Billy Joel’s final show at Madison Square Garden marked the end of an era, leaving fans with a bittersweet feeling. The night was filled with poignant moments that highlighted the significance of this milestone. One such moment was when Joel sang “This Is the Time” and reflected on the miracle of his survival. It was a song dedicated to his wife, Alexis, and it seemed as though Joel never expected to still be here when the residency began in 2014.
Another touching moment came when Joel’s 8-year-old daughter, Della Rose, stole the show during his performance of “My Life.” Her younger sister, Remy Anne, looked less enthused, but it was a heartwarming sight to see the next generation take part in their father’s legacy. The evening was made even more special as Jimmy Fallon paid tribute to Joel, and a banner was raised to commemorate his 150th career show at MSG.
As the night progressed, the realization set in that Joel was “movin’ out” of his house. After 10 years, 104 sold-out shows, and 1.9 million tickets scanned, this farewell performance brought a tinge of sadness to the typically joyous atmosphere. However, it was clear that Joel’s departure was not due to any inability to deliver. At 75 years old, he still hit the high notes with ease, and the audience was there to support him every step of the way.
There was a sense of familiarity throughout the night, with Joel performing his classic hits like “New York State of Mind,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” and “Piano Man.” While some may have hoped to hear his latest single, “Turn the Lights Back On,” it was not included in the setlist. The biggest disappointment of the evening came in the form of a surprise guest, Axl Rose. His rendition of Guns N’ Roses’ “Live and Let Die” was well-received, but his performance of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” fell short. The absence of other notable guests like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Jon Bon Jovi left fans wanting more.
However, in the end, Joel proved that he didn’t need any special guests to captivate the audience. He is a true one-man show, as he demonstrated with songs like “The Entertainer” and “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway).” For the past 10 years, Joel has been a franchise unto himself at MSG, and his residency will go down in history as a remarkable achievement.
As the final notes echoed through Madison Square Garden, it was clear that Billy Joel’s legacy will live on. His 10-year residency was a testament to his enduring talent and the unwavering support of his fans. While the night may have been tinged with sadness, it also served as a celebration of Joel’s remarkable career. The memories created during those 104 shows will be cherished by fans for years to come.
