Watch: Harry Styles Performs First-Ever Solo Show, Covers “Ultralight Beam”
Photos by Sofi Adams/Getty
Harry Styles treated his fans to a secret show at The Garage in London on Saturday, performing songs from his debut self-titled record just a day after its release. The set list also included a couple of One Direction songs and a slowed-down, sultry cover of Kanye’s “Ultralight Beam” from his album The Life of Pablo. The secret show comes after his first solo tour sold out within minutes the week prior. Still, fans were less than happy about the confusing ticket sale process that required a Ticketmaster code for the general sale in an attempt to thwart scalpers.
It appears Styles has been forgiven. His album has been receiving nothing but high marks from fans, praising his newly tapped adult sound. However, critics have had a tough time unpacking his debut single “Sign of the Times,” a Bowie-esque ballad that is a little bit in-your-face.
Styles began his public descent into solo stardom when he performed as the musical guest on SNL—a stage One Direction frequented—with an electric guitar in tow, carving out an image for himself not entirely unlike his image in the boy band. The difference between the two acts is Styles’ songwriting, which is now uninhibited and a bit strange. “Kiwi” is a standout on the record; it features a chant-like chorus, à la The Ramones, in which Styles yells repeatedly, “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business.”
While he’s known for his eccentricity, Styles also has a reputation for his charitable nature. All proceeds from the secret London show went to the Little Princess Trust, the same organization Styles donated his signature locks to when he cut his hair for his role in the new Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk.