Having performed for nearly 150 lifetime shows, the 'Uptown Girl' hitmaker is set to deliver the first of his final 10 concerts at the storied New York City venue on October 20.
- Jun 2, 2023
AceShowbiz - Billy Joel could not help but shed his tears over the upcoming end of his decade-long residency. After nearly 150 lifetime shows at Madison Square Garden, the "Uptown Girl" singer tearfully disclosed that his residency at the storied New York City venue will end in July 2024.
On Thursday, June 1, the 74-year-old piano man made the announcement at a press conference with Madison Square Garden Entertainment. He said in a statement, "I'm kind of flabbergasted that it lasted as long as it did. My team tells me that we could continue to sell tickets, but 10 years, 150 shows - all right already!"
Joel went on to recall his first ever performance at the famed arena. "I do remember the first time we played Madison Square Garden, it was the pinnacle of my career," he recounted. "I thought, 'My God, I'm headlining Madison Square Garden.' Everybody in the world knows when you play The Garden, it's not just New York."
The "Just the Way You Are" singer did not forget to thank his fans. "To our audience, I want to thank them for coming to our shows for this long," he added. "It's hard to end, even at 150 lifetime shows. I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful thing that's happened here. It's hard to believe that we've been able to do this for 10 years."
"I didn't know how long it was going to last. I never imagined anyone could have a residency here. It's just been one crazy exhilarating night after another," Joel further continued. "To me, my band, MSG is more than just our office. It's home. If you Google Billy Joel's house, they show Madison Square Garden, which is kind of cool."
Joel performed for the first time at Madison Square Garden back in December 1978. Years later in 2006, he set the record for "Most Consecutive Performances By Any Artist" with 90 shows. He broke another record for "Most Lifetime Performances By Any Artist", which is at 136 shows, in 2015.
Joel is set to perform the first of his final 10 shows on October 20, 2023. His last performance is set for July 2024.
