You can’t go to just one Harry Styles concert. At least, I’ve never done it.
After experiencing Harry Styles live for the first time, I had barely ripped off my leather boots before making plans to snag tickets for the next closest date. Although we left the show beyond fulfilled there was still an aching to relive it again and again. Two days later, we found ourselves driving to another city to scream-sing “Kiwi” at the top of our lungs. So, when Love on Tour was announced I knew I HAD to plan for at least two shows. After stressful ticket buying, reschedules, selling tickets, then rebuying and signing up to volunteer - I made it to Atlanta for shows 1 and 2. One night to soak it all in, and the second night to really FEEL.
The energy in State Farm Arena for both nights was absolutely radiant. Fans from near and far strutted their stuff into the venue clad in feather boas and outfits that would catch your attention at every corner. You see, a Harry Styles concert isn’t just a concert, it’s a fashion show. Its your moment to shine and step into the light. It’s an invitation to be bold, to get creative, to try something new, and to wear something you felt confident in. Fans showed up in their best Harry inspired outfits, all just as equally excited to come together to feel at home.
Night 1 felt like a blur. I could hardly believe I was FINALLY seeing Harry once again almost 2 years after the album release. I wasn’t in LOVE with all of Fine Line at first. But now? I am. Now, I can’t imagine the album with out every single song. There isn’t one track I could say goodbye to and not miss. There’s just something about a live show that can completely turn around how you listen to a piece of music. The way Harry brought them to life breathed new life into every note and lyric. I find myself listening to Fine Line on repeat now more than ever. I’m “never coming back down.”
NIGHT TWO, I sat a bit higher in the 200s thanks to volunteering with REVERB. Some may argue that these weren’t great seats, but I beg to differ. First and foremost, I was just simply happy to be there. Moreover, from this point of view I could witness the reactions of the entire crowd. I watched in awe as the sea of people moved and grooved to the set list, pulsating to the beat.
Mid way into the show, the arena went dark with just a spotlight on Harry, Mitch, and Niji. “Falling” swept us off our feet and unlocked a level of emotion I’ve never experienced at a concert before. Cell phone lights began to flutter on and twinkle like the night sky. Harry’s vocals exuded power and passion. Tears began to fall down my cheeks. My seat was shaking. I could both feel and hear the women around me sobbing as they sang along.
Maybe it was the journey that brought us here that made the moment so special. Maybe we all found ourselves connecting to the song in some way. Maybe we were all so happy to be there and to hear Harry give every note all that he had. It was obvious that he was just as grateful to be there as we were. Or maybe, we didn’t have to choose why. We were all there feeling the depths of music together. Whatever it was, all guards were let down and we were our true, authentic selves. “Lights up and we know who we are.”
Months later, the excitement of seeing Harry live has worn off but the warmth of unadulterated happiness still lingers from those nights. Each song feels a bit more meaningful now. Each video clip that resurfaces washes over like a quick hit of serotonin. And every time I hear “Falling”, I remember how powerful music is and how grateful I am for Harry Styles and those special moments he’s created with us.