Harry Styles Launches 30-Show MSG Residency with New Setlist and Dolly Parton Tribute

Harry Styles opened his 30-show Madison Square Garden residency on August 26 with a completely revamped setlist, debuting 'The Waiting Game' live and paying tribute to the late Dolly Parton. The concert, part of his 'Together, Together' tour, featured a new opener, 'Dance No More,' and a surprise performance of 'Carolina.' Stars including Zoë Kravitz, Drew Barrymore, and Gayle King attended the show, which concludes on Halloween.
Key points
- Styles replaced 'Are You Listening Yet?' with 'Dance No More' as the opening track for the MSG residency.
- The setlist included a live debut of 'The Waiting Game' from his latest album, 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.'
- Styles performed 'Carolina' from his 2017 debut album, a song he had not played live in years.
- The concert included a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, with the audience singing along to 'I Will Always Love You.'
- The 30-show run at MSG is the only U.S. leg of the 'Together, Together' tour, concluding on October 31.
Background
This residency marks Styles' first U.S. tour in three years and his first album release in four years. The 'Together, Together' tour began in Amsterdam and has included stops in London, São Paulo, and Mexico City. The MSG run breaks his previous record of 15 shows at the venue set in 2022. The tour will continue in Melbourne and Sydney in December.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both confirmed the setlist changes and the Dolly Parton tribute, noting the emotional impact on the audience. THR highlighted the presence of celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Drew Barrymore, while Variety emphasized the complete overhaul of the setlist compared to previous tour stops. Eater New York focused on the local impact, detailing themed food and drink offerings at MSG and nearby restaurants, such as the 'Watermelon Sugar' cocktail at Dynamo Room and Blackbarn.
Why it matters
The 30-show residency is a significant milestone for Styles, breaking his previous record at MSG and serving as the sole U.S. leg of his current tour. The tribute to Dolly Parton highlights the interconnectedness of the music industry and the impact of her legacy on contemporary artists. The event also demonstrates the cultural and economic impact of major concerts on local businesses and tourism in New York City.
What to watch
The 'Together, Together' tour will continue with shows in Melbourne and Sydney in December. The MSG residency will conclude on October 31 with a 'Harryween' dress-up concert. Fans can expect further setlist variations and special guest appearances, including Robyn, Shania Twain, and Jamie xx, across the remaining dates.
- Inside Harry Styles’ Opening Night of His 30-Show Madison Square Garden Residency The Hollywood Reporter
- Harry Styles Kicks Off Monthslong Residency at Madison Square Garden The New York Times
- A Harry Styles Super Fan’s Dining Guide in NYC Eater New York
- Harry Styles Surprises Madison Square Garden Audience with Dolly Parton Tribute People.com
- Harry Styles Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton at MSG: Concert Review Variety
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