ENTERTAINMENT

Harry Styles' Halloween Extravaganza: A Rat, a Knicks Star, and Emotional Farewells at MSG

Roger EbertRoger Ebert
Harry Styles' Halloween Extravaganza: A Rat, a Knicks Star, and Emotional Farewells at MSG
Harry Styles' 'Harryween' concert marked the grand finale of his extensive residency at Madison Square Garden, a night filled with festive costumes, surprise guest appearances, and heartfelt performances. This event underscored Styles' unique connection with his audience and his flair for theatricality, creating an unforgettable experience for thousands of fans.

A Memorable Conclusion to a Record-Breaking Residency

The Iconic "Pizza Rat" Transformation

For the second night of his special "Harryween" performances, global music sensation Harry Styles fully embraced the Halloween spirit by donning an elaborate "Pizza Rat" costume. He humorously explained his choice, stating, "I thought I would use this momentous occasion in my career to dress like a rodent." His commitment to the character extended to playing his guitar with rat-claw nails, drawing inspiration from the famous viral video of a rat navigating a New York City subway with a pizza slice. This whimsical outfit became a standout moment of the evening.

Bandmates Join the Thematic Celebration

Styles' band members also immersed themselves in the New York-themed festivities, transforming into various city landmarks and cultural figures. Their creative costumes included depictions of the Statue of Liberty, legendary artist Andy Warhol, and fashion icon Anna Wintour, further enhancing the vibrant and playful atmosphere of the concert. This collective effort added another layer of entertainment to the already lively event.

Fan Creativity Shines Through Costume Choices

Attendees at the Halloween-themed concert were equally enthusiastic, showcasing an impressive array of creative costumes. The audience was a spectacle in itself, with fans embodying characters like Nikki from Curry Barker's Obsession, painter Bob Ross, and dancing lobsters. One particularly noteworthy costume was a replica of Zoë Kravitz's "have a nice day" plastic takeout bag outfit, a clear homage to Styles' "Aperture" music video, highlighting the deep engagement and appreciation of his fanbase.

A Costume Change and a Surprise Guest

Despite his dedication, Styles eventually had to shed his full rat suit due to the heat, opting for a more comfortable yet still thematic ensemble of rat ears, a tail, and an "I'm a rat" T-shirt. Later in the evening, a significant surprise unfolded as New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson made an unexpected appearance on stage. Brunson, walking out while Styles was in his simplified rat attire, presented the Grammy-winning artist with a commemorative banner, celebrating his remarkable 30-show run at Madison Square Garden and acknowledging his recent visit to a Knicks game.

Musical Highlights and Audience Engagement

The concert's musical program featured a familiar selection of hits that fans had enjoyed throughout the residency, including the opening track "Dance No More" and the closing performance of "Aperture" from his latest album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Fan favorites such as "Satellite," "Watermelon Sugar," "As It Was," and "Sign of the Times" were also part of the setlist. A special addition to the evening was a cover of Talking Heads' 1977 classic "Psycho Killer," adding an element of unexpected delight. Styles also engaged with the audience in his signature comedic style, playfully interacting with a woman holding a sign about her crush getting engaged and offering lighthearted advice to a young boy attending his first concert.

An Emotional Farewell and Future Tour Plans

As the night drew to a close, Styles delivered an emotional thank you to his dedicated audience, many of whom had traveled great distances to attend his shows. He expressed profound gratitude for their continuous support and for making his residency an unforgettable experience. Even after the official end of the concert, Styles lingered on stage for an additional 20 minutes, savoring his final moments at the Garden, blowing kisses, eating pizza, and sharing a dance with his band. His "Together, Together" tour is set to continue, with upcoming performances in Australia in November and December, followed by a North American leg in April 2027, and concluding with three shows at London's Wembley Stadium in August 2027.