current king of pop (Grammy for album of the year no less) is an old school performer. I don’t know if he cut his teeth in the working clubs in the UK, but it sure feels like it. He can dance, sing, do some comedy and act a little. Yes, he’s your all round entertainer.
The gig really had it all. Aside from "All singing, all dancing" Harry, it featured a duet with Daryl Braithwaite on Horses, a psychic reading and a gender reveal! No, I'm not making any of that up.
Special mention should go to Wet Leg. It was great seeing an indie band support such a major pop star. But the star of the show was definitely Harry. And the crowd. They were singing along to the intermission music. I needed ear plugs not for the band, but for the crowd.
So what was I wearing? It turns out that I was the most underdressed man in Olympic Park. My daughter was right. Next time I’ll have to lift my game.
