BWW Reviews: BILLY JOEL at Madison Square Garden is Sensational

Music icon Billy Joel is no stranger to Madison Square Garden. Joel has performed there monthly since January 2014 and, as MSG's fourth franchise (joining the Knicks, Rangers, and Liberty), his monthly residency will continue indefinitely providing the demand exists.

The entertainer was at his best in his March 9th performance at the world's most famous arena, where he electrified the capacity crowd with a selection of his mega-hits from his legendary career that spans five decades.

From the first measure of his opening song, Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway) to his closing Only The Good Die Young, the crowd on The Garden floor was on its feet, and the throngs of people in the sold-out arena sang along as Joel gave the audience exactly what they came to see.

The masses waved Brenda and Eddie good-bye during Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, announced they were leaving with Anthony during Movin' Out, and instinctively swayed to his signature Piano Man. There was very little narration between songs and, quite frankly, none was needed. The music did the storytelling.

Joel's voice was powerful, enhancing the pulse of the music. The relative brief amount of talking with the crowd between numbers featured amusing comments, such as following a booming offering of Uptown Girl with "...then we got divorced," and truncating Elton John's Your Song at "I don't have much money..." to express skepticism at Sir Elton's claim.

In addition to Joel's talent bridging different styles and tastes, so did his guests. Those in attendance were privileged to see Yitzhak Perlman, perhaps the greatest living violinist, join Joel for a vibrant Downeaster Alexa and a more subdued And So It Goes. His other guest, introduced as "guitar roadie, Chainsaw," performed a bone-rattling rendition of AC/DC's Highway to Hell.

Seeing Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden is an experience everyone who is a music enthusiast must enjoy. Moreover, it's a happening, and should be part of the music scene in NYC for the longest time.

For tickets to Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, visit www.BillyJoelMSG.com. For media contacts: Claire Mercuri | Public Relations | Claire Mercuri Public Relations | 535 East 87 Street | Suite 2W | New York, NY 10128 | T: 212-535-7189 | F: 646-596-9421 | M: 917-940-2499 | Claire@clairemercuri.com

Photo Credit: Leigh Byron

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