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Billy Joel’s historic monthly residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden is coming to an end next year.
It was announced on Thursday that Joel’s July 2024 show, the 150th concert of his career at the iconic venue, will be his final residency.
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The first of Joel’s last ten shows at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for October 20, 2023.
Gary Hershorn
Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden on July 21, 2022 in New York City.
“I’m a little amazed it’s taken this long,” Joel told reporters at a news conference where he announced the news. “My team tells me we could still sell tickets, but 10 years, 150 shows – it’s fine!”
Joel also recalled the first time he played at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 1978, calling it “the highlight of my career.”
Since beginning his residency a decade ago, Joel has sold more than 1.6 million tickets.
Brendan McDermid/Portal
Singer Billy Joel announces the end of his performing residency at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, 2023.
The “Uptown Girl” singer has been joined by some famous faces at some of his past shows, most notably Bruce Springsteen in 2018 and Olivia Rodrigo in 2022.
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“Billy Joel’s franchise run made history – not just for Madison Square Garden, but for the music industry as a whole,” said James L. Dolan, chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment, in a press release. “150 sold-out live shows is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes for Billy’s exceptional talent, beloved catalog and dedicated fan base.”
Dolan added that Joel “always has a home here at MSG.”
Also, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement with the press release, saying, “There’s only one thing more New York than Billy Joel — and that’s a Billy Joel concert at MSG . Billy’s music has shaped us for more than 50 years.” “Our city and brought us together. On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations Billy on a historic run of sold-out shows on MSG and thank you for bringing us a lifetime of joy.”