It seems to me that we are currently in the midst of a busy concert season!
Last month I recounted my excellent experience with Ed Sheeran, and in March I paid a visit to Mr Harry Styles as he wowed crowds with his worldwide stage performance of Love on Tour.
Originally part of the iconic boy band ‘One Direction’ (1D), Styles is now paving his own way in the music industry as a solo artist… and is doing a pretty darn good job! The teenage crush of millions of girls all over the world, Harry is one of the most well-known heartthrobs of my generation with a fan base equally as wide as insanely committed.
Kiwi showgoers especially, have been waiting and wishing for their turn with the ex-1D member. Finally, after a five year hiatus from New Zealand soils, Harry Styles announced a one-night-only show in Auckland. Tickets, as many predicted, sold out in a matter of minutes.
7 March was the set date and for thousands, this would be the best night of their young lives (and not because of the New Zealand Census!) People flew and drove from all corners of Aotearoa to experience Harry’s ‘Love on Tour’. My household proudly hosted three very excited Wellingtonians for a combined tropical holiday, the coveted concert, and a few days off school - sounds pretty ideal in my opinion!
For many, preparations for the concert had been in the works for months. Outfits, sparkling placards, queuing tactics, and tricky transport logistics for Mt Smart - how on earth will we get there and back? So much to think about! This was a true glamour event (think the pop concert version of an Auckland Met Gala). Everyone was dressed to impress.
Vibrant hues, bedazzled hats, heart-shaped sunnies and the iconic Style's feather boa (almost mandatory for entry), were all on display. In fact, to find the venue, all you really had to do was follow the trail of fallen, fluorescent, boa feathers. Immediately when I entered the stadium I was overwhelmed and thoroughly impressed by the sheer assortment of colours and crazy costumes.
For the hardcore ‘Harry Stans’ the concert festivities started before sunrise, when those showing their true devotion to the superstar, began to queue. It would be 13 hours later that this dedicated bunch would catch their first glimpse of any action.
My commitment was not quite as strong, meaning my friends and I could take our sweet time getting all dolled-up at home and were able to indulge in a relaxing pre-show food truck dinner at the stadium. We also had time to check out the “merch” stands - I couldn't resist a ‘Harry’s House’ T-shirt as a keepsake.
Due to the nature of the Mt Smart Stadium there was a front mosh pit (for the VIPs and die-hard devotees) and a rear mosh pit for the more low-key fans (such as myself). By the time we had fluffed around entering the venue we could see that the front mosh pit was already filled to the brim and bustling with excited patrons eagerly awaiting the first chord.
Although the back position gave us a pretty average view, it meant the shoving and pushing was kept to a minimum. And, honestly, I was not too fussed...
t was good enough to simply have a ticket to the one and only Harry Styles! His performance, as predicted, was executed flawlessly. Along with his talented singing, Styles included his iconic banter with fans, and for a lucky few, he read out their carefully crafted handmade signs that had been lovingly made in hope of grasping his attention.
What struck me most was his involvement and acknowledgement of New Zealand culture, even singing ‘Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi’ (who doesn’t remember this from Primary School days?).
I think this left everyone slightly gobsmacked and thoroughly impressed. When the final song was complete, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being able to experience such a special, action-packed concert. Hopefully we don’t have to wait another five years to see this global phenomenon!
(HONOUR MITCHELL)
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