Harry Styles is not worthy of shining David Bowie’s shoes, says producer Tony Visconti

David Bowie’s producing partner Tony Visconti has shut down claims that Harry Styles is the new David Bowie following the Watermelon Sugar singer’s triumph at this year’s Grammy Awards.

The former One Direction star took home two Grammys, including the coveted Album of the Year award for his 2022 album Harry’s House.

“What’s the difference between the Grammys and Las Vegas?” Visconti, who produced and arranged many of Bowie’s singles and albums, posted on his Facebook page. “Nothing!”

He further took aim at Styles’s live Grammy performance of his hit single As It Was, writing: “Someone just told me that Harry Styles is the new Bowie?

“From what I saw tonight, he’s not worthy of shining his shoes.”

A number of people agreed with Visconti’s post.

“There will NEVER be anyone that’s the new David Bowie, he is in a class of his own always will be unique,” remarked one fan.

Another commented: “Surprisingly, I love Harry. Fine Line kept me company during the pandemic and Golden is a great pop record. But he’s nowhere close to Bowie.”

However, the Redditch-born star’s solo career has often been likened to that of the late glam rocker, particularly in terms of his fashion and pop music arrangements.

In interviews, Styles has also cited Bowie as an inspiration musically and sartorially, alongside Prince, Mick Jagger and Freddie Mercury.