A Night with Harry Styles
Harry Styles at Amalie Arena in Tampa with support from Jenny Lewis, 10/11/21
On October 10, I saw the man who has stolen the heart of every girl across the globe, including myself, live on stage. Harold performed his 19th show of Love on Tour at Amalie Arena in Tampa. This highly anticipated and completely sold-out tour has fans camped out in front of venues for days and waiting in lines for hours. My crew arrived at Amalie at 5, hoping to get there early to find parking, shop for merch, and settle for the night we had been waiting for two years. After several confusing lines, a COVID check, and a rush of shrieking fans running through the doors, we reached our seats in section 316, row B. We had a fantastic view of the entire stage in the round from the top.
At 7:45, Jenny Lewis arrived in a white and rainbow pantsuit with a matching guitar. With her high energy, comical, and eccentric set, including the crowd pleaser, “Puppy and a Truck,” Lewis shocked the crowd and had us cheering and hollering for the queen. Lewis's use of her anonymity among this age demographic worked hugely in her favor, with her iconic tag, "Who the F is Jenny Lewis?" gracing screens and shirts throughout the set. Jenny Lewis has opened my eyes to the inherent ageism in female singers. Jenny Lewis is 45 years old with a joyful and exuberant aura, and we dare to label her as old or outdated when my father is 47 and has the temperament of a 16-year-old. She gave an exceptional performance, and I would love to see her again.
After several vamping songs, a trip in a box, and 21,000 people shouting his name, Harry Styles rose through the stage clad in a shimmering orange blouse and baby blue trousers with matching suspenders. He immediately broke into Golden, and we knew the show had begun. On our way to the show, my friends and I discussed whether To Be So Lonely, the one song from Fine Line that hasn't been performed at every venue, would be on the setlist this evening. We were happily correct! Hearing the first few notes, my friend Rebecca started screaming. My favorite song is Only Angel, so hearing the angelic synth of the beautiful piece made me feel transcendent. Harry performed all the songs from Fine Line and the biggest hits from his self-titled album, including Kiwi, Woman, Carolina, and Sign of the Times, as well as a tasteful rendition of his Banana Song. His 90-minute set and the incredible band made Love on Tour the best concert I have attended. The Brit's killer smile, bountiful energy, and endless charm enraptured his audience. With a crowd dressed to the 9s, complete with several banana costumes, this show was a night I will never forget.
Here are my few words of wisdom for those attending or planning on attending this tour:
Call your venue ahead of time if you have GA tickets to learn their entrance procedures for your best chance at getting barricade. Some venues will provide wristbands, monitor the lines, and allow camping outside the venue. Amalie does not.
Arrive on time. You paid for the whole show, not just Harry. Jenny put on a great show but did not get the recognition she deserved. Appreciate the opening act. WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW!
If you plan to wait in the box office line for last-minute tickets, get there early. We had two friends arrive at the arena at 8, thinking they could snag some tickets from the box office, not knowing two things: 1. Ticketmaster and venues stop selling tickets at the event's start. The prime time on Ticketmaster to check for rush tickets is 15 minutes before the start of the show. 2. People began waiting in line for the box office long before we arrived. Come early, or don't come at all.
This show was incredible, and I can't wait for HS3 and his next tour. To see my pictures from the show, follow me on Instagram: @maddygcampbell.
