Harry Styles Honors David Hockney and Reflects on One Direction as He Launches Record-Breaking Wembley Residency

Harry Styles pays heartfelt tribute to artist David Hockney and revisits his One Direction beginnings during the start of his record-setting Wembley Stadium run.

A Night to Remember: Harry Styles Opens Historic Wembley Residency

There’s something magical about seeing an artist evolve right before your eyes — and Harry Styles is doing just that as he kicks off an unprecedented residency at Wembley Stadium. On June 12, as thousands gathered under the iconic arches, Harry not only delivered a powerhouse performance but took a moment to honor the late David Hockney, a giant in the art world who passed away just the day before at the age of 88.

Styles shared a poignant quote from Hockney on the stadium’s big screens, reminding us all why art — be it painting or music — connects souls:

“What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought.”
— David Hockney

This tribute felt personal, too — Hockney had painted Harry’s portrait, which was proudly displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in 2023. To hear Styles echo the late artist’s words while commanding such a massive stage was a moving moment, blending the worlds of visual art and pop culture in a seamless celebration.

Breaking Records and Expanding Horizons

This night marked the beginning of an ambitious 12-show residency at Wembley Stadium, a run that will see Harry Styles shatter the record for the most performances ever by a single artist on one tour at this legendary venue. The previous titleholder? None other than Coldplay, who performed 10 sold-out nights here during their Music Of The Spheres tour just last year.

This residency is just one chapter in Styles’ global “Together, Together” tour, which kicked off in Amsterdam back in May. After his London takeover, the tour will jet-set to cities like São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney. Each city brings its own special guest, and London fans were lucky to have Shania Twain open the show with a set featuring her hits and new tracks from her anticipated album, Little Miss Twain.

A Setlist That Blends New Beats with Nostalgic Echoes

As the iconic strains of Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water floated through Wembley, Harry made his dramatic entrance, launching into Are You Listening Yet? from his latest album Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally. Between crowd favorites like Golden and Adore You, Harry paused to connect with the fans, encouraging them to let loose and embrace their true selves.

“Our job tonight is to entertain you. Your job is to have as much fun as you possibly can,” he said. “If you want to sing, if you want to dance, please feel free. Please feel free to be whoever it is you’ve always wanted to be tonight. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

The setlist was a masterclass in blending Styles’ evolving sound with cheeky nods to his musical influences. For instance, Taste Back was dedicated “to all the ravers in the house,” featuring a lively interpolation of Underworld’s iconic Born Slippy. Fans also caught glimpses of Talking Heads’ This Must Be The Place woven into Treat People With Kindness, while Dance No More danced through grooves from Happy Mondays’ Step On and even a snippet of Gorillaz’s Clint Eastwood.

A Heartfelt Nod to One Direction’s Roots

The evening grew even more touching when Harry reflected on his journey, bringing Wembley’s significance full circle. Just next door to the stadium stands Wembley Arena — the very place where 16 years ago, his sister Gemma brought him for his first-ever X Factor audition, the moment that launched his career.

“So driving here today, and any time I come through Wembley, means so much to me, ‘cause right in that building next door, I was put into a band. We were called One Direction.”

He fondly recalled exploring London with his sister back then, visiting the Natural History Museum and Big Ben. It was a raw and touching moment, showing that even megastars like Harry Styles never forget their beginnings.

Encore Surprises and Final Words of Gratitude

Harry’s “Together, Together” tour has a charming tradition of kicking off the encore with a surprise song, and Wembley’s audience were treated to Little Freak — a track from Harry’s House making its live debut since 2023. Following the song, he gave a heartfelt message to his fans, many of whom have followed him through his entire 16-year journey.

“I don’t know if you’ve been listening to me for a week, or a month, or a year, or five years, or 10 years, or 16 years, or whatever it is, but you have changed my life over and over again. Thank you so much for being here and allowing us to do these shows.”

He also acknowledged his mother, who had secretly signed him up for The X Factor, setting this all in motion.

“My mother signed me up for the X Factor without my knowledge. I wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t done that. She’s here today – thank you so much. You’ve changed my life, all of you.”

Ending with a gentle reminder from one of his lyrics, he added, “Remember – respect your mother.”

Harry Styles Wembley Stadium Night One Setlist

Are You Listening Yet?
Golden
Adore You
Watermelon Sugar
Music From A Sushi Restaurant
Taste Back
Coming Up Roses
Fine Line
Italian Girls
American Girls
Keep Driving
Ready, Steady, Go!
Dance No More
Treat People With Kindness
Pop
Season 2 Weight Loss
Carla’s Song
Aperture
Little Freak
Sign Of The Times
As It Was

Continuing the Journey and Giving Back

Harry’s London residency at Wembley continues with additional shows on June 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29 and July 1, 3, and 4. For fans still hoping to get tickets, a few remain available through official channels.

What’s truly inspiring is that Harry is using this tour to give back. For every ticket sold, £1 is donated to LIVE’s levy — a fund dedicated to supporting grassroots music venues across the UK and nurturing emerging artists. Before his headline set, screens at Wembley encouraged fans to support the Music Venues Trust, highlighting the importance of sustaining live music culture.

The tour is a celebration of his latest album, Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally, released in March. Critics praised the album for its rich layers and adventurous spirit — a bold step for Harry as he explores new musical territories while maintaining the charm and polish that fans adore.

Curating Culture: Harry Styles and Meltdown Festival 2026

Not content with just performing, Harry also curated the 2026 Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre. His line-up reads like a music lover’s dream, featuring talents like Stephen Fretwell, Nilüfer Yanya, Orlando Weeks, Bar Italia, Dev Hynes, Jon Hopkins, Getdown Services, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax, and more.

The festival kicked off with a remarkable performance from Los Angeles band Warpaint — their first show in nearly two years — delivering classics like Love Is To Die, Billie Holiday, and a stirring cover of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill.

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Night at Wembley

Harry Styles’ opening night at Wembley was a vivid tapestry of musical innovation, nostalgic warmth, and heartfelt tributes. From honoring a legendary painter to celebrating the roots of his own career, Styles reminded us all that being an artist means sharing your journey — with all its twists, turns, and triumphs — with the people who lift you up.

FAQ

• How many shows is Harry Styles performing at Wembley Stadium on this tour?
  He is set to perform 12 shows at Wembley Stadium, aiming to break the record for the most shows by a single artist on one tour at the venue.
• Which artists have supported Harry Styles during his Wembley residency?
  In London, Shania Twain supported Styles with her set, including hits and new songs from her upcoming album.
• What is the significance of Wembley Arena to Harry Styles?
  Wembley Arena is where Harry auditioned for The X Factor 16 years ago, the pivotal moment that led to his career with One Direction.
• What charitable cause is Harry Styles supporting with his Wembley tour?
  £1 from every ticket sold is donated to LIVE’s levy to help protect UK grassroots music venues and support emerging talent.
• What notable tributes or musical interpolations did Styles include in his set?
  He included snippets from Underworld’s Born Slippy, Talking Heads’ This Must Be The Place, Happy Mondays’ Step On, and Gorillaz’s Clint Eastwood during his performance.

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