A New Opening, an Old Surprise
The Together, Together tour, Styles' first US outing in three years, now opens with "Dance No More" from his March album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, replacing "Are You Listening Yet?" The album's "The Waiting Game" also got its first-ever live performance.
The biggest gasp of nostalgia came when Styles pulled out "Carolina," a 2017 debut-album track he had not played live in years, before running through the catalog staples: "Adore You," "Watermelon Sugar," "As It Was," "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" and, to the loudest reaction of the night, "Kiwi." The Hollywood Reporter, watching from the pit, saw one fan scream and drop to the floor.
Styles, whose banner from his 15-show 2022 run already hangs in the arena's rafters, told the crowd a story from his first visit, as an 18-year-old with One Direction in 2012: "There's a gentleman who was working here then, who shared with me that when I got out of the car that day, I kissed the floor and said, 'I've made it to Madison Square Garden!'" He also saluted the building's other tenants: "How about those Knicks?", a nod to the team's first NBA championship since 1973, won in June.
"Dolly, We Love You"
Near the end of the night, Styles paused the party. "I wanna say a proper thank you to all the musicians over the years who have inspired me," he said. "Dolly, we love you. Thank you so much." Parton's 1974 recording of "I Will Always Love You" played through the arena as fans raised phone flashlights.
In the audience, Drew Barrymore and Gayle King were seen singing along, Barrymore appearing teary-eyed. Also in the crowd: Styles' fiancée Zoë Kravitz, whom he got engaged to in April after eight months of dating.
What Comes Next
The residency, opened by Jamie xx, runs through Halloween, closing with "Harryween," Styles' annual dress-up show. Night one ended with the five-minute electropop track "Aperture," and a template the next 29 shows will be measured against.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many shows is Harry Styles playing at Madison Square Garden?
- Thirty, running from August 26 through Halloween. The residency comprises all of his US dates on the Together, Together tour, his first US shows in three years.
- How did Harry Styles honor Dolly Parton?
- He thanked her from the stage, saying "Dolly, we love you," before her 1974 song "I Will Always Love You" played through the arena as fans held up phone lights.
- Which celebrities attended opening night?
- Styles' fiancée Zoë Kravitz, CBS Mornings host Gayle King and Drew Barrymore, who were seen dancing and filming together.
- What songs debuted live at the opening show?
- "Dance No More" as the new opener and "The Waiting Game," both from his March album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, plus the return of 2017's "Carolina."
