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And so it goes.
First came news that Billy Joel was “Movin’ Out” of Long Island and had put his 26-acre Centre Island estate on the market for $49 million. Now, he is ending his decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden.
During a tearful press conference in Manhattan today, the Piano Man — flanked by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO MSG Entertainment — announced that his regularly sold-out residency will end in July 2024. He said the first of a final string of 10 concerts will be on Oct. 23.
“I’m not leaving New York. I’m just spending a little more time in Florida, like all Jewish guys do from New York City,” Joel, 74, quipped during the event.
Click below to watch Joel’s announcement
“For me and my band, Madison Square Garden is more than just our office. It’s home,” Joel said. “It’s hard to end — even at 150 lifetime shows … I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful thing that’s happened here.”
Joel began his residency at Madison Square Garden in 2014 and has since played every month at the Garden, establishing a record for the most consecutive shows at the world’s most famous arena. That record now stands at 90 consecutive concerts.
“I’m kind of flabbergasted that it lasted as long as it did,” he said, smiling. “My team tells me that we could continue to sell tickets, but 10 years, 150 shows — all right, already!”
Top photo: NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx 2023 6/1/23 Billy Joel makes an announcement regarding his record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden on June 1, 2023, in New York City.
