Billy Joel ends decade-long Madison Square Garden residency
- Billy Joel played 150 shows at MSG, ended decade-long residency
- Joel first played at Madison Square Garden in 1978
- NYC mayor gift Joel a key to the city for his legacy
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 25: Billy Joel performs during his 150th show at Madison Square Garden on July 25, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Images)
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(NewsNation) — Music icon Billy Joel ended his historic, decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.
“Madison Square Garden wants to thank you,” American talk show host Jimmy Fallon said. “We are going to raise a banner and it will live in the rafters… no one can do this, no one but Billy Joel.”
Joel completed his 150th show at MSG where Fallon joined him on stage to celebrate the end of his residency. The music legend will leave the stadium holding the record for most consecutive performances in history with 104 and for the most lifetime performances at Madison Square Garden.
The “Piano Man” singer first played at MSG in 1978 and began his residency there in January 2014. A ticket to see Joel costs $268 on average. However, tickets for his final show averaged around $650 — and sold out.
Although the show is over, part of Joel will always remain at MSG. A new exhibit will be on display there, featuring memorabilia from his residency.
“Madison Square Garden has the Knicks, the Rangers and Billy Joel — We’re lucky to have you,” Fallon said.
In addition to raising a banner in the rafters, MSG gifted Joel a fully customized 1978 Triumph Bonneville 750 — a tribute to the first year he played there.
Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams gifted Joel a key to the city in honor of his legacy.
“Proud to announce that we’ve given the Piano Man himself a Key to the City of New York to mark his 150th show at MSG and the end of his residency,” Adams said.
