Billy Joel wrapped up his remarkable 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden on July 25, with a landmark 150th performance. The night became a special family affair when Joel’s daughters, Della and Remy, joined him on stage, unveiling a celebratory banner with the help of family friend Jimmy Fallon. Della, just eight years old, sang along with her father, while Remy, six, watched from the piano, both girls matching in burgundy minidresses.
Billy Joel Wraps 10 Years, 150 Shows at MSG with Jimmy Fallon, Axl Rose, and Daughters Della, 9 – Showbiz411 https://t.co/wzZBjKojUW
— Denis Vézina (@DenisDvezine) July 26, 2024
Joel kicked off the evening with “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” and the setlist was a parade of hits, including “Pressure,” “Allentown,” “Only The Good Die Young,” “Piano Man,” “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” “It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me,” and “Big Shot.” The crowd was treated to a surprise when Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose joined Joel for renditions of “Live And Let Die” and “You May Be Right.”
The star-studded audience featured notable figures like former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, actor Paul Rudd, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. New York City Mayor Eric Adams presented Joel with the key to the city, recognizing his significant contributions to the cultural landscape.
Billy Joel’s Daughters Della, 8, and Remy, 6, Make Rare Public Appearance for Final Residency Show https://t.co/7RItByv5hw
— E! News (@enews) July 26, 2024
Billy Joel’s illustrious career began in the mid-1960s, and he rose to fame with hits like “Piano Man” and “The Stranger.” Over his career, he has sold over 160 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. His Madison Square Garden residency, which started in January 2014, has been a defining chapter in his legacy, featuring performances with stars like Sting, John Mellencamp, Tony Bennett, and more recent artists like Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo.
The residency’s conclusion marks the end of a significant era for Joel, who has long been celebrated for his contributions to music and culture. Despite announcing his retirement from writing and recording traditional pop/rock music, Joel released “Turn The Lights Back On,” his first new pop song in years. His enduring appeal and musical influence are evident in his record-breaking performances and the admiration of fans and fellow musicians alike.
Key Points:
- Billy Joel ended his 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden with his 150th show, setting a record.
- The event featured a family celebration with his daughters and guest appearances, including Axl Rose.
- The concert included classic hits like “Piano Man” and “My Life.”
- Celebrities like Bill Clinton and Mayor Eric Adams attended, with Adams presenting Joel the key to the city.
- Joel’s career includes over 160 million records sold, making him a top-selling artist.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
