After his record-breaking and warmly remembered Love On Tour, Harry Styles is back with a fresh, slightly more experimental twist on universal, blockbusting live pop. The revision of his performance style is subtle enough that Together, Together feels comfortable and familiar but the minor rebrand that came with his latest album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. sufficiently spices things up.
Following a glittery, feel good singalong with Shania Twain to warm things up, “Are You Listening Yet?” opens the show, with tangible gratitude flying through the stadium from Styles in the form of laughter and kisses, transforming immediately into enthusiastic dancing from his loyal and approving fans. I noted in my review of the new album that the songs would age well, and this show was testimony to that, a mere three months on. Every new song that was played translated incredibly well, making them impossible not to revisit the next day, and seeing them intertwined with his huge hits brought the vision to life, just like a live show should.
With connection at its core, the Together, Together tour is a virtuosic display of everything there is to love about modern pop music. By night two in the UK, fan traditions had already caught on, some still alive from previous tours and others brand new. “Keep Driving” filled the stadium with a sea of dancing phone torches, matching the beat of the track as if part of the production, and “Coming Up Roses” wordlessly encouraged a mass ballroom dance. Another intimate moment came in the form of a One Direction string interpretation, a sophisticated and modern tribute to the unlikely route to Styles’ groundbreaking success. The evening was a statement about staying gentle in defiance of modern adversity, the whole production encouraged fun and connection with a warm determination that didn’t falter.
The set list in its entirety was an outstanding example of balancing energy, creativity and expectations. Alongside hits like “Watermelon Sugar” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant”, Styles weaved in new tracks with purpose and impeccable timing. Notably, after a run of fan favourites, new song “Taste Back” ended with a satisfying mix into “Born Slippy” by Underground. The use of mashups and musical side-steps continued throughout the show, working to keep each moment unexpected and profoundly interesting, and making the creative growth abundantly clear. The band, visuals and stage design were equally as impressive, laying the foundation for the star to really shine.
It’s hard to imagine a show more welcoming and inclusive. The meticulous focus on community during live performance is a trend that serves modern pop stars incredibly well, but it is only with the talent, charisma and sincerity of artists like Styles that it can truly thrive. He held the space perfectly, captivating the 90,000-capacity venue with conversational humour, exaggerated signature mannerisms, and effortless musical prowess. Together, Together was a reminder of how the X Factor favourite has forged his way into genuine timeless success, and why he deserves it.
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