Billy Joel Says He Won't Record Another Album: 'I've Had My Say'

Music icon Billy Joel kicked off a record-tying run of concerts at New York City's Madison Square Garden in January and will have played 12 shows by the time his residency ends in December.

So, he's busy -- but not writing new music. The legendary musician hasn't released an album since 1993. And in a profile by The New Yorker, Joel revealed the reason he won't be recording another.

Joel told the magazine: "Some people think it's because I'm lazy or I'm just being contrary. But, no, I think it's just -- I've had my say." He continued, "If I put out an album now, it would probably sell pretty well, because of who I am, but that's no reason to do it. I'd want it to be good. And I've seen artists on that treadmill, putting out albums year after year, and the albums get worse and worse, less and less interesting, and it's, like, maybe you should stop."

Aside from feeling like he's said all he needs to through his music, Joel added that at his age (65), he doesn't want to deal with the drama of collaborating with a team and "doing that kind of life again" in the studio. "You have to have a certain amount of ambition to want to do all that. And I look back at the guy who was the recording artist, this Billy Joel guy, and I think, Who the f was that guy? He was very ambitious, very driven, and I don't feel like that anymore," he said.

Billy Joel is one of the highest grossing touring artists in the world. Having sold more than 150 million records over the past quarter century, Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. Joel received The Kennedy Center Honors, one of the United States' top cultural awards, in December 2013. Joel performed at the historic 12-12-12, The Concert For Sandy Relief, joining other music greats to raise awareness and money to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. He has received six GRAMMY Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. He has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received numerous industry awards. His music has also served as the inspiration and score for the hit Tony Award-winning Broadway play "Movin' Out."

Photo Credit: Heidi Gutman/NBC

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