It was Harrymania on the Gold Coast last night as 26,500 colourful, sequinned fans piled into Heritage Bank Stadium to see the global pop superstar and heartthrob take to the stage.
We navigated the vibrant crowd carefully, ever at risk of catching a feather boa up the nose, and sat down next to a crew of excited young female fans (the audience skewed heavily towards this demographic). By this point we were already covered with glitter (not our own) and very much in the mood for a night of fun and frivolity. It did not disappoint.
The stadium was gratifyingly full for the support act, proudly indie Isle of Wight rock band Wet Legs, who are currently making waves in the industry and winning awards all over the place. While they did an excellent job of holding the crowd's attention, the vibe of the stadium gradually grew more and more jittery and excited as their set drew to end, with fans knowing that Mr Styles was soon to be strutting his stuff.
Incredibly prompt, the man himself hit the stage around 8pm, in what we can only imagine is a very fair consideration given the average age of the fans in the audience, as well as the fact it was a school night. Classy move, Mr Styles.
The strains of 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant' could barely be heard over the wild screams of the audience members near us, who gradually settled down to listen and only thereafter screamed when Harry spoke, did a cool move, leaped across the stage, laughed or engaged with fans in any way. Which was a lot.
Obviously keen for the concert to be more of a conversation, the cheery and highly engaging Harry Styles frequently flirted with the crowd, having chats about pregnancy, babies, and wishing people happy birthday.
He was clearly having the time of his life, as was the crowd.
But back to the music. Harry trotted out 'Golden', 'Adore You', 'Keep Driving' and 'Daylight' in quick succession following the opener.
'Woman', with an extended instrumental, was next, and was clearly a crowd favourite, with nary a person still sitting in their seat by this point.
'Matilda', 'Little Freak' and 'Satellite' followed, and then Harry sang a cover of the Mildred J Hill and Patty J Hill 'Happy Birthday' to anyone celebrating in the crowd, along with a bit more banter.
'Cinema' was next, and then 'Treat People With Kindness', during which he waved a Pride flag around. Good timing, given the recent mega World Pride event held in Sydney.
Harry could do no wrong. Whether he was performing, or chatting or just playing silly buggers, he thoroughly charmed everyone present. The show was electric, colourful, full of costumery and theatre.
Harry sang the much-loved One Direction banger 'What Makes You Beautiful' before introducing his band. 'Late Night Talking' came next, then 'Watermelon Sugar', which shot a lightning bolt of energy back through the crowd. Everywhere you looked, people were standing, waving, singing, laughing and hugging. It was a sight to behold.
The pace slowed down with 'Love of My Life' as the final song in the main set, with the voices of the crowd swelling above the band as they sang along.
He didn't keep the stomping, cheering fans waiting too long for an encore, swaggering out and launching straight into his mega breakout hit, 'Sign of the Times'. The mood was through the roof at this point, and emotions were running high.
At this point Harry shushed the Gold Coast audience, asking for silence. He then teased the crowd about it coming up to the last part of the concert, and how they would soon be free to head home, to loud wails of "NOOOOOO!"
'As It Was' and 'Kiwi' wrapped up the set, among Harry leading chants of 'Aussie Aussie Aussie' and giving thanks to Wet Leg, and the crowd, new and old fans alike. It's clear he has a genuine love for and connection to his fans, and every one of those 26,500 felt it last night.
