Harry Styles, who has been touring and promoting his latest album, recently kicked off his 12-show run at Wembley Stadium. As he began his first performance at the grand venue, he shared a heartfelt tribute to the late British artist David Hockney, a renowned painter and stage designer.
Harry Styles Pays Tribute to David Hockney
As the pop star commenced his record-breaking stint at Wembley, he honored Hockney, whose passing was announced just hours before the show. Fans reported that one of the painter's most famous and emotional quotes appeared on the large screen during the performance. This was followed by Styles performing his hit single 'Aperture' from his album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.'
The quote from Hockney that flashed on the screen read: "What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought."
Harry Styles paid tribute to David Hockney at Wembley Stadium, hours after the news of his passing was announced.
David Hockney's Passing
David Hockney passed away peacefully at his home on June 11, 2026, at the age of 88. His longtime publicist, Erica Bolton, shared the news on CNN. Hockney was just a month away from celebrating his 89th birthday. He was one of Britain's most revered figures and had a prolific career as a painter spanning over seven decades.
David Hockney's Portrait of Harry Styles
In 2023, it was reported that Hockney had painted a portrait of the 'Watermelon Sugar' singer. According to Vogue, the painter depicted Styles wearing a striped cardigan and a string of pearls. Styles visited Hockney's studio in Normandy to sit for the portrait. At the time, Hockney remarked that he was not fully aware of Styles' fame, stating, "I wasn’t really aware of his celebrity then. He was just another person who came to the studio." The portrait was officially unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in London that year.
Harry Styles' Record-Breaking Wembley Run
Styles is breaking records with his 12-show run at Wembley Stadium. His 'Together, Together' tour has set the record for the most consecutive shows at the venue, surpassing Taylor Swift, who previously held the record with eight consecutive shows for her 'Eras' tour.
Fans shared videos and photos from his first performance, during which he reminisced about his roots and 'X Factor'. In one talking segment, Styles said, "My sister brought me here to London for the very first time for my X Factor audition. It was right in that building next door that I was put in a band. Driving here today, I went the same way I went when I first went to that building. My sister is here tonight and I want to say thank you."
After wrapping up his Wembley run on July 4, 2026, Styles will head to South America for upcoming shows.
