NEW YORK – Billy Joel’s final residency show at Madison Square Garden on July 25, 2024, was a night filled with nostalgia, celebration, and surprise performances. As the iconic venue echoed with the sounds of his timeless hits, Joel took a moment to reflect on his remarkable journey over the past decade.
The sold-out crowd of nearly 20,000 fans witnessed history as Joel marked his 150th performance at the Garden, a venue that has become synonymous with his illustrious career. Throughout the evening, he shared anecdotes from his past, recalling significant milestones such as being the first artist to perform at the new Yankee Stadium and the last to grace the stage at Shea Stadium. He also reminisced about his groundbreaking concert in the Soviet Union and the unforgettable performance in front of 500,000 people at the Colosseum in Rome.
“But out of all of them,” Joel said with a smile, leaning forward on his piano, “THIS is the best.”
The atmosphere was electric as Joel opened the show with “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” a song that set the tone for the evening. He followed with “Pressure,” showcasing his signature blend of cynicism and wit. The night was a mix of classic hits and heartfelt moments, with Joel’s soulful rendition of “New York State of Mind” resonating deeply with the audience.
One of the standout moments of the night was the unexpected appearance of Axl Rose, the legendary frontman of Guns N’ Roses. Rose joined Joel on stage to perform “Live and Let Die,” a song originally by Wings, and the AC/DC classic “Highway to Hell.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the two rock icons shared the stage, with Joel even strapping on an electric guitar to join in the fun.
As the show progressed, Joel’s daughters, Della Rose and Remy Anne, made a surprise appearance, bringing an extra layer of joy to the evening. The young girls, dressed in matching fringe dresses, climbed onto their father’s piano during “My Life,” captivating the audience with their charm. Della Rose took the lead, encouraging the crowd to clap along and even thanking Madison Square Garden into the microphone, leaving Joel in awe of her stage presence.
“This is her life now,” Joel joked, clearly proud of his daughters.
The night continued with a carefully curated setlist that included fan favorites like “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Piano Man.” Each song was met with enthusiastic applause, as the audience sang along, creating a sense of unity and celebration. Joel’s ability to connect with his fans was evident, as he shared personal stories and dedicated songs to his wife, Alexis Roderick, and his family.
As the concert drew to a close, Joel reflected on the significance of the residency. “It’s been a dream come true,” he told the crowd. “I first came to Madison Square Garden when I was 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. Thanks, Mom!”
The final song of the night, “You May Be Right,” featured another appearance from Axl Rose, who joined Joel for a rousing rendition that culminated in a powerful cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” The energy in the arena was palpable as the crowd cheered for the two rock legends, celebrating the end of an era.
As the houselights came on, Joel’s introspective ballad “Souvenir” played over the speakers, leaving the audience with a poignant reminder of the memories created over the years. “And your mementos will turn to dust/but that’s the price you pay/for every year’s a souvenir,” he sang, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of the evening.
Billy Joel’s residency at Madison Square Garden has been a remarkable journey, filled with unforgettable performances and cherished moments. As he bids farewell to this chapter, fans are left with a sense of gratitude for the music and memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: PEOPLE, NBC, Consequence
