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Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

41Forever Feb 25 2017 01:26 AM

OK, I love Billy Joel. I do. He's one of my favorites. I saw today that he's sold out 38 consecutive shows at the Garden for his "residency," which I realize has extended over a period of years. But how the heck is a guy who hasn't written new material in nearly 20 years doing this? His old set lists didn't vary much. Is he playing deep cuts? Is this pretty much the same crowd, like the Grateful Dead used to get show after show? Even so, the Garden is a darn big room. Are the ticket prices relatively inexpensive? Like I said, I like Billy. But this seems odd to me.

themetfairy Feb 25 2017 01:49 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

That's a lot of questions. I'm not sure I have all of the answers. But I have been to several of the residency concerts. He plays some deep cuts, and also gives the audiences options at times (would you rather hear Say Goodbye to Hollywood or Vienna?). In the past there had been more guest stars (I saw Itzhak Perlman come on stage once to play on The Downeaster Alexa, and Jimmy Fallon was a guest one show), but not in the most recent shows that I've seen. The ticket prices are in line with other MSG shows. MSG is a great venue, and easily accessible by train (the LIRR and NJ Transit trains deliver you right to the arena), so it's convenient for his local fan base. For out-of-towners lucky enough to get tickets, it becomes a destination event. Billy Joel is iconic, his band is fabulous, and the shows have been top notch. Plus he's one of us - New Yorkers turn out for New Yorkers. As a different example, which is not as well known - Jerry Seinfeld has a similar residency going at the Beacon Theater, and it's a StubHub only kind of ticket. It's not quite as intense as the people who come out night after night when Springsteen tours, but it's a guaranteed great time.

41Forever Feb 25 2017 02:25 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Sounds like great shows! And those photos are awesome! Did you shoot those?

themetfairy Feb 25 2017 02:26 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

I did indeed - this past Wednesday! And thanks :)

themetfairy Feb 25 2017 02:33 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

He also plays the guitar - Not as good an image, but Itzak Perlman in March 2015 - Jimmy Fallon in January 2016 - A shot I liked from April 2016 - BTW, the stage is set up so that the piano rotates. This way nobody is stuck with watching his back the entire time.

41Forever Feb 25 2017 02:43 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing.

themetfairy Feb 25 2017 03:07 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Thanks!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 25 2017 05:44 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

In the bio published a few years back Billy professes to have become weary of revealing himself in his lyrics. He doesn't come out and say it in so many words but he's also an old drunk with nothing new to say. He apparently still owes Columbia a buttload of records too.

seawolf17 Feb 26 2017 12:54 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: He doesn't come out and say it in so many words but he's also an old drunk with nothing new to say. We saw him just after Thanksgiving at MSG; he made some reference on stage about not having anything else new to say.

Frayed Knot Feb 26 2017 04:13 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

The vibe I've gotten from Billy Joel is that he's had second thoughts about spending his life in the entertainment part of the music world. His father, a German-born U.S. immigrant who returned to Germany after BJ's parents divorced, was a classical conductor and Billy has a 22 years younger half-brother (via his father second family after returning to Europe) who is also a pianist/conductor. So Billy is sitting there noting that he had this inherited gift for music plus some extensive training and turned it into a career of writing and singing pop ditties. Not that there weren't some pretty good pop ditties in there, but I think he wonders if he somewhat squandered his musical talents and education.

Lefty Specialist Feb 26 2017 10:38 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Frayed Knot wrote: The vibe I've gotten from Billy Joel is that he's had second thoughts about spending his life in the entertainment part of the music world. His father, a German-born U.S. immigrant who returned to Germany after BJ's parents divorced, was a classical conductor and Billy has a 22 years younger half-brother (via his father second family after returning to Europe) who is also a pianist/conductor. So Billy is sitting there noting that he had this inherited gift for music plus some extensive training and turned it into a career of writing and singing pop ditties. Not that there weren't some pretty good pop ditties in there, but I think he wonders if he somewhat squandered his musical talents and education. The perfect counter-argument to this is: "Dude, you had ten years of sex with Christie Brinkley." We should all squander our talents so badly.

themetfairy Feb 27 2017 10:41 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

If you get the MSG Network, they've been showing a half hour documentary about the residency (Billy Joel: New York State of Mind). If you're recording it, extend the time. It's usually shown after hockey, and it's often delayed by post-game shows. It does a good job of conveying just how special the venue is to the band and how special Billy is to his fans. According to Billy's website the final airing for now is this evening at 11 pm.

Mets Willets Point Feb 28 2017 03:07 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

I'd like to go to one of the MSG shows one of these days.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 28 2017 04:11 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Mets Willets Point wrote: I'd like to go to one of the MSG shows one of these days. Me too but my strategy involves winning tickets on Q104.3 instead of buying them.

Mets Willets Point Feb 28 2017 06:06 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Mets Willets Point wrote: I'd like to go to one of the MSG shows one of these days. Me too but my strategy involves winning tickets on Q104.3 instead of buying them. Yeah, the money and the time/travel commitment have held me back.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 03 2017 09:33 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

This is a real commendable public service from me cuz I wanna win: Q104.3 presents the Madison Square Garden franchise Billy Joel and his record breaking 43rd show on July 5th! Tickets go on sale this Friday but this weekend you can win your tickets from us! Be listening for the cue all weekend long and be the 25th caller at 888-872-1043 and we'll set you up! Winning Times Friday: 7pm, 9pm Saturday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 10pm Sunday: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm

Edgy MD Mar 03 2017 09:55 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Q104.3 wrote: Saturday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, .... 10pm Nine o'clock on a Saturday! It was right there teed up for you, you dopes! HOW DO YOU FUCK THAT UP!?

seawolf17 Mar 04 2017 12:48 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Edgy MD wrote: Saturday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, .... 10pm Nine o'clock on a Saturday! It was right there teed up for you, you dopes! HOW DO YOU FUCK THAT UP!? Well, see, the regular crowd is busy shuffling in around that time.

d'Kong76 Mar 04 2017 01:23 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Edgy MD wrote: Nine o'clock on a Saturday! It was right there teed up for you, you dopes! HOW DO YOU FUCK THAT UP!? That's pretty funny! Was Davey who was still in the navy for life AWOL? Never got that except that it, ya know, rhymed...

seawolf17 Mar 04 2017 01:43 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

"Piano Man" was a standard that usually evolved into a major singalong at our fraternity house parties. One of my brothers, Paul, was something of a lothario; whenever we'd get to the "real estate novelist" verse, another one of my brothers would always sing, usually half in the bag and at the top of his lungs, "Now Paul is... UPSTAIRS HAVING SEX!" Twenty years later, I still hear that in my head when I hear the song.

El Segundo Escupidor Mar 04 2017 03:53 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

He still sucks.

Edgy MD Mar 04 2017 04:02 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

d'Kong76 wrote: Edgy MD wrote: Nine o'clock on a Saturday! It was right there teed up for you, you dopes! HOW DO YOU FUCK THAT UP!? That's pretty funny! Was Davey who was still in the navy for life AWOL? Never got that except that it, ya know, rhymed... People in the US Navy still get to go to bars, man.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 04 2017 05:11 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

El Segundo Escupidor wrote: He still sucks. Holy shit. He's right!

41Forever Mar 04 2017 02:15 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

I like Billy. Not every song. I don't need to hear "Goodnight Saigon" ever again. And the "Captain Jack" lyrics are too depressing for my tastes. But I'm a fan. I like that he's a mix of Tin Pan Alley and Long Island attitude, and that when all cylinders are firing -- and that can be rockers like "You May Be Right" to ballads like "She's Got a Way" --- he's awesome.

Edgy MD Mar 04 2017 02:20 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Billy Joel is so provocative that wakes The Second Spitter from his long slumber.

Frayed Knot Mar 04 2017 02:29 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

I think that as far as Mets boards go, Billy Joel is the Armando Benitez of music.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 04 2017 03:31 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Yeah I was just commenting on the shocking return of the Spittah. I've forgiven Billy Joel for most of his many crimes against humanity.

Ashie62 Mar 04 2017 08:59 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Billy Joel, "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." Which coincidently is the soundtrack of most most mob movies ever made, What a tool.

El Segundo Escupidor Mar 05 2017 05:34 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Frayed Knot wrote: I think that as far as Mets boards go, Billy Joel is the Armando Benitez of music. Billy Joel is to music what Pol Pot was to humanity. And like Pol Pot he is given legitimacy by his tasteless followers. John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Yeah I was just commenting on the shocking return of the Spittah.. You must have forgotten that you weren't replying to my posts last time I was here.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 05 2017 03:57 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

El Segundo Escupidor wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: I think that as far as Mets boards go, Billy Joel is the Armando Benitez of music. Billy Joel is to music what Pol Pot was to humanity. And like Pol Pot he is given legitimacy by his tasteless followers. John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Yeah I was just commenting on the shocking return of the Spittah.. You must have forgotten that you weren't replying to my posts last time I was here. I must have. You haven't replied to one of mine for like 2 years!

Edgy MD Mar 06 2017 06:37 PM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Say what you want about Billy Joel. This guy will say worse. Well, not worse than the Pol Pot comment, but he has a thesis and he's going to back it up. That thesis? "Billy Joel, the Donald Trump of Pop Music."

41Forever Mar 07 2017 01:31 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. That story is way out there. Vicious. There are some very popular bands that are nails to chalkboard to me. I guess personal timelines and experiences play a large part in what music we enjoy. I enjoy Billy's music. I haven't him since the River of Dreams tour, but I think he puts on a good show.

Edgy MD Mar 07 2017 04:00 AM Re: Billy Joel's 38th consecutive MSG sell-out

It made for nutritious sharing. I don't agree with the writer's broad strokes, but I see what he's getting at with regard to the spiritual crisis of our nation. I also think his finger is pointing in the wrong direction, which is often the case in the midst of spiritual crises. The first semester of my junior year in college, Sean, the younger brother of my older brother's best friend had come to the school as a freshman. Our housing situation was awful, with freshman getting piled into eight-man suites. EIGHT! I had the juice to get a standard two-man dorm room by this point, and I figured me and Sean might make a good pairing. We had only met in passing at our brothers' parties and summer hi-jinx, but I had shown him around when he arrived and he seemed wise beyond his years, and my friends were quick to embrace him. So one Friday night, having enough of my roommates' cheap bear, puking, and casual racism, I went downstairs to pitch the two-man arrangement to Sean. I found Sean amid displaced furniture, spilled alcohol, holes punched in walls and angry roomies alternately simmering and raging. It seemed his suite was having a night of it, with the inhabitants having gotten into a violent confrontation over a sensitive matter. That matter, it seems, was Billy Joel. Sean took me into a small antechamber and described the proceedings. Apparently words were said that could never be unsaid. Lines were crossed that could never be forgiven. Blows were exchanged. Friendships ended forever. As Sean completed this tale, one of his suitemates stormed into room, looked at us with a rage as if to suggest somebody had misused his sister, and clenched both his fists and screamed, "BILLY FUCKING JOEL!" I wasn't sure which side of the golden turnstile he actually was on, but Sean shrugged his shoulders back at the guy and calmly said, "I don't like him either." Fortunately, it was a few days from Christmas break, and when Sean and I came back, we had new digs. The main subject of conversation our first week—the odd reality that this Billy Joel fellow was a shockingly divisive issue.