The Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City witnessed the start of an unprecedented residency: Harry Styles took the stage at the iconic venue to begin 30 consecutive shows that will run until Halloween. This first performance, held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, marked Styles' return to MSG since 2022 and was part of his Together, Together tour.
The night was filled with emotion, surprises, and a reordered setlist compared to the 31 previous dates of the tour, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The artist, known for his versatility and charisma, did not disappoint.
An Intimate Show in the Round
The stage, arranged in an oval-shaped round, allowed for a closer experience between the singer and his fans. Styles made his entrance during the opening set by Jamie xx, triggering a wave of screams and applause that echoed throughout the arena.
The opening was “Dance No More”, a track that set the tone for the night and led into a journey through his greatest hits and new songs.
Highlights of the Night
- Tribute to MSG: Styles recalled how, at 18 years old, he kissed the stage floor on his first visit to the venue—a gesture he repeated last night to the delight of those present.
- Favorite New York Secret: The singer confessed that his best-kept secret is enjoying pizza at any hour, a nod to New York culture that drew smiles.
- “Kiwi” with a Disco Arrangement: One of the most talked-about moments was the version of “Kiwi” with a disco arrangement that included references to LCD Soundsystem, “I Feel Love”, and Remain in Light, showcasing the influence of dance music on his new work.
- Tribute to Dolly Parton: In a deeply emotional gesture, Styles played “I Will Always Love You” (the original 1974 version) before performing “Sign of the Times”, in honor of the late Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026.
- Surprise Finale: Instead of closing with his classic “As It Was,” Styles chose “Aperture”, the single from his new album Kiss All the Time, leaving everyone wanting more.
A Setlist Blending New and Classic
The setlist included songs from his most beloved albums, with Harry's House (2023) and his self-titled debut (2017) being the most represented, with 4 songs each. Tracks like “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and “As It Was” were not missing, though the latter was not the closer.
Regarding his time with One Direction, Styles did not include any songs from that era, reaffirming his identity as a solo artist and his artistic evolution.
The New Album: Kiss All the Time
The concert served as a showcase for Kiss All the Time, Styles' new album with a distinctly disco sound, which is already generating buzz. The artist also mentioned his other work, Occasionally, though he did not provide further details.
Musical references during the show included “Born Slippy (Nuxx)” by Underworld and “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” by LCD Soundsystem, demonstrating the breadth of influences that fuel his music.
Merchandise and Details
Among the official merchandise, the t-shirts with the slogan “RESPECT YOUR MOTHER” stood out and quickly sold out at the venue's stands.
Styles' residency at MSG promises to be one of the biggest events of the year in pop music, with 30 nights of pure energy, emotion, and surprises. Fans who couldn't attend last night still have plenty of opportunities to see him live.
Article based on the review by Andrew Unterberger for Billboard.