Even on a rather cold, wet, holiday morning, Rockefeller Plaza was packed and lively as ever thanks to Niall Horan. The singer-songwriter played the Today show’s Citi Concert Series bright and early Monday (May 29), but like his fans in the crowd, he was happy as ever to be there.
“Look at where we are, in the center of the universe,” he exclaimed after acknowledging the impressive fan effort. “Where are all the people that have been here since like, last week? Thank you for being here, really appreciate it.”
Similar to when his One Direction bandmate Harry Styles stopped by the Today show just three weeks prior, fans started lining up for the free show two days in advance. One fan even drove 22 hours to be there, and a group of girls brought him a bouquet of roses to congratulate him on the success of his latest single “Slow Hands.” As Styles did, Horan showed his appreciation for the dedication by sending pizza for those who were in for the long haul.
I’m seeing videos and pictures of you all on the street waiting for me. Im sorry I didn’t get down to see you this time. Stay safe please
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) May 29, 2017
Appreciate the dedication and loyalty as always . As I said , please stay safe tonight and I’ll see ya in 5 or 6 hours . Xxxxxxx
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) May 29, 2017
Once it was time for the show, those who camped out and the rest of the committed fans were rewarded with a three-song set from Horan, who sang “Slow Hands” first, going acoustic for “This Town” and closing with the live TV debut of “On the Loose.” Because he only has those three songs to his name thus far (at least publicly), fans figured he didn’t have any other solo songs to offer. But, of course, they weren’t ready to go home just yet.
“1D song! 1D song! 1D song!” they began to chant as his band made their way off the stage. Unlike Styles, though, Horan hadn’t rehearsed any other material — so he came up with an alternate plan.
“I don’t have anything prepared, but I can play some chords and we can have a bit of a sing-along,” he told the eager crowd, beginning the guitar riff to “Best Song Ever” and subsequently sending fans into an excited 1D jam session. After concluding the first verse and chorus, he smiled and promised he’ll be good and ready for a sing-along he can join once he takes his music on the road.
If there’s one thing other than his talent that Horan’s Today performance showcased, it’s the fact that his fans mean as much to him as he does to them. “I think they do feel like there’s a relationship with him, and that’s kinda cool,” Alex Ficquette,Today‘s plaza producer, tells Billboard. “It’s funny, it’s almost like you get a vibe that [he’s] even surprised of the turn out. That’s why the fans care so much, because they feel that connection and it feels genuine. I think that makes a difference.”
Watch Horan’s performances of “Slow Hands” and “On the Loose” below.