Boy band heartthrob-turned-rocker Harry Styles hasn’t released new music or toured in more than a year now — but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy.
In fact, the “Sign of the Times” crooner has stayed plenty active. Since releasing his self-titled debut in May 2017, Styles starred in his first feature film with Dunkirk, embarked on a world tour, co-chaired the Met Gala and even modeled for Gucci.
And with the news that he will grace the cover of Rolling Stone next month, it can only be expected that new music is on the way from the One Direction singer. So before the world is swept up in a new era of Styles, catch yourself up on what he’s been up to below.
Since going solo, Styles has…
Released a documentary
Just a week after his debut album Harry Styles dropped, Harry Styles: Behind the Album was released via Apple Music. The documentary-style film chronicles the making of the record with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
Guest-starred on The Late Late Show With James Corden three times
Styles’ first Late Late Show appearance after his album release was in May 2017, accompanied by a charming episode of Carpool Karaoke.
Styles returned on Dec. 13 of that year to guest-host the show while Corden’s wife gave birth, manning the stage like a pro with a witty monologue.
Most recently, Styles joined Corden for a dodgeball game in London this June, teaming up with Corden, John Bradley, Benedict Cumberbatch and Reggie Watts for a must-see competition (and plenty of cute moments from Styles).
Appeared in Dunkirk
In what was an unexpected career move, Styles appeared as a soldier in Christopher Nolan’s war epic Dunkirk in July 2017. Though his role was minor, Styles’ performance packed enough of a punch to impress.
Performed on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge
In September 2017, Styles stopped by BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge to perform two covers: “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac and DJ Khaled‘s “Wild Thoughts.” Putting his own spin on each, Styles once again proved his raw talent.
Embarked on a world tour
Beginning in San Francisco on Sept. 19, 2017, and ending in Los Angeles on July 14, 2018, Harry Styles: Live On Tour took the star throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America for 89 total shows. The tour was sold-out and had Kacey Musgraves, Warpaint and Leon Bridges as opening acts.
Proved himself a true philanthropist
Though Styles has always been vocal about his beliefs, he’s really stepped it up as a solo act. In October 2017, he performed at CBS Radio’s We Can Survive concert for breast cancer awareness at the Hollywood Bowl and sold tees and hoodies throughout his tour sporting the phrase “Treat People With Kindness” in order to advocate for LGBTQ rights. In total, Styles’ tour raised more than $1.2 million for various charities, helped attendees register to vote and engaged in a water conservation effort. In addition, Harry Styles: Live On Tour was named on sexual harassment prevention charity Time’s Up‘s 2018 donor list.
Had his own special on the BBC
The hour-long special Harry Styles at the BBC aired on Nov. 2, 2017, including a live performance from Styles and interview with BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.
Won two iHeartRadio Music Awards
On March 3, 2018, Styles won two iHeartRadio Music Awards: best music video for “Sign of the Times” and best cover song for his performance of “Still the One” by Shania Twain with Kacey Musgraves.
Co-wrote a song
Styles has a writing credit on Bleachers‘ “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song),” which appeared on the soundtrack for the 2018 film Love, Simon. However, this was not Styles’ first time writing a song for someone else: He has also co-written songs for Ariana Grande and Michael Bublé.
Modeled for Gucci
The singer has become a mainstay for Gucci, appearing in three of their campaigns thus far — two for Gucci Tailoring and most recently for Gucci’s newest perfume, Mémoire d’une Odeur. The promotional videos for each are almost too much to handle.
Executive-produced a TV show
One of the least-known facts about Styles: He was actually an executive producer on the CBS sitcom Happy Together, which was loosely based on his own life. Sadly, the show was canceled in May after just one season.
Interviewed Timothée Chalamet
Ah, the interview that almost broke the internet. On Nov. 1, 2018, a match made in heaven became a reality when Harry Styles chatted with fellow dreamboat Timothée Chalamet for i-D. Touching on everything from masculinity to that peach scene in Call Me by Your Name, it’s a thrilling read to say the least.
Won Gay Times‘ Honour for LGBTQ Advocate
As a result of his “Treat People With Kindness” campaign and The Rainbow Project that his fans carried out at his MSG show, Gay Times gave Styles their Honour for LGBTQ Advocate Award on Nov. 8, 2018. “Styles uses his platform to make sure his LGBTQ fans feel accepted and noticed, which was most superbly displayed earlier this year with The Rainbow Project,” Gay Times‘ announcement article said.
Gone to a lot of concerts
Seriously, it’s almost too many. On Nov. 30, 2018, Styles made an appearance at Bring Me the Horizon‘s London show, even posing for this cute selfie with lead singer Oli Sykes.
UPDATE || Harry with Oli Sykes backstage at Bring Me The Horizon’s show in London! 30/11(©olobersykes) pic.twitter.com/vfHQPHr8Uv
— Harry Styles Updates (@OfficialWithHES) December 1, 2018
On Dec. 13, 2018, Styles was spotted supporting friend Stevie Nicks at Fleetwood Mac’s concert in Los Angeles. Enjoy this blurry video of him singing along to “Go Your Own Way.”
Harry singing along at the Fleetwood Mac concert at the The Forum – December 13 (via laurenmorris1) pic.twitter.com/MUlY1Ink3C
— Harry Styles Updates (@StylesHUpdates) December 14, 2018
Only three days later, Styles went to Paul McCartney‘s show in London, even pausing to take a few pics with fans.
Harry at the Paul McCartney show in London, 16/12. pic.twitter.com/gz8jEAN2PX
— Harry Styles Updates (@thestylespics) December 18, 2018
The next time Styles was seen out at a concert was to catch Van Morrison at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on Feb. 5. The two hung out backstage and snapped this adorable pic, which also sparks the realization that Styles has worn that gray cap to every concert thus far…
NEW || Harry backstage with Van Morrison in LA recently.(©?vanmorrisonofficial) pic.twitter.com/GaR8j8s3Ok
— Harry Styles Updates (@OfficialWithHES) February 9, 2019
Next up on Styles’ concert schedule was an LA show from King Princess, whom Styles reportedly asked to open for him at Madison Square Garden. Though she declined, it’s great to see that Styles is still supportive.
Harry at a King Princess concert 2/7 in LA via holymoira pic.twitter.com/l9sbjCgHIX
— Harry Styles Updates. (@TheHSUpdate) February 8, 2019
Styles also saw K-pop group BlackPink on April 17 in Los Angeles, adding fuel to the fire that he was dating BlackPink member Jennie.
Harry at the Blackpink show tonight at the Forum – April 17 (via @iconjmn) pic.twitter.com/iLELVWMvLd
— HSD (@hsdaily) April 18, 2019
Styles caught a Fleetwood Mac show on June 18, but this time in London, where Nicks actually dedicated her performance of “Landslide” to him.
Harry and Anne backstage with Stevie Nicks at the Fleetwood Mac show in London. 18.06 pic.twitter.com/XIADYSoRCO
— Harry Styles Updates (@StylesHUpdates) June 20, 2019
“I’d like to dedicate this to my little muse, Harry Styles, who brought his mother tonight.” @StevieNicks gave a sweet tribute to @Harry_Styles at Fleetwood Mac’s London show. https://t.co/ouGrFNy4xc
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) June 19, 2019
One Direction stans everywhere freaked out when both Styles and Niall Horan went to the Eagles concert in London on June 23. Though the photos are almost too blurry to tell, just the thought of the two enjoying a night out together had Directioners speculating at a 1D reunion.
Harry and Niall Horan at the Eagles concert in London tonight, 6/23 via honeyhills_. pic.twitter.com/HWuZ8c2Wk3
— Harry Styles Updates (@thestylespics) June 23, 2019
The most recent Styles concert outing was Ariana Grande’s London show on Aug. 17, where he hung out with Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, getting the Internet very excited.
millie bobby brown and harry styles are at ariana grande’s london show chatting together for the whole night…… the most ambitious crossover event in history
pic.twitter.com/dgdBC48Zm0
— molly (@m_ollymac) August 17, 2019
Partied it up in Japan
Styles has spent a good amount of time in Tokyo this year, even meeting up with some of the Queer Eye guys for karaoke. Here’s him and Bobby Berk singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” for your viewing pleasure.
Full video of Harry singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on karaoke with Bobby Berk at a club in Tokyo, Japan. pic.twitter.com/R3GIh8q11a
— HSD (@hsdaily) February 2, 2019
Become besties with Stevie Nicks and inducted her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Styles and Nicks have sparked up quite a friendship since his album dropped, performing several times together including at the 2019 Gucci Cruise. The two are so close that Styles inducted Nicks into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this March, making a sweet speech and joining her to sing “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
.@Harry_Styles singing “Landslide” with @StevieNicks. So yeah, I can die happy now. pic.twitter.com/oZW3DBqmp3
— PAPER Magazine (@papermagazine) May 29, 2019
Co-chaired the Met Gala
In a look that truly broke the Internet, Styles stunned at the 2019 Met Gala on May 6 as a co-chair. Dressed in a gender-blurring Gucci getup, Styles proved himself a fashion icon.
.@metmuseum #MetGala co-chair @Harry_Styles wore a custom #Gucci organza shirt with black lace and organza jabot, high waisted wool mohair trousers, patent leather boots, and a single bee earring.#AlessandroMichele #MetGala2019 #MetCamp pic.twitter.com/hkOtE8CAhp
— gucci (@gucci) May 8, 2019
In an interview at the event with Liza Koshy, Styles said that the theme of camp is about “enjoyment, non-judgment and having fun with clothes.”
Almost had two huge movie roles
This summer, Styles was in the running to play Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic and even “in talks” with Disney to be Prince Eric in the upcoming Little Mermaid live-action remake. Despite initial conflicting reports about Prince Eric, Styles will not be playing either role.
Worked on new music (and music videos)
Styles has been spotted on set for a music video (or maybe two?) in both Scotland and Mexico this August — which can only mean that new music must be coming soon. Check out these behind-the-scenes snaps.
Harry filming a video in Scotland. 08/08 pic.twitter.com/H6BmjFXgLf
— Harry Styles Pics (@HStylesnapshots) August 9, 2019
Harry filming on set in Cancun, Mexico, 03/08 (via @ArelytaB) pic.twitter.com/8dCih5lawZ
— Harry Styles Updates (@StylesHUpdates) August 6, 2019
Graced the cover of Rolling Stone‘s next issue
In another telltale hint that new music is to come, Styles was revealed as the cover star for Rolling Stone‘s September issue on Aug. 19. The sizzling-hot shirtless cover came with reports from Us Weekly that his next album would be coming late this summer or early fall. One can only hope!
Turned the “Lights Up” with new single and sexy music video
Styles stunned fans when he released “Lights Up” Oct. 11, his first single “Lights Up” in over two years. As mysterious billboards asking “DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?” were plastered around NYC and London, the message was confirmed as one of the lyrics to the track, which was dressed in a scintillating music video featuring the shirtless singer in a sea of scantily clad men and women.
Confirmed for doube-duty Saturday Night Live gig
On the heels of releasing new music, Styles announced another major undertaking: He will be hosting and performing on SNL Nov. 16. He announced his “DOUBLE DUTY” on Instagram back in October, which will be his fifth time taking the late-night sketch comedy show’s stage but only his second time doing it as a solo artist.
Performed a “Space Cowboy” duet with Kacey Musgraves
During her sold-out Nashville, Tenn. stop to cap her current North American tour, Musgraves brought out Styles to sing “Space Cowboy” off her Grammy award-winning album Golden Hour. The golden moment had the crowd continuously roaring with applause, especially when Styles thanked his “peer” and “friend” for letting him join her on stage.
“She’s made a couple of my favorite albums, and it’s an honor to be here tonight with all of you to say congratulations and round off this wonderful tour, and a wonderful year,” he said, according to the Tennessean.
*Finally* announced his sophomore solo album Fine Line will be released this winter
And the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Styles tweeted the album artwork for his forthcoming LP Fine Line, which is due for release Dec. 13. The artwork captures the pink-and-while-clad star in a fisheye lens, and the announcement has captured his devoted fans’ undivided attention. One Styler boldly declared, “harry styles now own the whole month of december,” and Dec. 13 couldn’t arrive faster.
FINE LINE . THE ALBUM . DEC 13 pic.twitter.com/ARzqYds8Vn
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) November 4, 2019
