Harry Styles with MUNA at the Masonic SF: September 19, 2017'
I'll admit I had skepticism going into this show. Boy band member goes solo - we've seen that story before, and it often doesn't end well artistically. But Harry Styles proved me wrong. This wasn't a manufactured pop product; this was a genuine artist finding his voice.
MUNA opened with their synth-pop, and they were excellent. Their songs have this emotional depth that a lot of pop music lacks, and their stage presence was confident and engaging. Good opening acts set the tone, and MUNA did that perfectly.
When Harry took the stage, the Masonic erupted. The crowd was enthusiastic but not screaming-teenage-fans chaos - this was an audience ready to be won over by the music, not just the persona.
"Sign of the Times" is the song that announced Harry as a serious artist. It's ambitious - over six minutes long, building to this massive emotional crescendo, clearly influenced by classic rock without being derivative. Performing it live showed genuine commitment to the song and confidence in his artistic vision.
His voice live is strong and controlled. He can actually sing - like, really sing - and that's not always a given with pop stars. The songs from his first solo album showed range: rock-influenced tracks, intimate ballads, songs that wore their classic rock influences proudly.
What impressed me was the complete lack of boy band choreography or manufactured pop star moves. Harry was just performing the songs, engaging with the crowd naturally, being himself rather than playing a role. There was authenticity there.
The Masonic's intimate setting worked perfectly. This wasn't an arena show with massive production - it was Harry and his band proving the songs could carry the night. That's confidence, and it paid off.
Between songs, he was charming without being calculating - genuinely funny, self-aware, clearly grateful to be performing. Post-boy band solo careers can go either way, and watching him in 2017, it was clear he was taking the artistic route rather than chasing easy commercial success.
The rock influences were obvious and unashamed - you could hear Bowie, classic '70s rock, even some Prince. But he wasn't just copying - he was filtering those influences through his own sensibility and creating something that felt contemporary.
This show changed my perception. Harry Styles isn't just a former boy band member capitalizing on fame - he's a legitimate artist with genuine musical ambitions. He's made interesting choices, collaborated with good people, and created music that stands on its own merits.
Walking out of the Masonic, I was converted. Sometimes artists surprise you, and Harry Styles was a pleasant surprise - proof that pop stardom and artistic credibility don't have to be mutually exclusive.