The Legendary Artist Residencies of Madison Square Garden

Photo by The Empire City Wire

The World's Most Famous Arena

Madison Square Garden (MSG) is located in New York City atop Penn Station, between 7th and 8th Avenues and 31st and 33rd Streets, making it one of the most accessible venues in the city.

Madison Square Garden, often referred to as "The World's Most Famous Arena," has played host to some of the biggest names in music through unforgettable artist residencies. These extended runs allow artists to turn the venue into a temporary musical home, giving fans multiple opportunities to witness historic performances.

While many artists have played multiple nights at the Garden, only a select few have left a lasting legacy through their extended stays.

Billy Joel – The Face of MSG

No artist is more synonymous with Madison Square Garden than Billy Joel. In January 2014, he began his historic monthly residency, making him the first music franchise in the venue’s history. Over the course of a decade, he performed to sold-out crowds, delivering his timeless catalog of hits to fans who made his shows a ritual event. His run concluded in July 2024 with his 150th lifetime performance at MSG, cementing his status as the undisputed king of the Garden.

The Grateful Dead – Early Residency Pioneers

The Grateful Dead is most known for their improvisational live shows, their loyal and almost cult-like fan base known as Deadheads, and their fusion of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, and psychedelia into something uniquely their own.

Instead of chasing radio hits, they built a career on touring, with every concert feeling like a one-of-a-kind experience. Songs like "Truckin'," "Ripple," and "Touch of Grey" became anthems, but it was the endless jamming, the tie-dye culture, and the sense of community around the band that truly made them legendary.

Though not a residency in the traditional sense, The Grateful Dead made MSG a second home, playing over 50 shows between 1979 and 1994. Their extended engagements at the venue helped establish the idea that certain artists could command multiple-night runs, creating a residency-like atmosphere before the term became widely used. For Deadheads, the Garden was one of the ultimate places to see the band’s legendary live performances.

Phish – The New Year’s Eve Tradition

Phish has built a deep connection with MSG through their legendary multi-night runs. Most notably, their annual New Year’s Eve residency has become a beloved tradition for their devoted fanbase. The band’s improvisational style and elaborate stage productions make each show a unique experience, turning the Garden into a psychedelic wonderland for multiple nights at a time.

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Adele – A Residency in Spirit

Adele is most known for her powerful, soulful voice and deeply emotional ballads about love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Songs like "Someone Like You," "Rolling in the Deep," and "Hello" turned her into a global icon.

While Adele's six-night run at MSG during her 25 tour in 2016 wasn’t technically a residency, the overwhelming demand and extended stay made it feel like one. Each performance was an emotional powerhouse, with her signature voice filling the arena and creating an atmosphere of intimacy despite the massive venue. Her limited run further proved that some artists can command the Garden without needing months of performances.

Harry Styles – The Modern Pop Residency

In 2022, Harry Styles brought his Love On Tour to Madison Square Garden for a 15-night residency, an achievement so significant that it earned him a banner in the rafters—a rare honor usually reserved for sports legends. His residency showcased his evolution from boy band sensation to solo superstar, with each show delivering high-energy performances and an intimate connection with his fans.

The Legacy of MSG Residencies

Over the years, many artists have enjoyed multiple-night stints at the Garden, but Billy Joel remains the definitive face of an MSG residency. While others have had extended engagements, his decade-long monthly performances set a new standard for what it means to call Madison Square Garden home. Whether through rock, jam bands, or pop, these artists have left their mark on one of the most iconic stages in the world, proving that an MSG residency is a milestone few can claim—but one that cements an artist’s place in music history.