Harry Styles pays tribute to David Hockney and reflects on One Direction days as he kicks off record-breaking Wembley run

As the sun dipped over the Wembley Stadium on June 12, Harry Styles stepped onto the stage, ready to kick off his record-breaking residency. The air was electric, not just because of the artist's sold-out show but also because of the somber mood that had settled over the music world just a day prior. David Hockney, the renowned artist whose painting of Styles was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in 2023, had passed away on June 11, aged 88.

Styles paid tribute to Hockney during his set, sharing a quote from the painter on the big screens. "What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing," the quote read. "You wouldn't be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought." The poignant moment served as a reminder of the lasting impact of Hockney's work and the connection he shared with Styles.

The quote from Hockney's speech echoed the themes of connection and community that ran through Styles' setlist. His music has always been a reflection of his own experiences and emotions, but on this night, it was a celebration of the shared human experience. Styles' message to the crowd was clear: "Our job tonight is to entertain you. Your job is to have as much fun as you possibly can. 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."

Styles' setlist was evidence of his growth as an artist and a performer. He subtly reworked some of the songs, incorporating elements of other artists' work into his own. During "Taste Back," he dedicated the song "to all the ravers in the house," interpolating a snippet of Underworld's "Born Slippy" into the song. This kind of experimentation and creativity has become a hallmark of Styles' live shows, and it's evidence of his willingness to push boundaries and try new things.

The night also saw nods to Styles' days in One Direction early in the set. While the band's reunion has been a topic of speculation, Styles has always been clear about his desire to focus on his solo career. But that doesn't mean he's forgotten his roots. In fact, his music and performances often reflect a deep connection to his past and the experiences that shaped him.

Styles' residency at Wembley Stadium is a significant milestone in his career. With 12 shows planned, he will break the record for the most shows at the venue in a single tour, previously held by Coldplay. The London residency is part of a larger tour that will take Styles to cities around the world, including São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney.

• Harry Styles paid tribute to David Hockney during his set at Wembley Stadium on June 12.
• Styles' residency at Wembley Stadium is a record-breaking run, with 12 shows planned.
• The London residency is part of a larger tour that will take Styles to cities around the world.
• Styles has always been clear about his desire to focus on his solo career, but his music and performances often reflect a deep connection to his past and the experiences that shaped him.

As I watched Harry Styles take the stage at Wembley Stadium, I couldn't help but think about the power of music to bring people together. Styles' tribute to David Hockney was a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of art and the connection it can create between people. As he began his record-breaking residency, I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for this talented artist. Will he continue to push boundaries and try new things, or will he find a new sense of comfort in his established sound? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Harry Styles is a star on the rise, and his music will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.