Harry Styles took a break from his record-breaking Wembley Stadium run on Tuesday night to perform with a full orchestra for the first time, in a one-off show at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. The intimate concert, part of the Meltdown Festival curated by Styles, saw him reimagine his music with conductor Jules Buckley and a 50-piece orchestra, leaving fans awestruck.
Opening with 'Boyfriends,' Styles' voice became ethereal against a backdrop of strings, cellos, violins and a harp. Without the strain of commanding a stadium, he appeared at his most musically vulnerable, arguably sounding better than ever. 'It feels both present and incredibly not present to be so aware that you're in the middle of your career highlight,' Styles said after playing 'Paint by Numbers' on piano.
The orchestral arrangements gave songs like 'Matilda' and 'Fine Line' a cinematic feel, complete with a gospel choir. Styles also revisited his back catalogue, playing 'Two Ghosts' from his 2017 debut for the first time since 2020, drawing gasps and tears from the audience. He quipped after 'Fine Line,' 'Probably should have finished with that one.'
Styles paid tribute to inspirations, covering Patrick Watson's 'Here Comes the River,' which he had used as a reference for strings on his song 'Coming Up Roses.' He also played 'Carla's Song,' written after watching a friend hear Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' for the first time. 'Music is magic, and I feel so lucky to get to be a part of it in just a small way,' he said.
