Billy Joel will become the first "franchise" singer at New York's Madison Square Garden, playing one show per month until there is no longer demand.
The venue made the announcement on Tuesday via press release. James L. Dolan, executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company, said "Since his first show in 1978, Billy has performed 46 shows at Madison Square Garden, including an unprecedented 12 consecutive sold-out shows that have earned Billy a spot among the Garden greats with a banner raised in his honor. Today, we take that relationship even further and are extremely honored to have Billy as The Garden's first music franchise. This new partnership will ensure that someone who has been such an important figure in our past, will also be a major part of our future. We welcome Billy home and look forward to many unforgettable nights of music at the Garden."
The schedule has been set through may with a May 9 date, which also will be his 65th birthday, added to the already scheduled January 27, February 3, March 21 and April 18. Tickets go on sale for the new date to Citi card members on December 4 at 10 AM and to the general public on December 7 at 10 AM.
Joel said in a statement "Performing at Madison Square Garden is a thrilling experience. I've played different venues all over the world, but there's no place like coming home to The Garden. Since my first show in 1978, I've always looked forward to the energy of the crowd. I'm honored to be joining the Madison Square Garden family and look forward to taking the stage of the newly transformed Garden to create many more memorable nights."
He also told USA "I've been touring almost all my life. The idea of being on the road for long periods of time isn't appealing to me at this point. I can commute to work, like everyone else does. You take the schlep factor out."
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also commented on the new arrangement, saying "Today's announcement that Billy Joel is joining the Madison Square Garden family as their first music franchise is truly a momentous occasion. It is particularly fitting that these two great icons are coming together to make entertainment history right here in New York. I offer my congratulations to Billy Joel and Madison Square Garden and the millions of fans worldwide who will benefit from this collaboration for years to come.
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