Maroon 5 delivered a high-energy performance Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Madison Square Garden, the first of two shows at the venue on the band’s “LOVE IS LIKE” tour. Nearly every seat in the arena was filled as fans poured in for the long-running pop group’s return to New York City.
Arriving from New York Penn Station around 7:30 p.m., the sidewalks outside MSG appeared calm. Inside, however, the atmosphere shifted immediately to the buzz of a sold-out show.
As a first-time visitor to the Garden, and a lifelong New York Knicks fan — seeing the arena’s memorabilia and history on full display was a surreal moment. Concession prices were less inspiring, with chicken tenders listed at $21 and hamburgers at $17, making the street vendors outside feel like a more reasonable dining option.
The night opened with Claire Rosinkranz, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from California who has built a following of more than 1.2 million on TikTok and 280,000 on Instagram. Rosinkranz performed songs from her debut album, “Just Because,” released Nov. 6, 2023.
A roughly 30-minute break followed before the headliners took the stage. From section 210, seats 3 and 4, the space was tight, not much room to relax — but the anticipation in the arena made up for the squeeze.
Maroon 5 emerged to a roaring ovation as frontman Adam Levine launched straight into “Harder to Breathe.”
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Travie McCoy, lead singer of Gym Class Heroes, joined the band for “Stereo Hearts.” McCoy appeared in a vintage Philadelphia Eagles jersey, representing his favorite team despite being a longtime New Yorker.
The band powered through a lineup of their most beloved hits, including “She Will Be Loved,” “Maps,” and “Moves Like Jagger.” They also debuted their newest single, “Cigarettes,” released Aug. 16, marking the first time the track had been performed live — a moment that earned an especially enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Maroon 5 closed the nearly two-hour set with fan favorites “Payphone” and “Sugar,” bringing the audience to its feet one last time.
The “LOVE IS LIKE” tour continues Friday, Nov. 22, at TD Garden in Boston, M.A.
