
Billy Joel will be leaving.
At least after his 150th performance at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night in the storied New York City venue.
Joel’s residency came to an end more than ten years after it began and over fifty years after his debut performance at the Garden, according to a statement from MSG.
Dec. 14, 1978, was his debut show there.
In December 2013, Joel was designated as MSG’s first music franchise, following the likes of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, two other legendary franchises at the theater, according to MSG.
The next month, he began his ten-year residency, saying at the time that he would perform once a month “as long as the demand continues,” according to MSG.
Joel kept his word, breaking the record for “most consecutive performances by any artist” in January 2015 with his 13th gig at MSG, according to the venue. A banner hanging from the rafters of the venue marked the occasion as forever in Garden history.
That July, following his 65th lifetime performance, he broke yet another record, which was for “most lifetime performances by any artist,” according to MSG. Above MSG, a second flag was hoisted in his honor.
According to the venue, both banners honoring his records for lifetime appearances (150) and consecutive performances by an artist (104) were hoisted on Thursday night.
Joel hasn’t achieved the accomplishment all by himself. Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, Olivia Rodrigo, John Mayer, Patti Smyth, Miley Cyrus, John Fogerty, John Mellencamp, Alexa Ray Joel, Peter Frampton, Howard Stern, Trey Anastasio, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Bacon, and Kevin James are just a few of the many unexpected guests who have shared the stage with him during his time at MSG.
Joel shared a slideshow of pictures of several of these guests on stage with him throughout the years on his Instagram story on Thursday.
On Thursday, the venue went all out for their King event. It featured a new “Defining Moments” exhibit with memories and artifacts from Joel’s franchise run.
Joel’s harmonicas, his “signature” Ray-Bans, set lists, and pictures from some of his most memorable performances were on display.
Attendees at Joel’s farewell performance at The Garden could also purchase themed concessions inspired by “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and visit a photo booth where they could leave notes to Joel.
Fans from all 50 states in the union and more than 120 countries have purchased more than 1.9 million tickets during his “legendary run,” according to MSG.
Joel performed in two charity concerts at MSG in addition to his solo shows: “12-12-12, The Concert For Sandy Relief,” which raised money for Hurricane Sandy victims, and “The Concert for New York City,” which supports 9/11 heroes and victims.
In November 2023, Joel sent a message on Instagram announcing his last performance at MSG.