Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would attend a One Direction concert in 2021. As I am a mere three weeks away from my Harry Styles’ Love on Tour date, I was even more baffled to have this experience. Union Stage at the Wharf hosted the “Best Night Ever,” which is literally a touring DJ who plays One Direction and Jonas Brothers songs all night. My friends made the point that I basically host this kind of party myself every week, and this is very true. However, walking into the intimate venue with attendees dressed in their old merch t-shirts immediately felt like home.
The night itself was a wild ride. The show was meant to start at 10 pm, but after waiting on a line down the block, we got in at 11 pm. Then, the DJ did not come on until 11:30 pm! Dancing with my girlfriends to the best throwback music was an unreal experience. It was somewhat awkward to be singing along with this DJ that had nothing to do with One Direction or the Jonas Brothers. Nonetheless, Dan was a riot. It was overall a safe space to dance the night away, alleviate stress, and actually enjoy myself on a night out.
The show brought out my inner fangirl, as if she could ever really leave me. There was something so freeing about being able to belt out these songs that bring such happy memories to mind. My dad, who passed away in 2014, took me to my first One Direction concert and played Angry Birds the entire time (to be fair, it was 2014). Singing along to “Best Song Ever” reminded me of the moment he actually stood up to dance. To say I was bombarded by emotions is an understatement, yet one totally worth it.
For a night to bring me so much joy, I do reflect on the negative connotations that come with being a ‘fangirl.’ It pains me that fangirls get such a bad reputation. In his interview with Rolling Stone in 2017, Harry Styles defended his fan base, which is mostly composed of young women.
“Teenage-girl fans—they don’t lie. If they like you, they’re there. They don’t act ‘too cool.’ They like you, and they tell you. Which is sick.”
Harry Styles for Rolling Stone 2017.
Styles also pointed out that it was young women who catapulted the Beatles to stardom.
“Who’s to say that young girls who like pop music—short for popular, right?—have worse musical taste than a 30-year-old hipster guy. That’s not up to you to say. Music is something that’s always changing. There’s no goal posts. Young girls like the Beatles. You gonna tell me they’re not serious?”
Harry Styles for Rolling Stone 2017.
Sometimes it seems like the type of music we listen to is just another contest we are doomed to fail at by society’s standard. If I listen to One Direction, I’m childish. If I listen to Olivia Rodrigo, I’m basic. If I listen to Pink Floyd, I’m trying too hard. If going to this dance party has taught me anything, it’s that people will always have an opinion and they are not afraid to share it (alas, this is literally me writing this article). Doing the things you like and listening to music that makes you happy should not be of anyone else’s concern. And if it is, screw them.
I leave you with one final quote from Styles.
“How can you say young girls don’t get it? They’re our future. Our future doctors, lawyers, mothers, presidents, they kind of keep the world going.”
Harry Styles for Rolling Stone 2017.
Yes, Harry. We do.