Harry Styles, pop phenomenon and international heartthrob, shocked 30,000 screaming Australian fans on Monday night when he performed the notorious ‘shoey’: a much-debated trend involving drinking an alcoholic beverage from a shoe. Despite a growing fanbase, the shoey remains a polarising subject in Australia, often seen as an embarrassing and outdated tradition. But by participating in the ritual, Harry Styles has made it clear that he has embraced the culture of his hosts.
The shoey’s history is shrouded in mystery, but is thought to have originated from either World War soldiers or Russian ballet stars. It was popularised in 2016 by Australian F1 star Daniel Ricciardo, and has since become a celebration of Australian values such as self-deprecation, humour and adventure. On stage in Perth, Styles took off his green Adidas sneaker, walked to the back of the stage and poured an unknown liquid inside. He then downed the drink and wore the wet shoe for the rest of the night, admitting to being “ashamed” of himself.
Critics say the shoey is ‘blokey’ and not reflective of modern Australia, and that it’s an unsanitary habit that could lead to harmful bacteria. Nonetheless, many Australians still believe it’s all in good fun, and when Harry Styles took part, it was a moment of triumph over adversity. The ‘As It Was’ singer was in Australia following his big win at the 2023 Grammys, where he took home Album of the Year for “Harry’s House”. Since his band’s hiatus in 2015, Styles has released three albums and starred in multiple films. This move is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Jimmy Fallon, Hugh Grant, Kacey Musgraves, Machine Gun Kelly, and Post Malone have all participated in the shoey tradition, but Harry declined on his first tour. By taking part in the ritual, he has become part of a long-standing Aussie custom, one that is believed to bring good fortune.
Harry Styles has done it again, this time embracing a daring Australian tradition and showing off his daring side. While it may have been a moment of shock for some, it was a moment of triumph for Harry Styles and for the shoey tradition.
