Harry Styles Debuts New Setlist at Madison Square Garden

The residency, which serves as the only U.S. stop for the current trek, kicked off at the iconic midtown Manhattan venue for a run that will continue through Halloween. Harry Styles is scheduled to perform 30 consecutive shows at the arena, an unprecedented feat that will see him remain at the building even as the defending-champion New York Knicks begin their 2026-27 NBA regular season. There is a slight discrepancy regarding the opening night date; while one source identifies the first show as occurring on Tuesday, August 25, another reports the start date as Wednesday, August 26.

Performing on an oblong, light-up stage designed to match the dimensions of the arena floor, the Pop superstar leaned into the dance-heavy aesthetic of his February album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The evening’s tone was established by opening act Jamie xx, a DJ and producer known for his solo work and his band The xx. Styles and his band surprised the audience by joining Jamie xx during his final song, "Life," before immediately launching into their own opening track, "Dance No More." During the performance, Styles took a moment to acknowledge the local crowd and the Knicks' recent championship victory, their first in 53 years.

"How about them Knicks, huh?"

— Harry Styles

A Rearranged Setlist and Disco Transformations

The New York residency features a completely new song ordering compared to the 31 dates Styles previously played in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, and Mexico City. The setlist draws heavily from his new disco-influenced material while also reviving longtime fan favorites with updated arrangements. Notably, the setlist featured no songs from Styles’ former group, One Direction.

One of the night's most significant highlights was a transformed version of the 2017 track "Kiwi." Though it had been absent from the Together, Together tour until now, the song returned with a disco arrangement that referenced the "herky-jerky energy" of Talking Heads and LCD Soundsystem. The performance included a cowbell breakdown inspired by Remain in Light and eventually reached the high-tempo energy of "I Feel Love."

Other notable setlist inclusions and milestones included:

• "Carolina": Performed live for the first time since 2022.

• "Cinema" and "Satellite": Both performed for the first time since 2023.

• "Sweet Creature": Sung by backing singers for only its second appearance on this tour.

• "Aperture": The lead single from his latest LP served as the final song of the night, featuring modular synths and a massive singalong.

Tributes and Madison Square Garden History

Styles shared several personal anecdotes with the 20,000 fans in attendance, including a reflection on his first visit to the venue as an 18-year-old. He joked about his past habit of kissing the arena floor in light of modern health concerns.

"Since then, we’ve learned a lot about germs — so I wouldn’t be caught dead kissing the floor these days with my pathetic immune system. However it is not lost on me what it means to be playing here… I am thrilled to know that even then it was not lost on me either."

— Harry Styles

The singer also revealed his favorite part of being in New York City, telling the crowd,

"You can get a slice of pizza any time of the night."

— Harry Styles

The concert included a poignant tribute to Dolly Parton, following the news of her death on August 25. During the first encore, Styles took a moment to thank the musicians who have inspired his career.

"special thanks to all the musicians who have inspired me over the years. Dolly, thank you so much."

— Harry Styles

In a reverential move, Styles did not cover the song himself but instead played Parton’s original 1974 recording of "I Will Always Love You" over the arena speakers. He encouraged the audience to sing along for two verses and choruses before the track faded out and transitioned into his own ballad, "Sign of the Times."

Artist Background and Context

Harry Styles, an artist associated with the Pop, Rock, and Soul genres, was formed in 1994. His current tour is in support of the February release Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Earlier in 2026, Styles performed the track "Aperture" at The BRIT Awards on February 28 at Co-op Live in Manchester. Following the conclusion of his 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden, Styles is scheduled to take the Together, Together tour to Melbourne and City.