List of events at Madison Square Garden

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Throughout its long history, Madison Square Garden has been involved in its share of historical events. These events have included famous political rallies and celebrations.

Notable firsts

February 12, 1879 - The first artificial ice rink in North America opens at the Garden.
1902 - The first indoor professional American football game is played. The World Series of Pro Football, as it was called, was the first attempt at professional American football championship games.
1934 - The first college basketball game at the Garden is played, between the University of Notre Dame and New York University.
February 28, 1940 - Basketball is televised for the first time (Fordham University vs. the University of Pittsburgh).
March 19, 1954 - Joey Giardello knocks out Willie Tory in round seven at the Garden in the first televised prize boxing fight shown in color.
February 8, 10, 11, 1979 - The Challenge Cup, a three-game series between the All-Stars of the National Hockey League and the Soviet National Team took place at the Garden. The Soviets won, two games to one.
January 23, 1984 - Hulk Hogan wins the World Wrestling Federation Championship from The Iron Sheik in five minutes, 40 seconds. The victory kicks off the pop culture movement known as Hulkamania, and ushers in a golden age for the sport of professional wrestling.
November 8, 1984 - Michael Jordan plays his first game as a professional at MSG, and drops 33 against the Knicks. He left midway through the 4th quarter of this game to a standing ovation from the awe-struck crowd. Over the course of the 90s, the Knicks-Bulls would have a heated rivalry in many postseasons, with the Bulls always coming out on top while Jordan was in uniform.
March 31, 1985 - The World Wrestling Federation (today known as World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE), presents the inaugural WrestleMania. The annual event would return to Madison Square Garden in 1994 and 2004 for WrestleMania X and WrestleMania XX, celebrating the 10th and 20th anniversaries of WrestleMania.
August 29, 1988 - The WWE presents the first SummerSlam event. The annual events would return to Madison Square Garden for SummerSlam 1991 and SummerSlam 1998.
June 14, 1994 - The New York Rangers win the Stanley Cup at Madison Square Garden. It is the first time that a Stanley Cup has been won by the Rangers at the Garden.
June 29, 1997 - The New York Liberty professional women's basketball team plays its first home game - the first WNBA game to be played at Madison Square Garden.
March 1, 2003 - Quinnipiac University defeats the University of Connecticut 4-3 in the first college hockey game played at Madison Square Garden since 1977.
July 13–15, 2007 - Popular Boston-based indie band Dispatch sold out MSG for three nights in a row and became the first independent band to either headline or sell out MSG.

Political and social events

The 1924, 1976, 1980, and 1992 Democratic National Conventions were held at MSG.
On February 20, 1939, A large German American Bund convention was held prompting riots and protests in and around the arena by American Jews and others.
Former Republican Party presidential candidate Wendell Willkie led 20,000 African Americans on June 7, 1943, the largest Civil Rights rally of its time, in calling for equal rights and for victory in the war against Hitler.
President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday celebration took place at the Garden on May 19, 1962. During it, Marilyn Monroe sang her now infamous Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
On July 1, 1982 Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon held a Blessing Ceremony in the Garden for 2075 couples. This event attracted much public and media attention (including a story in Life), often being called a "mass wedding."
The 2004 Republican National Convention at MSG marked the first time that the Republican party held their convention in New York City.

Boxing

Madison Square Garden was one of the primary centers of the boxing universe throughout its history and in all of its incarnations before Las Vegas became the sport's main center starting in the 1980s. However, MSG still hosts many significant fights. Some of the historic fights held at MSG have been:

October 26, 1951 — Rocky Marciano vs. Joe Louis
- The unbeaten Marciano, who would become heavyweight champion the following year, knocked out a clearly past-his-prime Louis in the 8th round. After the loss, Louis retired for the second time, this time for good.
Two of the three Ali–Frazier fights:
- March 8, 1971 — Fight of the Century
  - One of the most hyped fights in history, with both heavyweight champion Frazier and challenger Ali entering unbeaten. Frazier won by unanimous decision.
- January 28, 1974 — Ali-Frazier II
  - Ali avenges his loss to Frazier, also by unanimous decision.
June 13, 1986 — Hector Camacho vs. Edwin Rosario
- A classic showdown between Puerto Rican stars Héctor Camacho and Edwin Rosario for Camacho's lightweight title, with Camacho retaining his title by a controversial split decision.
September 29, 2001 — The final bout of the Middleweight World Championship Series, in which Bernard Hopkins defeated Félix Trinidad by 12th-round TKO to claim the undisputed title.
October 2, 2004 — Trinidad vs. Mayorga
- Trinidad returned from a two-year layoff and defeated Ricardo Mayorga by TKO in the 8th round.
November 8, 2008 — Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones, Jr.
- In what proved to be his last professional bout, the unbeaten Joe Calzaghe won a unanimous decision over Roy Jones, Jr..

Concerts and live performances

Since 1968, Madison Square Garden has been host to a number of concerts and live performances. Listed in chronological order with name of artist and date of performance

1960s

In June 1968, the Soul Together concert featured Aretha Franklin, The Young Rascals, Sonny and Cher, Sam and Dave, Joe Tex, and King Curtis.
On January 24, 1969, The Doors performed their 1st show at the Garden. The Doors were at their peak of their popularity amongst their audience. The Madison Square Garden concert was one of the biggest concerts that The Doors had ever performed and has been seen as a landmark in their musical career.
In August 1969, The Jackson 5 made their first television appearance, singing The Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing" at the Miss Black America Pageant at MSG.
On December 19, 1969, Janis Joplin performed her last concert with her Kozmic Blues Band.
The Rolling Stones live album Get Yer Ya Ya's Out was made with the band's performances at MSG on November 26 and 27, 1969, during their legendary 1969 North American Tour.

1970s

A twelve-act show dubbed the Winter Festival for Peace took place at MSG on January 28, 1970.
On August 1, 1971, George Harrison held his Concert For Bangladesh. This historic event was the first special benefit concert to raise funds for charity (in this case, the country of Bangladesh, which was at that time in a severe and desperate state). There were two concerts held that day, with one taking place at 2:30pm and the other at 7:00 pm. The show featured artists such as Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Klaus Voormann, to name a few. A live album of the concert was released in 1972.
In June 1972, Elvis Presley made his first and only appearances in New York City at the Garden. Elvis played four shows to 80,000 people, which at the time was a record for the venue. A week after the shows an album of the Saturday evening performance was rushed to release making it the fastest turnaround between a live performance and its recorded release. To mark the 25th anniversary of Elvis' Garden shows, a recording of the Saturday afternoon performance was released titled An Afternoon in the Garden.
The Rolling Stones concluded their legendary 1972 North American Tour with three consecutive nights of shows on June 24–26, 1972, with two shows performed on the 25th.
John Lennon performed a concert at The Garden on August 30, 1972, which was professionally recorded and posthumously released on the 1986 album, Live in New York City.
Rick Nelson put MSG into song with his 1972 million seller "Garden Party."
English rock band Led Zeppelin performed three consecutive, sold-out performances which were filmed and recorded at The Garden during their 1973 North American Tour. The performance was later released on the concert film The Song Remains the Same and its accompanying soundtrack. Additional footage from these concerts was released in 2003 on the Led Zeppelin DVD.
On January 30–31, 1974, Bob Dylan & The Band performed, on two consecutive nights, during their Bob Dylan & The Band Tour.
In June 1974, The Who played 4 sold-out dates. A single radio announcement during a December 1973 radio broadcast was enough to sell out the shows in a matter of hours.
On October 13, 1974, to cap his comeback after his retirement in 1971, Frank Sinatra played in front of 20,000 fans at the Garden in a show, dubbed "The Main Event", that was broadcast nationally and internationally. The concert was recorded and released along with other concerts as The Main Event – Live.
On November 28, 1974, John Lennon made a surprise guest appearance at an Elton John concert - Lennon's last ever concert appearance. They sang together as a duet on "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" and "I Saw Her Standing There". The concert was released as the "There" portion of John's 1976 live album Here and There. Elton John's song "Empty Garden", a beautiful tribute to John Lennon, clearly refers to The Garden.
In 1975, Mexican singer Angélica María performed two sold-out concerts at MSG on the same day-a feat which has not been duplicated to date.
The Rolling Stones returned to MSG to perform six nights in a row, during their 1975 North American Tour from June 22 to the 27th.
On December 8, 1975, Madison Square Garden hosted The Rolling Thunder Revue Tour, headed by Bob Dylan.
On May 24–25, 1976, Wings performed, on two consecutive nights, during their Wings Over America Tour.
In December 1976, The Bee Gees performed at MSG during their Children of the World tour and donated the proceeds to the New York Police Athletic League.
On December 17, 1976, Parliament-Funkadelic landed the Mothership Connection at MSG, as part of their P-Funk Earth Tour. The supporting acts were Bootsy's Rubber Band, featuring lead bassist Bootsy Collins, as well as South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
On February 18, 1977, New York-based rock band KISS made their Madison Square Garden debut, during their Rock & Roll Over Tour. KISS have since made MSG a regular stop on nearly every tour they have made, most notably a four-night sellout in July 1996.
That same month, English rock band Queen made their Madison Square Garden debut, during their A Day at the Races Tour, with opening act Thin Lizzy. Queen would make MSG a regular stop on every subsequent US tour, with their classic lineup (1982's Hot Space Tour would be the last tour the original lineup of Queen would play in America), most notably a four-night sellout in September 1980. During Queen's show in November 1978, the band had numerous naked women on stage riding bicycles during their song "Bicycle Race." This stunt attracted considerable media attention.
Earlier that month, fellow English band Genesis made their Madison Square Garden debut, as part of a world tour supporting their eighth studio album Wind & Wuthering (which was their last tour with guitarist Steve Hackett). Genesis would make The Garden a regular stop on every subsequent US tour they would make (save the 1992 We Can't Dance tour), most notably ex-lead singer Peter Gabriel joining the band for an encore in July 1978.
In June 1977, Led Zeppelin performed six sold out concerts at The Garden. The band spent no money on advertising for the gigs, relying on street demand to sell out the shows. Enough ticket applications were received to sell out a further two nights, had time permitted.
In July 1977, English rock band Pink Floyd performed at MSG for the first time, in their, then, ten year recording career, playing four consecutive sold out nights from July 1–4 on the final North American dates on their Animals tour. The show on July 1 saw problems between the band and local lighting technicians, whom they had to use instead of their own lighting crew due to union technicalities, and on July 3 when fans lit off fireworks which disrupted the Pink Floyd's performance. The band (minus Roger Waters) would not play the venue again until the 1987 A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour, when the shows ran a lot more smoothly.
David Bowie performed at the Garden, on three consecutive nights, on May 7–9, 1978, these gigs ended the US leg of his Isolar II Tour.
On June 17, 1978, reggae superstar Bob Marley raised the profile of reggae music in America with his performance at the Garden. In 1980 Marley played two concerts at the venue as the opener of The Commodores; the performances were sold out, but the Garden was almost empty after Marley's show. The day after Marley, already fatally ill, collapsed while jogging in Central Park and performed one last concert in Pittsburgh before canceling the tour. Marley died months later of cancer.
In October 1978, Jethro Tull filmed a concert at this venue on their Bursting Out tour which aired on television. Some parts were released on the re-issued Thick as a Brick album and various concert videos. These concerts were of note as Tull's leader Ian Anderson's friend Tony Williams filled in for then-Tull bass player John Glascock, who was suffering from ailing health (Glascock would pass away in 1979). The concert was officially released on DVD and CD in 2009.
The same year, Chicago based rockers Styx performed here for the first time on their Pieces of Eight tour. They would play there again on the Grand Decathlon and Paradise Theatre tours in 1979 and 1981.
In September 1979, Musicians United for Safe Energy (a.k.a. MUSE) held a series of five No Nukes concerts at the Garden. Performers included Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, The Doobie Brothers, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Chaka Khan, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The concerts were documented in an album, No Nukes: The MUSE Concerts For a Non-Nuclear Future, and a 1980 feature film titled No Nukes.
Woodstock '79: a rock concert in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival.
Also, Supertramp would play here on their Breakfast in America tour in 1979 (at the time they played their album was at #1 in the US) and would subsequently play there on their …Famous Last Words… tour in 1983.
The Who played 5 nights straight between September 13–18.

1980s

On January 10, 1981, The Police performed at MSG, for the first time, during their Zenyattà Mondatta Tour.
On February 11, 1981, the 1981 MISL All-Star game was played at MSG. This was the event at which Jim Foster conceived the idea of Arena Football.
In May 1981, Rush performed at MSG for the first time in their then seven year career on their Moving Pictures tour. The band would subsequently perform here again in 1982 (two shows on their Signals tour), 1984, 1988, 1991, 1994 (two shows on their Counterparts tour), 2002 and as recent as September 2007.
On July 17, 1981, Van Halen performed at MSG, for the first time, during their Fair Warning Tour.
On August 18–19, 1981, The Jackson 5 returned, as The Jacksons, on two consecutive nights, to perform during their Triumph Tour.
In November 1981, The Rolling Stones again returned to MSG to perform, on two consecutive nights, during their 1981 North American Tour on the 12th & 13th.
In December 1981, AC/DC performed at MSG, for the first time, in their, then, seven year career, on their For Those About to Rock Tour. The band would subsequently perform here again on every subsequent US tour.
On January 22, 1982, The Police returned to perform at MSG during their Ghost in the Machine Tour, with The Go-Go's as their opening act.
On October 8, 1982, Van Halen returned to perform at MSG during their Hide Your Sheep Tour.
In October 1982, Judas Priest played MSG for the first time in their career on their 1982 North American tour in support of their US breakthrough album Screaming for Vengeance. The band would not ever play the venue again after they were banned from the venue after fans destroyed seats during one of their shows on the band's 1984 Defenders of the Faith tour.
On New Year's Eve, 1982, Billy Joel played his first sold out New Year's Eve concert as well as ended his Nylon Curtain tour on the same night at The Garden.
On July 25–27, 1983, David Bowie performed at the Garden, on three consecutive nights, during his Serious Moonlight Tour.
On September 12, 1983, Robert Plant performed, for the first time, at MSG, solo, during The Principle of Moments Tour.
In September 1983, Iron Maiden headlined at MSG for the first time in their career on their World Piece '83 tour (they previously played MSG a year earlier as opener for fellow British heavy metal band Judas Priest). Iron Maiden would subsequently perform here again in 1986, 2000, 2003 and 2008.
In 1984, Scorpions played three sold out shows in a row at MSG.
On March 30-31, 1984, Van Halen returned, on two consecutive nights, to perform at MSG during their 1984 Tour.
On August 4–5, 1984, The Jacksons returned, on two consecutive nights, to perform during their Victory Tour.
In 1985, Madonna ended The Virgin Tour with two sold-out shows on June 10–11, with The Beastie Boys as her opening act.
On July 1–2, 1985, Phil Collins concluded The No Jacket Required World Tour at MSG, with two consecutive sold-out shows.
On August 1-2, 1985, Tina Turner performed, for the first time at MSG, on two consecutive nights, during her Private Dancer Tour.
On April 8, 1986, Aerosmith performed at MSG during their Done with Mirrors Tour.
On August 2-3, 1986, Prince, with The Revolution, performed, for the first time, at MSG, on two consecutive nights, concluding the US leg of his Hit n Run Tour.
On July 13, 1987, Madonna returned to perform during her Who's That Girl World Tour, with Level 42 as her opening act.
On August 24, 1987, Tina Turner returned to perform at MSG during her Break Every Rule Tour.
On August 26, 1987, Roger Waters performed at MSG during his Radio K.A.O.S. Tour.
On September 1–2, 1987, David Bowie returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at the Garden during his Glass Spider Tour.
On September 8–9, 1987, Whitney Houston performed at MSG, for the first time, on two consecutive nights, during her Moment of Truth World Tour, with Jonathan Butler & Kenny G as her opening acts.
On September 28–29, 1987, U2 performed, on two consecutive nights, during The Joshua Tree Tour.
On February 3, 1988, Sting performed, for the first time, at MSG, solo, during his ...Nothing Like the Sun Tour. He also returned on August 24 of the same year.
On March 3–5, 1988, Michael Jackson performed three consecutive sold-out shows during his Bad World Tour.
On May 14, 1988, the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary celebrations were held at The Garden, consisting of a non-stop concert lasting almost 13 hours. Those performing included, the former members of Led Zeppelin, Yes, Genesis, Iron Butterfly, The Rascals, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Bob Geldof, Booker T. Jones, Wilson Pickett, The Coasters, The Spinners, Peabo Bryson, Dan Aykroyd, Roberta Flack, The Manhattan Transfer, Debbie Gibson, Bee Gees, Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker, Ben E. King & Vanilla Fudge.
On July 29, 1988, Robert Plant returned to perform at MSG during his Now and Zen Tour.
On August 28, 1988, MSG hosted a benefit concert for the United Negro College Fund, known as "An Evening of Stars", featuring comedy and musical performances from various artists.
On October 2-3, 1988, Prince returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during his Lovesexy World Tour.
On October 11, 1988, Van Halen returned to perform at MSG during their OU812 Tour. This was their first performance, with new lead vocalist Sammy Hagar.
On December 11–12 & 14-15, 1989, Paul McCartney performed four sold-out shows at MSG during The Paul McCartney World Tour.

1990s

On March 15–16, 1990, Janet Jackson performed, for the first time at MSG, on two consecutive nights, during her Rhythm Nation World Tour.
On September 28-October 3, 1990, Phil Collins concluded his Seriously, Live! World Tour at MSG, with six consecutive shows.
Comedian Andrew Dice Clay became the first comic to do two sold-out shows in a row in 1991, in a film entitled Dice Rules.
On July 23, 1991, Whitney Houston returned to perform at MSG during her I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour, with After 7 as her opening act.
In August 1991, Metallica threw a free listening party for the black album, for fans only.
On September 5 & October 21-22, 1991, Sting returned to perform three shows at MSG during The Soul Cages Tour.
On October 25–26, 1991, George Michael performed, on two consecutive nights, during his Cover To Cover Tour.
Guns N' Roses played 3 sell out shows in December 1991: on the 9-10 & 13th, as part of the Use Your Illusion Tour.
On March 20, 1992, U2 returned to perform at MSG during their Zoo TV Tour, with The Pixies as their opening act.
On April 24–25, 1992, George Carlin filmed his eight HBO special, Jammin' in New York
On October 16, 1992, Bob Dylan returned to perform at MSG during his Outburst of Consciousness Tour.
On October 14–15 & 17th, 1993, Madonna performed three sold out concerts during The Girlie Show World Tour.
On December 10, 1993, Mariah Carey performed at MSG, for the first time and concluded her Music Box Tour.
On December 17-18, 22-23 & 31, 1993, Janet Jackson returned to perform five sold-out shows at MSG during her Janet World Tour.
In 1993, Luis Miguel became the first Latin artist to sell out at the Garden and received a special recognition during the middle of the show.
On February 17, 1994, Aerosmith performed at MSG during their Get a Grip Tour.
In 1994, Barbra Streisand performed six shows here and recorded her album, The Concert, here.
On July 6–7, 1994, Phil Collins returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during his Both Sides of the World Tour.
In 1994, Scoob Lover, The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), Tupac Shakur, Shyheim and Big Daddy Kane freestyled live.
On December 30, 1994, Phish, who had a large following among the college and jam band scene at the time, played (and sold out) their first show at the Garden as part of their New Years Run.
On October 10, 1995, Mariah Carey performed at The Garden, which was filmed and released on the DVD/Home Video Fantasy: Mariah Carey at Madison Square Garden.
On October 26-27, 1995, Page & Plant performed, for the first time & concluded the US leg of their No Quarter Tour at MSG, with two consecutive shows.
On December 31, 1995, rock band Phish performed for a sellout crowd and played a show that was later called one of "the Greatest Concerts of the 90s" by Rolling Stone magazine. It was recorded and released on December, 20th 2005 to commemorate the show's 10th anniversary as a three disc set entitled: Phish: New Year's Eve 1995 - Live at Madison Square Garden. The band also sold out a show the night before & three new year's shows in 1997, four in 1998, & a hiatus-ending NYE show in 2002.
On February 9, 1996, The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at MSG, for the first time, during their One Hot Minute Tour.
On July 26, 1996, Celine Dion performed at MSG, for the first time, during her Falling into You Tour. She returned, during the same tour, on April 12, 1997.
On November 25, 1996, hard rock band Stone Temple Pilots performed an extended set at The Garden in support of their third album Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop. Most notably, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of the rock band Aerosmith joined the band midway through the show to perform the Aerosmith songs, "Sweet Emotion" & "Lick and a Promise."
On March 10-11, 1997, Metallica returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during their Poor Touring Me Tour.
On August 6, 1997, Aerosmith returned to perform at MSG during their Nine Lives Tour.
On January 14 & 16-17, 1998, The Rolling Stones returned to MSG to perform three shows during their Bridges To Babylon Tour.
On May 22, 1998, Van Halen returned to perform at MSG during their III Tour. This was their first performance at MSG, in ten years and with new lead vocalist Gary Cherone.
On July 1, 1998, The Spice Girls played Madison Square Garden, after selling out the venue in 12 minutes, the shortest time ever for a band to sell out the venue.
On July 16, 1998, Page & Plant performed, for the last time at MSG, during their Walking into Clarksdale Tour.
On September 3-4, 1998, Celine Dion returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at MSG, during her Let's Talk About Love Tour.
On September 25, 1998, Prince returned to perform at MSG, for the first time in 10 years, during his Newpower Soul Tour, with his new backing band, The New Power Generation.
On October 10-11, 1998, Janet Jackson returned to perform, on two consecutive nights at MSG, during The Velvet Rope World Tour, with Usher as her opening act. The show on Sunday the 11th, was performed live on HBO. Hip-hop star Q-Tip made a guest performance and former Secretary of State General Colin Powell made a special appearance.
On October 29, 1998, Bob Dylan returned to perform at MSG during his 1998 North American Tour.
TLC performed at the Garden on January 21, 1999.
On June 30 & July 27, 1999, Bob Dylan returned to perform at MSG during his 1999 North American Tour, with Paul Simon.
On July 13, 1999, Cher performed a sold-out show at MSG during her Do You Believe? Tour.
On November 23, 1999, Metallica returned to perform at MSG during their Garage Remains The Same Tour, with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.
Billy Joel played a four-hour concert for New Year's 1999, dubbed 'The Night of Two Thousand Years." Two songs from this concert were broadcast live on ABC-TV as part of the ABC 2000 Today news program. Highlights from the show were also used for the live album 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert.

2000s

On April 7-8, 2000, Tina Turner returned to perform at MSG, on two consecutive nights, during her Twenty Four Seven Tour, with Lionel Richie as her opening act.
On April 11, 2000, Mariah Carey performed at MSG during her Rainbow World Tour.
On July 6, 2000, Diana Ross performed at MSG during her Return to Love Tour.
Former boy-band 'N Sync sold out four concerts at MSG in July 2000, during their No Strings Attached Tour, which was later released on DVD, titled NSYNC: Live From Madison Square Garden.
Nine Inch Nails perform at sold-out show at Madison Square Garden on May 9, 2000 and as they reach the final chorus on their song "Starfuckers, Inc.", special guest Marilyn Manson appears to finish the song, which then leads to Manson's hit song, "The Beautiful People".
Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters sold out two concerts at the Garden in June 2000 for his In the Flesh - Live Tour.
New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen sold out a then-record 10-night stand at the Garden in June and July 2000. Highlights of the show were used for his live CD/DVD Live In New York City.
Barbra Streisand set the highest grossing event at MSG with her two "farewell" concerts on September 27–28, 2000.
Elton John recorded a live performance at MSG called Elton John One Night Only - The Greatest Hits. The album was recorded on October 20–21, 2000, an extended version was also released as a DVD.
On June 17 & 19 & October 24–25 & 27th, 2001, U2 performed five sold-out shows during their Elevation Tour.
During the New York stops for her 2001 tour, Drowned World Tour, Madonna performed 5 sold-out nights.
On August 20 & 22-23, 2001, Janet Jackson returned to perform three consecutive shows at MSG during her All for You Tour.
The Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special took place on September 7 & 10, 2001. Including various artists from Usher to Whitney Houston. The shows featured a re-union with Michael's brothers - The Jackson 5 and was Jackson's final concert performance before his passing on June 25, 2009.
On October 20, 2001, The Garden played host to "The Concert for New York City" after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The benefit was as famous for its emotional performances by Billy Joel and The Who.
On November 12, 2001, Aerosmith performed at the Garden during their Just Push Play Tour, with Fuel as their opening act.
On November 19, 2001, Bob Dylan returned to perform at MSG during his 2001 North American Tour.
On December 5, 2001, Britney Spears performed, for the first time at MSG, during her Dream Within a Dream Tour.
On April 26–27, 2002, Paul McCartney performed, on two consecutive nights, at the Garden during his Driving USA Tour.
On May 31, 2002, Blink-182 & Green Day performed at MSG during their co-headlining Pop Disaster Tour, with Saves the Day as their opening act.
On June 24, 2002, Deadsy & Puddle of Mudd open up for Korn during The Tour With No Name.
On June 26–27 & October 17–18, 2002, Cher performed four sold-out shows during her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour.
On July 31-August 1 & 3-4, 2002, Robert Plant returned to perform four consecutive shows at MSG, for the first time with his new backing band, The Strange Sensation, during his Dreamland Tour.
On September 26, 2002, The Rolling Stones returned to perform during their Licks Tour, also on January 16 & 18, 2003.
On October 24, 2002, Canadian rock band Rush sold out Madison Square Garden the band's first tour in nearly six years. The band was awarded on stage from the Recording Industry Association of American for shipments of 25 million in the United States of America.
On October 28, 2002, Latin American Mexican rock band Maná performed here for their Revolución de Amor Tour. They also played the following year on October 13, 2003 for the same tour.
On November 11 & 13, 2002, Bob Dylan returned to perform two consecutive shows at MSG during his 2002 North American Tour.
On November 20, 2002, Shakira performed at MSG, for the first time, during her Tour of the Mongoose Tour.
On December 5, 2002, Guns N' Roses performed at the Garden during their 2002/2003 World Tour.
On December 31, 2002, jamband Phish made their triumphant return to the stage after a 2 year hiatus to a loving MSG crowd. This would be their last performance at the garden after the band called it quits in the summer of 2004.
On May 20, 2003, The Red Hot Chili Peppers returned to perform at MSG, for the first time in 7 years, during their By the Way Tour.
On June 11–12, 2003, Cher returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, during her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour.
On June 20–21, 2003, The Dixie Chicks performed in their Top of the World Tour.
Pearl Jam's 2003 live DVD Live at the Garden was recorded on July 8, 2003, at The Garden.
On July 30, 2003, Iron Maiden played the arena alongside fellow Metal bands Dio and Motörhead.
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at the Garden, which would later be the focus of his film Fade to Black. This concert was his "retirement party." All proceeds went to charity. Other performers included collaborators like The Roots (in the form of his backing band), Missy Elliott, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Twista, Ghostface Killah, Foxy Brown, Pharrell and R. Kelly with special appearances by Voletta Wallace and Afeni Shakur; the mothers of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur respectively.
On December 15, 2003, David Bowie performed at the Garden during his A Reality Tour.
On April 12, 2004, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys & Missy Elliott, with Tamia as their opening act, performed at MSG during their Verizon Ladies First Tour.
On July 12-14, 2004, Prince & The New Power Generation returned to perform, for the first time in 6 years, on three consecutive nights, at MSG during his Musicology Tour.
On October 9, 2004, The Beastie Boys performed a sold out show. During the concert, 50 audience members were given camcorders and recorded the show. The films were edited and the movie Awesome; I Fuckin' Shot That! was created.
During the New York stops for her 2004 world tour, Re-Invention Tour, Madonna performed 6 sold-out nights.

2005

On May 21, 2005, U2 performed at the Garden during their Vertigo Tour, with Kings of Leon as their opening act.
On June 22, 2005, Oasis make their long awaited debut at the Garden, some 10 years into their career. The concert sold out in record time and was later praised by many critics.
On July 29, 2005, Destiny's Child performed their last concert at the arena during their Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It Farwell Tour.
On September 13, 2005, The Rolling Stones returned to perform at MSG during their A Bigger Bang Tour.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina the Garden played host to yet another charity concert. From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, was an event held on September 20, 2005. It has since been referred to as "Apple Easy". The funds raised went to helping rebuild New Orleans after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.
From September 30 to October 5, 2005, Paul McCartney performed four shows during The 'US' Tour.
From October 7–14 to November 21–22, 2005, U2 returned, during their 2nd US leg of their Vertigo Tour, to perform seven sold out shows, with Damian Marley as their opening act.
From October 24–26, 2005, Cream played at MSG for their United States reunion. The shows were marred by some controversy in regards to tickets: the show's promoters had made a deal with credit card company American Express to make tickets available to American Express customers only in an unprecedented week-long pre-sale. Ticket scalpers charged high prices for tickets. Nevertheless, the shows were a financial success and received critical praise.
On November 1 & December 15, 2005, Gwen Stefani performed at MSG during her Harajuku Lovers Tour.
On November 27, 2005, nu metal band Slipknot performed a sold-out night at the gardens as part of their Vo. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) tour with support from Lamb of God and Shadows Fall.

2006

In 2006, Billy Joel set a record with a string of 12 sold-out performances, breaking the record of 10 set by Bruce Springsteen in 2000. On night 12 of the stand, MSG raised a #12 to the rafters on top of the Garden to join the numbers of Rangers and Knicks players that have had their numbers retired by their respective teams, making Joel the first ever non-sports individual to have his "number" retired at The Garden. The concerts were released as the album 12 Gardens Live in 2006.
On January 18th & 20th, 2006, The Rolling Stones returned to perform during their A Bigger Bang Tour.
On March 13, 2006, Metallica returned to perform at MSG during their Escape from the Studio '06 Tour. This was the day they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On July 21, 2006, Mary J. Blige performed at the arena during The Breakthrough Tour, with opening acts Jaheim and former Destiny's Child member LeToya.
On August 23, 2006, Mariah Carey performed a sold-out show at The Garden, as part of her The Adventures of Mimi Tour. She featured renowned hip hop dj DJ Clue as her DJ, and had surprise appearances from Jay-Z, Diddy, Styles P, Jadakiss & Da Brat.
During the New York stops for her 2006 record-breaking world tour, Confessions Tour, Madonna performed 6 sold-out nights, grossing $16,507,855.
On September 7-8, 2006, Shakira performed, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during her Oral Fixation Tour.
On September 12–13, 2006, Roger Waters performed, on two consecutive nights, during The Dark Side of the Moon Live Tour & was joined onstage, by former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
On October 5, 2006, New York Rangers player Brendan Shanahan scored his 600th career goal and became the 15th player to do so.
Barbra Streisand performed her two Streisand: The Tour concerts here on October 9 and 11, 2006.
On November 10, 2006, Guns N' Roses returned to perform during their 2006 World Tour.
On November 12, 2006, comedian Dane Cook performed two sold out shows in one night.
On November 21, 2006, New York Rangers player Jaromír Jágr scored his 600th career goal and became the 2nd player to score his 600 goal that season.
On December 1, 2006, comedy rock band Tenacious D, featuring actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass performed at MSG in their first headlining concert at a major American arena, with comedian Neil Hamburger the unlikely opener.

2007

On February 7 & August 15–16, 2007, Justin Timberlake performed three shows at the Garden during his FutureSex/LoveShow Tour. A combination of the two dates in August were made into an HBO Concert of the same name, and on November 13 was released on DVD, named FutureSex/LoveShow Live From Madison Square Garden.
On March 23, 2007, Christina Aguilera performed at the Garden during her Back To Basics Tour.
On March 25, 2007, Elton John celebrated his 60th birthday and 60th Sold Out concert at Madison Square Garden. In honor of this achievement an Elton John #60 banner was raised to the rafters.
On May 30, 2007, Roger Waters performed during The Dark Side of the Moon Live Tour, this was the second time he performed at the Garden in a year.
In 2007, Dispatch reunited at MSG and sold out shows on three nights, from July 13-15. There was originally supposed to be only one show, but after selling out the first scheduled concert in 15 minutes, the band added another show that sold out in 24 hours, then added a third night on the 15th. These shows were all 100% concerts. Dispatch became the first unsigned band to ever sell out Madison Square Garden.
On August 1 & 3, October 31 & November 2, The Police returned to perform four shows at MSG, for the first time in 25 years, during their Reunion Tour, with Fiction Plane as their opening act.
On August 4–5, Beyoncé performed, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during The Beyoncé Experience Tour.
On August 6, Muse performed at MSG during their Black Holes and Revelations Tour, with Cold War Kids as their opening act.
On September 24, Icelandic, singer-songwriter, producer, and actress, Björk, performed in support of her Volta tour.
On September 25, Genesis returned to perform at MSG during their Turn It on Again: The Reunion Tour.
On October 9, Latin American Mexican rock band Maná performed for the second time that year for their Amar es Combatir Tour.
On October 17–18, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band performed, on two consecutive nights, during their Magic Tour.
On November 13, Van Halen returned to perform at MSG during their 2007/2008 Reunion Tour. This was their first performance, in nine years, for the band and in 23 years, with original lead vocalist David Lee Roth.
On December 22, "Metal God" Ozzy Osbourne performed in the arena for the first time in over 20 years. At this show, fellow hard rock legend Rob Zombie made his first MSG performance of his career.

2008

British Rock and Roll legends Oasis performed at MSG on their Dig Out Your Soul Tour on December 17, 2008.
On February 18, The Spice Girls performed to a sold out audience as a part of their reunion tour.
On February 19, The Foo Fighters headlined a Garden show for the first time to a sold out crowd, and was one of the fastest selling shows in the venues history.
On February 21, Linkin Park performed for the first time in the Garden to a sold out audience. Jay-Z made a performance with them as well since the Grammy Awards of 2006.
From February 25–28, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood performed three concerts. It was their first full scale live collaboration since Blind Faith almost 40 years earlier.
On March 10, a tennis exhibition match between Roger Federer vs Pete Sampras was played at MSG.
On May 2, May 6, and May 7, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige performed three sold out performances. The May 2 show was scheduled late because the first two sold out in less than two minutes each, and gave fans who did not receive tickets for the other two shows another chance to see the show.
On May 9, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, and Drive By played a sold out show
On May 13, Rihanna, Kanye West, N.E.R.D. & Lupe Fiasco performed during their Glow in the Dark Tour. Chris Brown appeared on stage to sing a duet remix of "Umbrella" with Rihanna.
On May 15, Kid Rock performed with special guests Reverend Run from Run-D.M.C. and Peter Wolf from The J. Geils Band. Opening for Kid Rock were Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Of note: This was Skynyrd's first show ever at the historic Madison Square Garden in the band's 40+ year existence.
On May 23, Van Halen returned to perform during their 2007/2008 Reunion Tour.
On June 18, Alicia Keys concluded the 1st US leg of her As I Am Tour at MSG.
On June 24–25, Pearl Jam made a much anticipated return to the arena, their first performance there in five years and sold out both nights within seconds. On both nights C.J. Ramone guest performed and on the second night Ace Frehley guest performed.
On July 15, Bon Jovi performed at MSG for the second time in 25 years.
In mid-July, English musician George Michael performed at MSG for the first time in 17 years, playing two sold out nights on July 21 and July 23. He has performed at MSG during three of his tours: 3 times during his Faith World Tour in 1988, 2 times during his Cover to Cover tour in 1991 & 2 times during his 25 Live tour.
On August 5, N.E.R.D & Lupe Fiasco returned to perform during their Glow in the Dark Tour. Rapper Busta Rhymes briefly joined N.E.R.D. during their set.
On August 7, The Police returned to conclude their Reunion Tour at MSG, with Fiction Plane as their opening act.
On August 9–11, The Jonas Brothers brought their Burning Up Tour to Madison Square Garden for three consecutive sold-out shows. Demi Lovato was their opening act for all three dates, while Taylor Swift and Robert Schwartzman from Rooney also appeared.
On August 12 & 14-16, Neil Diamond performed four consecutive shows at MSG during his Home Before Dark Tour.
On September 13, Japanese rock band X Japan played their first US concert at the arena as part of their 2008 world tour. (postponed)
On September 15-16, Celine Dion returned to perform, on two consecutive nights, at MSG during her Taking Chances Tour.
On October 6–7 & 11-12, Madonna performed four sold-out shows during her Sticky & Sweet Tour.
On October 27, New Kids on the Block performed a sold-out show during their Reunion Tour, with Lady Gaga as their opening act.
On November 1, Janet Jackson returned to perform at MSG during her Rock Witchu Tour.
On December 1, Tina Turner returned to perform at MSG during her 50th Anniversary Tour.
On December 5, Michael Bublé played his first show, a sold-out event, the last of his 2-year 'Call Me Irresponsible' tour. Subsequent to his performance, he released a live CD and a DVD, Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, which chronicled the days leading up to and during the event.
On December 12, radio station WHTZ had their annual "Jingleball" fest featuring Katy Perry, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Brandy, Kanye West, Paramore, David Archuleta, and others.
On December 31, My Morning Jacket played their largest headlining show ever at the arena.

2009

January 9, 2009 to January 11, 2009 the Professional Bull Riders brought the Toughest Sport on Earth to MSG for a third consecutive year.
On January 29, 2009, Kings of Leon headlined and sold out their first arena show in the US.
On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers scored 61 points in a 126–117 win over the Knicks. It is the highest single game scoring total for an NBA player at MSG.
On March 12–13, 2009, The University of Connecticut and Syracuse University played in a 6-overtime game in the Big East Tournament with the Orange winning 127-117. It was the second longest game in NCAA history. The game lasted 3 hrs and 46 minutes, ending at 1:46 am.
On March 16, 2009, Mötley Crüe performed at MSG during their Saints Of Los Angeles Tour, with Hinder, Theory of a Deadman & The Last Vegas as their opening acts.
On April 25, 2009, The Dead performed at the Garden for the first time since 2002 when they were billed as The Other Ones. The Garden was a favorite venue of the Grateful Dead who played there 54 times between 1971 and 1994, 52 of them between 1979 and 1994.
On May 3, 2009, there was a special concert held to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Almost 50 performers played including Seeger, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Richie Havens, Eddie Vedder, Tom Morello, Kris Kristofferson and Joan Baez.
On June 21–22, 2009, Beyoncé kicked off the 2nd US leg of her I Am... Tour on two consecutive nights at MSG.
On August 24–26, 2009, Britney Spears performed three consecutive sold-out shows during her Circus Tour, with Jordin Sparks, Kristinia DeBarge & One Call as her opening acts.
August 27, 2009, Taylor Swift performed a show from her highly successful Fearless Tour. The show sold out in a record 1 minute.
On September 11, 2009, rapper Jay-Z performed at the arena for a benefit concert for the anniversary of 9/11.
On October 5, 2009, P!nk performed the final US show of her Funhouse Tour, with The Ting Tings as her opening act.
On November 7–8, 2009, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band performed his albums, The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle and the double album The River in their entirety on two consecutive nights. It is the only time they have ever played those two albums live in concert.
On November 14-15, 2009, Metallica returned to conclude the 3rd US leg of their World Magnetic Tour at MSG, with two consecutive sold-out shows.
On December 2–4, 2009, Phish played three sold out shows, marking their first return to the arena since their 2004 breakup.
On December 31, 2009, Mariah Carey kicked off her Angels Advocate Tour with her New Year's Eve performance, with RydaznNrtist, Trey Songz, DJ Suss as her opening acts.

2010s

On February 24, 2010, The Black Eyed Peas performed at MSG during The E.N.D. World Tour.
On March 5, 2010, Muse returned to perform at MSG during The Resistance Tour, with Silversun Pickups as their opening acts.
On March 17, 2010, Alicia Keys returned to perform at MSG during The Freedom Tour.
On July 6–7 & 9th, 2010, Lady Gaga performed at MSG during The Monster Ball Tour.
On July 12, 2010, Iron Maiden performed at MSG, with Dream Theater as a special guest, during The Final Frontier World Tour.
On August 4-5, 2010, Arcade Fire played two sold out shows at MSG while on the U.S. leg of their tour in support of The Suburbs. The August 5th performance was broadcast live on YouTube.
On August 12, 2010, Rihanna returned to perform a sold out show at MSG during her Last Girl on Earth Tour, with Ke$ha & Travie McCoy as her opening acts.
On August 31, 2010, Justin Bieber performed at MSG during his My World Tour, with Sean Kingston & Vita Chambers as his opening acts.
On September 21, 2010, Shakira performed at MSG during The Sun Comes Out World Tour.
On September 24, 2010, Alice in Chains performed their first headlining appearance at MSG, with Deftones & Mastodon, during their Blackdiamondskye Tour.
On October 5-6, 2010, Roger Waters returned to perform at MSG, on two consecutive nights, during The Wall Live Tour. He will return on November 6th.

Regular performances and concert records

Traditionally, Madison Square Garden hosts a concert on New Year's Eve. The Knicks and Rangers usually play on the road that evening. Recent NYE performances include multiple performances by the band Phish (1995, 1997, 1998, 2002), Billy Joel (1982, 1999), Blues Traveler (1996), Marc Anthony (2000), Wilco & The Flaming Lips (2004), The Black Crowes & Trey Anastasio (2005) and Chris Rock in 2007. A planned 2003 New Years show by Jane's Addiction and Marilyn Manson was cancelled due to low ticket sales. No show was booked for December 31, 2006. On New Year's Eve 2008, southern rock band My Morning Jacket rang in the new year with a three-hour long performance, featuring The Nashville / Louisville Horns and surprise guest appearances by Nicole Atkins and Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic).

Madison Square Garden hosted other various World Wrestling Entertainment events. It has already hosted Raw, SmackDown!, ECW and Saturday Night's Main Event and the other four big WWE pay-per-views (WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and SummerSlam) while it also hosted the first ever Elimination Chamber match at the 2002 Survivor Series . Madison Square Garden hosted the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1985 and since then, WrestleMania has become one of the major pay-per-view events on the market. The event returned to the venue for its 10th edition in 1994 and 20th in 2004. On March 14, 2004, WrestleMania XX generated more than $2.4 million USD in ticket sales.

Since 1985, Irish band U2 has performed 17 shows at the Garden, more than at any other venue, including a combined 8 sold out shows on the 1st and 3rd legs of their most recent Vertigo Tour. Their two performances on the Elevation Tour in October 2001 were considered by many not only among their best concerts ever, but among the best ever at the Garden, with emotions running high after September 11, and Bono inviting dozens of firemen and emergency workers onstage at the end of the performance.

With her shows at the Madison Square Garden, Madonna set a record, 23 performances at the arena, the most by a solo artist.

The single artist holding the all-time record for the greatest number of appearances at the Garden is Elton John who has played the arena 60 times. For this feat he has had a banner stating "60" raised up to the ceiling in the arena for his record and age. The band that has played more dates in the Garden than any other is The Grateful Dead, performing at the arena 52 times from 1979 through 1994.

Billy Joel also sold out a record 12 consecutive shows at the garden, putting him 2 ahead of Bruce Springsteen and earning him a #12 banner in the rafters of the Garden.

References

"WNBA History Timeline".
Janis Joplin Concert Dates - OfficialJanis.com
http://www.oasisfanatic.com/gigography/oasis/concert/0/742.html
"Official Site and Honey B. Fly Fan Club for Mariah Carey news.news". Mariahcarey.com. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
Cablevision: Madison Square Garden

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