Harry Styles gives pupils at his former High School 100 free tickets for his one-off concert in Manchester

Harry Styles surprised 100 students from his old high school in Cheshire with free tickets to his concert at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena on Friday night.

The 32-year-old singer, who went to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive until he was 16, will perform to mark the launch of his latest album, ‘Disco, Occasionally’.

After fans criticized the high prices for tickets to his Together Together tour, calling him ‘greedy’ and ‘out of touch’, Harry announced a special, single-show concert last month with tickets priced at just £20.

Fifty of the attendees will be students from Holmes Chapel, who won tickets – plus a guest pass each – through a random drawing from a pool of 600 applicants.

Nigel Bielby, Harry’s former headteacher, expressed his delight that Harry still remembers and cherishes his upbringing in the village and at the school where he flourished.

Despite achieving huge fame and success through his talent, Harry remains grounded and understands the importance of staying true to himself and maintaining his integrity.

I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to include children from his former school in this event. For some of these families, it’s a truly special experience they’ll never forget, and we are all so appreciative.

After a three-year break from making music, Harry is releasing his fourth album, Kiss All The Time – or KISSCO, as his fans know it.

While Taylor Swift often hides clues and secrets in her songs for fans to discover, Harry Styles’ album is more focused on looking back at his own life and emotions.

Before his album came out, Harry shared the stories behind each song, including a moment when he cried on a Berlin dance floor while feeling incredibly liberated. He also explained his decision to stop shaving his moustache.

Many listeners were curious about the identity of ‘Carla’ in the song ‘Carla’s Song’. Harry clarified that she’s simply a friend, but explained that it was through her introduction to Paul Simon that the core idea for the album really came together.

After a three-year break from public life, Harry has been fully embracing new experiences. He’s traveled to Italy and Berlin, completed marathons, enjoyed bike rides around London, and even danced at Glastonbury.

The new album delves into Harry’s struggle to balance being a regular person with his life as a celebrity, highlighting his desire for normalcy and a genuine human connection.

Harry Styles recently told Zane Lowe that he believes what truly makes someone an artist is allowing others to see their everyday, unglamorous side.

The album’s single Aperture is the opening track, however it was also the last track Harry made for the record.

In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Harry described his song ‘Aperture’ as a fitting beginning to his current artistic phase, explaining it captures the feeling of suddenly realizing you were wrong about something.

That song is about realizing it’s okay not to have all the answers. Accepting what you don’t know creates room for growth and understanding.

After the song “Aperture,” the album includes these tracks: “American Girls,” “Ready, Steady, Go!,” “Are You Listening Yet?,” “Taste Back,” “The Waiting Game,” “Season 2 Weight Loss,” “Coming Up Roses,” “Pop,” “Dance No More,” “Paint by Numbers,” and finally, “Carla’s Song.”

Crying on the dancefloor

Having always been the main performer, Harry took his time off to experience things from the audience’s perspective, particularly by checking out the nightlife in Berlin.

He recently shared on BBC Radio 2 that connecting with people as an audience member, rather than a performer, has been the most valuable experience for him.

It really highlighted how amazing it is to be part of a crowd enjoying live music, or to be in the middle of a lively, energetic dance floor.

It’s been a lovely reminder that whether I’m performing or just attending shows, we’re all united by a shared passion.

“Dance No More” came about after a personal experience on the dance floor. The artist was particularly moved by a night out in Berlin, where they found themselves unexpectedly crying while listening to the music.

He recalled his first night out in Berlin, describing a feeling of incredible freedom and safety while standing on the dance floor.

I was overcome with emotion, standing still with my eyes closed and tears flowing down my face. It was a powerful, incredibly vivid experience.

Who is Fox?

During a performance of “Dance No More,” Harry Styles can be heard saying “Fox” at the end of a line. He revealed this was a sweet nod to the son of his producer, Kid Harpoon, whose name is Fox.

Harry said his friend was upset because they’d named a character in their song, Canyon Moon, after his mother, Jenny. Apparently, while playing football, the friend jokingly asked if he could get his own name in the song if he hit the crossbar.

‘And he hit the crossbar so then I was like we have got to put his name in his song.’

The moustache is here to stay

Some fans thought the title ‘Season 2 Weight Loss’ might be a playful nod to the growing trend of celebrities using drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. However, Harry clarified that it actually refers to his personal comeback – and the return of his mustache.

Recently, Harry Styles has been seen sporting a beard, but during his Love On Tour performances, he often had a clean-shaven, youthful look with his vibrant and noticeable outfits.

He explained the song’s meaning, saying it essentially captures the core message of the entire album.

It’s similar to what happens with popular Netflix shows. After the first season becomes a hit, the actors often return for the second looking noticeably healthier and fitter, having worked with nutritionists and trainers.

It felt strange to return to the same role, but looking noticeably different – like suddenly having prominent cheekbones. For me, it mirrored a personal experience of feeling like a more confident and improved version of myself.

And this stronger version includes his moustache.

He thought about how his look had changed over time and explained that he used to grow a mustache during breaks from touring. But when he returned to performing, he’d shave it off, which made him feel like he wasn’t presenting the image people were used to seeing.

I wasn’t focused on changing my appearance, but rather on whether you’ll accept me as I grow and change, even if I stop trying to be the person you expect me to be. Will you accept me, or just the version of me you want?

Who is Carla?

The final track of the album is Carla’s Song.

I was surprised by “Carla’s Song” – it wasn’t what I anticipated after “Matilda,” but it quickly became clear it’s incredibly meaningful to Harry. He’s said it’s a tribute to the beautiful Simon & Garfunkel song, “Cathy’s Song,” and it really feels that way – it’s much more than just a catchy tune.

Harry reflected on the song ‘Carla,’ explaining that it became central to the entire record for him. He felt it provided answers to many of the questions he was grappling with.

Carla, a friend of the singer, inspired the song. She told the singer about discovering Paul Simon while they were at a friend’s house, waiting to head to a party.

Harry then played “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” He described the experience as if he were witnessing someone suddenly see vibrant colors or experience magic for the first time.

In that moment, I realized that when we create music, we’re investing in something lasting—songs that can outlive us all.

I played her ‘Cathy’s Song,’ a Simon & Garfunkel song that I particularly love. That’s how it ended up being known as ‘Carla’s Song’.

He explained that the ultimate goal of making music is to create something that truly resonates with someone – a song they’ll cherish for a lifetime. He said that’s all he hopes for, and it’s more than enough.

Marriage

Harry explained that the song ‘American Girls’ feels a bit lonely because he saw three of his close friends get married last year while he was still single.

He described ‘American Girls’ as being fundamentally about finding a life partner and the special connection you feel when you meet the right person. He emphasized the magical feeling of finding someone you want to spend your life with.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve noticed something really important: watching others pursue their goals, you quickly realize it’s never a sure thing. There’s always a degree of uncertainty and a real risk involved – and that’s perfectly normal! It’s part of the journey, and recognizing that can actually be empowering.

He shared that a recent experience led him to seriously consider his future, specifically his desire to marry and have a family. This comes as his relationship with Zoë Kravitz, 37, continues to grow stronger.

I completely pause and reassess my priorities. It’s a chance to figure out what truly matters and what I want to focus on in my life.

If you’re constantly traveling and busy with commitments, it leaves little room for making thoughtful choices.

I took some time to seriously think about what I want my life to be like in five years, and then figured out what steps I need to take to get there. I don’t want to end up alone and regretting not pursuing my goals.

Honestly, all I really crave is a life that feels full, you know? And amazing connections with people – not just any connections, but real friendships. That’s what I’m living for, finding those incredible bonds with others. It’s everything to me.

I really want to have a family, and realizing that helped me focus on what I needed to do to make it possible. I understood I couldn’t just wait for it to happen – I needed to actively create the conditions for it.

The Watermelon Sugar hitmaker and Zoe were first spotted holding hands in August 2025

Last September, photos surfaced of Zoe and Harry with her father, Lenny, leading people to believe their relationship was becoming more committed.

He explained that being with the right person means they challenge you to become your best self. While understanding someone’s flaws is good, he believes a true partner should inspire you to strive for improvement and not simply accept less than your potential.

‘So when you challenge me on something. It’s a gift to me, actually.’

Being ordinary

Throughout the album, Harry explores the challenges of fame and adjusting to life after a long and demanding tour.

“Are You Listening Yet” is the oldest track on the album. Zane Lowe has described it as sounding like the thoughts of someone on tour, trying to make sense of things.

Harry explained that the song came about when he was heavily involved with performing shows in New York. He felt exhausted and a bit rundown at the time, and the song was his way of responding to that feeling.

Meanwhile Paint By Numbers begins: ‘Oh what a gift to be noticed but it’s nothing to do with me’.

Harry explained that when he began working on this record, he was still focused on finishing the previous one and starting fresh. He particularly liked the opening line – something about feeling grateful for recognition while also acknowledging it wasn’t about him personally. He simply found that sentiment beautiful.

While taking a break from work, the celebrity tried to run the Tokyo and Berlin Marathons without drawing attention to himself. He’s often said that he loves running because it allows him to completely clear his head and concentrate on a single activity.

2026-03-06 19:39