Madison Square Garden and Billy Joel on Tuesday made a “historic announcement” that the legendary performer will be playing a monthly show at the arena indefinitely.
During a Livestream press conference, it was revealed that Mr. Joel will be Madison Square Garden’s first musical franchise and only the fourth — after the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, The Village Voice reported.
Mr. Joel earlier announced four upcoming concerts at the venue — on Jan. 27, Feb. 3, March 21 and April 18 — all of which sold out. He announced another on May 9 for his 65th birthday and plans to add more “as long as there’s demand,” he said, as USA Today reported.
“Next year, I’ll turn 65. That’s when a lot of people retire,” he said. “I’ve been touring almost all my life. The idea of being on the road for long periods of time isn’t appealing to me at this point.”
With his new gig at MSG, “I can commute to work, like everyone else does. You take the schlep factor out,” he said.
James Dolan, executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Co., said on behalf of the venue: “We welcome Billy home and look forward to many unforgettable nights of music at the Garden.”
Mr. Joel has played 46 times at Madison Square Garden since 1978 but has not played a full show there since his 12-show stint in 2006, The Village Voice said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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