On the evening of July 25, 2024, pianist Billy Joel captivated an audience at Madison Square Garden for the last official show of his historic decade-long residency.
Billy Joel concluded his 10-year stint at Madison Square Garden with a sold-out finale but hinted at future performances, New York Post reported.
Since launching the residency in 2014, Joel performed 104 shows, attracting a total of 1.9 million attendees. His monthly performances over the years have not only been a commercial success but also a significant part of New York’s cultural scene.
Joel’s residency began as an ambitious project, promising fans a regular monthly engagement at one of the world’s most famed venues. Over time, it grew into an unprecedented musical phenomenon, blending classics and surprises in equal measure.
Each concert throughout the decade featured a unique setlist, though on the final night, Joel performed "The River of Dreams," a hit from 1993 he humorously described as "the cheesiest song of the night." This song marked a nostalgic nod to his earlier successes, tying past achievements to his current farewell.
The artist's connection to the Garden was deeply personal. Reflecting on his early years, Joel recounted visits to the original venue as a child, "I went to the old Madison Square Garden...when I was like, a 4-year-old to see the circus and watch Gene Autry sing 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' And now, here I am doing this."
Billy Joel’s performances at Madison Square Garden have been more than just concerts; they have been landmark events that paralleled significant cultural moments. His career has been marked by performances at historic events such as the first rock show at Yankee Stadium, the Last Play at Shea, and a performance in Berlin when the Berlin Wall fell.
The final evening of his residency was charged with emotions. A banner celebrating Joel’s 150 cumulative performances at the venue was unveiled after a tribute by television host Jimmy Fallon, marking another milestone in Joel’s illustrious career.
Despite acknowledging the end of this chapter with a somber note, Joel reassured fans of his inevitable return. His statement, “We’ll come back,” was met with cheers, as the audience expressed a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation.
Joel’s farewell to this particular series of performances was tinged with reluctance. “I know, I know, we don’t wanna go either, but it’s time. It’s 10 years. None of us knew we would be able to do this for this long," he shared. The residency, according to Joel, was "the best gig that we’ve ever done, ever", highlighting the unique bond formed with the audience over the years.
Interest in Joel’s work remains high, evidenced by the recent release of his new piano ballad "Turn the Lights Back On" five months before the final show. Though not performed during the closing night, the song signifies that the singer-songwriter’s creative journey is far from over.
The end of this residency doesn't mark the end of Joel's performances at Madison Square Garden. His promise to return leaves the door open for future engagements, ensuring that his relationship with the venue — and his fans — will persist.
The consummation of Billy Joel’s 10-year-long monthly residency at Madison Square Garden was a substantial affair that celebrated both the past achievements and the potential for continued musical endeavors. Joels' performances have not just been concerts; they have been integral reads of his musical journey and personal biography.
The end of this residency chapter, marked by emotional reflections and heartfelt performances, promises not an end but a pause. As Joel succinctly put it, hinting about his inevitable return to the stage of Madison Square Garden, "We'll come back."
As fans hold onto the memories of 104 sold-out shows, they can also look forward to future performances that, while perhaps not part of a continuous residency, promise to bring the same passion and novelty Joel is known for.
