The special evening saw Styles revisit songs from across his career through newly commissioned, expansive arrangements by conductor and composer Jules Buckley. Moving between the piano and guitar, Styles guided the 2,700-capacity audience through a carefully curated setlist. The performance opened with a poignant rendition of “Boyfriends,” followed by fan favorites like “Matilda,” “Two Ghosts,” and “Fine Line.”
The setlist also offered a live showcase for newer material from his latest album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally., including “Paint by Numbers,” “The Waiting Game,” “Carla’s Song,” and “Coming Up Roses.” The show culminated in a powerful version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” bringing Styles, the full orchestra, and the choir together for a performance that drew a massive standing ovation.
The concert doubled as a major fundraiser supporting the Southbank Centre’s charitable initiatives with young people, artists, and communities across the UK during the organization’s 75th anniversary year. Reflecting on the unique collaboration, Styles noted his lifelong love for classical and orchestral music, adding that working alongside Buckley felt incredibly welcoming. He described the month as a definitive career high, balancing his festival curation duties with his record-breaking 12-night run at Wembley Stadium.
Now in its 31st year, Meltdown stands as the UK’s longest-running artist-curated festival, with Styles joining an elite roster of past curators that includes David Bowie, Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, and Little Simz. Harry Styles’ Meltdown festival continues to transform the Southbank Centre’s 11-acre site with a vibrant program of live music, performance art, conversations, and free public events.
Photo credit: Julian Bajsel
