Harry Styles single-handedly gathered thousands of young adults to dress up, dance and feel free to express themselves. Love on Tour, being one of the first U.S. arena tours following the pandemic, brought strangers together to support and love each other for the night. I had tickets to one show that I bought two years ago and ended up attending three. Each of these shows has shown me an atmosphere of love and emotion that I have never experienced in such magnitude.
Treat People with Kindness
“Treat people with kindness” has been one of Harry’s slogans since his 2017 solo tour. Fans have enthusiastically gotten these words or the letters TPWK tattooed on themselves, typed in their Instagram bios or plastered on any form of fan merch imaginable. Harry’s fanbase revolves around inclusivity, positivity and, of course, kindness. However, it was not until I was camped out in front of the arena for 13 hours that I began to feel the unity and love that Harry brings along with this tour.
My Camping Experience
I went to two shows in Florida and one show in Atlanta. For each of these, I found myself lying on the concrete in the middle of the night with a bunch of other girls who were just as devoted fans as I am. In Florida, it was scorching hot. In Atlanta, it was raining and freezing cold. I’m sure that these conditions would be enough for anyone to form a bond, but there was a sense of community that I felt as soon as I walked up to the line. As soon as we arrived, I noticed people talking, playing Heads Up and having a great time in the absolute middle of the night. I could hardly tell who came together and who had just met because they all acted like they were best friends. As the long hours dragged on, people shared snacks and waters to ensure everyone was well taken care of. Within three hours, I felt like I was with girls that I had known my whole life. Everyone was so willing to help a friend in need, and the people I met simply radiated kindness.
“If we have each other’s backs, I think we’ll be alright.” -H
The Fashion Show
I am not sure who decided that Love on Tour would be a fashion show, but I have never seen such an extravagant collection of outfits for any other concert. Fans filled the arena with boas, sequins, glow-up cowboy hats and their most flashy Harry-inspired outfits. Not only did everyone look fantastic, but everyone also made sure to tell each other how fantastic they looked. As I walked, I constantly heard voices complimenting each other and screaming at complete strangers about how good they looked. It was such an incredibly uplifting atmosphere in which people could express themselves and let their most creative outfits shine.
Inclusivity
I think that one of my favorite parts of experiencing Love on Tour was the feeling of freedom. I think that we all felt completely free to be the most authentic versions of ourselves, and it was a truly incredible experience.
“Do not let anyone tell you who you’re supposed to be. Do not let anyone tell you what you’re supposed to be. Do not let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do with your own self.”
Harry says these words at nearly every show. During “Treat People with Kindness,” he takes a pride flag from a fan and proudly runs it up and down the catwalks in celebration of his fans’ pride in their identities. This tour has created a space in which people are free to come as they are and dance with strangers, who strangely feel like family.
Many fans leave the concert scrambling to find tickets to more shows, myself included. This is because it feels like much more than a concert. The shows give feelings of freedom, community and confidence. We all ultimately go to see Harry Styles sing, but the community that he has brought together has created a truly amazing environment both inside and outside of the arenas.