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Almost 2m tickets have been sold to fans from more than 120 countries over the course of the 104-night run at the New York arena
By James Hanley on 26 Jul 2024
Billy Joel
image © Myrna Suarez
Billy Joel has wrapped up his decade-long concert residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden (cap. 20,000) with his 150th career show at the venue.
Joel was named MSG’s first-ever music franchise in December 2013, beginning his stint in January 2014 and playing one gig every month at The World’s Most Famous Arena for “as long as the demand continues”, as the Piano Man said at the time.
More than 1.9 million tickets have been sold to fans from more than 120 countries over the course of the 104-night run, which has reportedly grossed over $260 million (€239m).
The 75-year-old, whose first show at the venue took place on 14 December 1978, was joined on stage by Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose at last night’s (25 July) finale for covers of Wings’ Live and Let Die and AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, before finishing with Joel’s You May Be Right.
Joel has set multiple records and performed with a multitude of special guests during his 10-year residency
The American singer-songwriter has set multiple records and performed with a multitude of special guests during his 10-year residency, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting, Tony Bennett, Miley Cyrus, Brian Johnson, Paul Simon, John Mayer and Olivia Rodrigo.
In January 2015, he broke his own record of the “most consecutive performances by any artist” with the 13th show of the residency, which led to a new banner being raised to The Garden’s rafters.
In July of the same year, Joel set another new bar for the “most lifetime performances by any artist,” for which another banner was raised. Both of Joel’s banners were raised once again yesterday to celebrate his record for “most consecutive performances by any artist” (104), and “most lifetime performances by any artist” (150).
In celebration of the residency and to cement Joel’s legacy at The Garden, a new Defining Moments exhibit was displayed on the sixth floor concourse, featuring memorabilia from the run. Fans also had access to custom offerings including themed concession and a photo activation where fans were able to write Joel a message. A Billy Joel 150 merch pop-up in Chase Square at Madison Square Garden was also opened to mark the occasion.
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