Watch Harry Styles cover Talking Heads’ ‘Psycho Killer’ (and dress as NYC ‘pizza rat’) at final night of MSG residency
Published November 3, 2026 · ASIA
SOURCE: NME.COM
In a festive culmination to his extensive Madison Square Garden residency, Harry Styles delivered a pair of specially themed Halloween performances that blended theatricality with musical homage. The final concert, held on October 31, 2026, marked the conclusion of his 30-date run at the iconic New York venue, a residency spanning over ten weeks.
Embracing the spirit of the occasion, Styles appeared on stage dressed as the viral New York City 'pizza rat,' donning a full rat costume complete with a large slice of pizza as a prop. This playful nod referenced the 2015 subway video that became a symbol of New York’s quirky urban culture. His backing band also participated in the thematic approach, wearing costumes inspired by quintessential New York elements such as a yellow taxi and a hot dog.
Midway through the show, Styles altered his costume to a more minimalistic version featuring a shirt emblazoned with "I AM A RAT," accompanied by shorts with a tail and matching ears. This visual continuity maintained the whimsical narrative throughout the performance.
Musically, the night was highlighted by Styles' live debut of a cover of the Talking Heads' classic "Psycho Killer," expanding his repertoire of covers with a track that resonates with the New York music scene. Alongside this, he performed fan favourites from his own catalogue, including "Aperture," "Sign Of The Times," and the chart-topping "As It Was."
The significance of the residency was further underscored by Madison Square Garden’s commemorative efforts. Memorabilia from the residency was displayed on the venue’s sixth floor, and a banner celebrating Styles’ consecutive shows was raised in the arena’s rafters. During the concert, NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson made a special appearance to assist in unveiling the banner, symbolizing a crossover of sports and entertainment celebrations in New York.
The Halloween festivities extended beyond the final night. The previous evening saw Styles embody two contrasting personas: an Elvis Presley look-alike complete with a white jumpsuit and gold accessories, and a recreation of his 2010 The X Factor audition outfit. This latter costume accompanied a cover of Stevie Wonder’s "Isn’t She Lovely," an homage to the judges he once performed for and a nostalgic reference to his beginnings in the music industry.
This 2026 residency continued Styles’ tradition of Halloween-themed shows at Madison Square Garden, following earlier years where he donned costumes ranging from Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz to the Grease character Danny Zuko. These performances often included covers linked to the costumes, evidencing a thoughtful integration of music and theatricality.
Looking ahead, Styles is set to take his tour to Australia, with upcoming shows in Melbourne and Sydney before resuming in 2027 with dates across the UK, Europe, and the United States. Notably, he will be supported by prominent acts such as Kylie Minogue and LCD Soundsystem, signaling a diverse and high-profile lineup.
Critical reception of the tour has been notably positive, with prior performances receiving accolades for their sense of unity and celebration of community, as highlighted in a five-star review from NME for a show in Amsterdam earlier this year.
As Harry Styles closes this chapter of his residency, his combination of musical prowess, theatrical creativity, and connection with both fans and the cultural spirit of New York City reinforces his place as a dynamic and multifaceted performer.
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This article was synthesized and rewritten by MusicTop Editorial from reporting published by nme.com. Read the publisher's report for the complete source context.
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