Joshua Reichard, Asst. A&E Editor
Like most, I didn’t get tickets to Harry Styles’ Madison Square Garden (MSG) Residency during the online presale. I was discouraged, but knew that I needed to attend, so I was determined to go.
My friend and I had luck at the MSG box office in the past, so that’s what we decided to try. We arrived around 10 a.m. on the day of the show we wanted to attend, and quickly found the spot where fans were queuing up for a chance at tickets.
About 50 people were in front of us in line, and we were halfway down the barricade, so we were feeling confident that we would be leaving with tickets. After two and a half hours of waiting for the box office to openwe were finally at the front of the line and got escorted inside the venue to buy tickets. After being offered relatively good seats, we immediately bought them.
The show itself was an amazing experience. It was full of hits from all four of Styles’ albums, and the crowd was great. Everyone was excited to be there, and fans knew nearly every word to every song.
The setlist did a great job of showcasing the variety of music that Styles has created. Many upbeat dance songs were played, allowing fans to jump and dance along. A few slower performances were also included, allowing the crowd to connect with the music and each other.
If you’re on the fence about going, I highly recommend it. Styles is playing 30 shows at MSG, with newly announced shows across the country. Below are some of my favorite songs that were performed, and why. Hopefully it convinces you to get tickets!
Dance No More by Harry Styles
The opener of the show, “Dance No More,” is a hit. The opener of any concert needs to set the tone for the show, and this song did exactly that. Styles uses the entire stage for this song, dancing around the perimeter and giving fans, in all sections, a chance to see him. The electronic and disco aspects of this song make it a fun song to dance to anywhere, especially surrounded by thousands of other fans chanting the lyrics.
Satellite by Harry Styles
“Satellite”, a classic from Styles’ third album “Harry’s House,” gets revived on this tour. The backing instrumentals have changed, however, with a distinctive trap-focused background. This makes the song even more fun to hear live, as it makes it easier to dance to. It’s fun to know that hearing this song live is the only way to hear this remix.
Are You Listening Yet? by Harry Styles
“Are You Listening Yet?” begins a fun part of the show. The next few songs are banger after banger, and everyone looks like they need a break after jumping for so long. Style takes a long dance break during this song, encouraging fans to sing while he dances. There are red and white flashing lights that light up the entire room. He skips around the stage, engaging with fans and making sure every part of the stadium gets to see him perform.
Kiwi by Harry Styles
Notably left off the setlist for the European leg of his tour, many fans were happy to have it included at MSG. With a mention of New York in the lyrics, the crowd goes feral for this song. Styles remains in the center of the stage for this song, moving around in a circle singing different parts to different sections of the venue. The vibrations from fans jumping up and down in unison could be felt throughout.
Sign of the Times by Harry Styles
His first solo song released, “Sign of the Times” is different from most other songs on this tour. Styles stands in one place with a guitar and microphone, a sharp contrast to many other points of the show. This song provides an opportunity for the music to be powerful by itself, without all of the elaborate production of the show. Fans know this song well, singing every word alongside Styles.
Aperture by Harry Styles
The ending to the show, “Aperture,” is a moment for his fans. After singing the song accompanied by flashing lights and the crowd jumping, the music ends, and Styles repeats “One, two, three, four,” with fans repeating the last line of the song, “We belong together.” It’s a moment that shows his deep connection with his fans. He finished the show by walking the perimeter of the stage, waving at fans, making sure everyone gets a chance to say goodbye.