These modern musicians. There was a time when all you needed to do was sing a few tunes. Maybe, if you were David Bowie, you also did a little acting on the side. Nowadays, pop stars have to be anyone and everyone for their loyal fans: they have to masquerade as BFFs, therapists… maybe even officiants. At least, it sure seems that way watching Harry Styles.
The former One Direction singer has, over the last few years, emerged as one of the world’s most popular stars, a renaissance artist of sorts whose talentshow beginnings have ballooned into a hit solo career and high-profile forays into acting (including a Marvel cameo, and a much-hyped role opposite Florence Pugh in the forthcoming Don’t Worry Darling). When it comes to interacting with his fans, though, Styles is happy to play whatever role is asked of him. Last week, at the first show of a 15-date residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Styles spotted a sign that read: “Dear Harry Styles, my ex called after seven years – what do I do?” Ever the hands-on agony aunt, Styles got chatting to the fan about her romantic troubles, before attempting to call her ex live on stage.
