Billy Joel Live Front Row - Madison Square Garden, November 22, 2023 (Show #96)
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It’s on rare occasion that one is at the right place at the right time. On November 22, 2023, my family and I were fortunate enough to be in that place,...just at the right time.
When Billy Joel announced he was ending his residency at Madison Square Garden, my wife, a lifelong Billy Joel fan said, “We have to go see him, just one more time.” My wife and I had seen Billy several times before, but this time I wanted to make it special and bring our two teenage daughters who had previously not come to a show so my wife could experience Billy with her daughters and all of us together as a family.
We left on time but struggled through Lincoln Tunnel then NYC traffic and I was concerned we’d get to the show just on time. When we arrived at MSG the lines were long to get in but I found a special entrance and hurried us through those doors. Next we were in the concession area moving towards our section when a gentleman approached us saying “Hi!”, extending his hand to my wife for a handshake. My wife looked at him, asking herself “Do I know this person?”, then quickly pulled her hand back when her brain told her she didn’t know him. He smiled and said “Are you all big Billy Joel fans?” We then noticed his Billy Joel attire and credentials any my wife put her hands on her face and said “Yes, we’re lifelong fans!” He said “How’d you like to see Billy from the front row???”
We were all suddenly shaking and said “yes” and moments later this fine gentleman handed us 4 front row tickets to the show. The only thing he said was when the camera came by, make sure we "smiled and cheered."
So we were in the right place, just at the right time…
It’s a well-known fact that Billy Joel does not sell seats for the first few rows of his concerts, preferring instead to distribute them to "real fans" who have bought cheaper tickets. He has repeatedly outlined a long-standing policy of preferring to hold seats in the first few rows of his concerts and give them to ardent fans, rather than selling them to what he has presented as wealthy and disinterested socialites.
We were BEYOND thrilled to get this ticket upgrade and when that fine gentleman passed through our seats just moments before the show began, he and I made eye contact and I extended my hand for a heartfelt handshake thanking him for what he did as I knew this experience was going to be a once in a lifetime experience for my wife, daughters and I, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
As an avid multimedia buff, my next thought was to pull out my iPhone and record some of the show so I could remember it the rest of my life. A minute or so later, Randy Newman's The End Title began playing (the song Billy always uses just before the show begins), Billy's longtime stagehand walked out and placed a steaming cup of coffee on the piano, the music got louder, the lights went down, and BIlly walked out. I didn't capture the whole show, but please enjoy what I did capture, it's something I will never forget!
And THANK YOU @billyjoel , for offering these seats to your fans, what an incredible gesture, something us fans will never forget….
#billyjoel #msg #madisonsquaregarden #concert #concerts #joel #thegarden
0:00 Preshow
0:29 Randy Newman's The End Title
3:00 Here's Billy!
3:35 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
8:34 My Life
11:55 Everybody Loves You Now
13:03 The Downeaster "Alexa"
16:45 Zanzibar
21:31 Start Me Up
23:29 An Innocent Man
29:16 The Lion Sleeps Tonight
29:56 Barbara Ann
30:39 The Longest Time
34:12 The Entertainer
36:48 Don't Ask Me Why
39:35 Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
42:54 Where Did Our Love Go
43:47 Stop! In the Name of Love
44:26 Dazed and Confused
45:26 Good Times Bad Times
47:21 Allentown
51:00 New York State of Mind
58:17 Only the Good Die Young
1:02:49 The River of Dreams
1:08:16 Piano Man
1:14:35 We Didn't Start the Fire
1:17:40 Uptown Girl
1:20:56 It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
1:24:36 Big Shot
1:29:09 You May Be Right
Пікірлер: 272
I was 12 years old (1979) and attending a summer school for kids interested in computers in Adelaide, South Australia. "Kids, come to the auditorium, he have something for you". "This man is performing tonight at the Bridgeway Hotel and he wants to warm up". Out walks Billy Joel. Eight kids, 2 teachers, microphone only, just him without instrumentation. Three songs (Piano Man, Honesty, Just the Way You Are). Best 15 minutes of my life. He noticed me...I was the one singing along.
@kakou2003
3 ай бұрын
Wow. What an experience.
@glasshalffull8471
Ай бұрын
I saw him in Perth, must have been around the same time, my mum got into his music pretty early on so we had all the albums, ended up seeing him twice, he's right up there with the GOAT'S imo, I prefer him to Springsteen.
@user-is4ci2bl2f
13 күн бұрын
Well no such experience for me. Never heard of Billy till I/we had an old boys reunion. My old school buddies, wives met on a Spanish island. We had wine and sing evening and Ian Cameron, living in Toronto, introduced me to "the piano man"
@sandysouthward3635
4 күн бұрын
Wow!! Thank you for sharing your story!! I had a tear in my eye just for you!!
Almost 30 years ago I was at Billy's concert in Moscow. The audience was mad, Billy was great, and it's "Still Rock-and-roll to me". ❤ Forget all the crap politicians are saying: we are friends, not enemies! Greetings from Moscow!❤
@PeterFreemantennis
6 ай бұрын
beautiful thanks for your message!!!
@lexotan05
5 ай бұрын
I've got very good feeling after your comment. I thank you from Japan.
@shaunbat5097
5 ай бұрын
Da, what a Great concert you could see the love and enjoyment in that audience.
@reverendrickibiza8467
4 ай бұрын
Fk the politicians ....you are my brother 🙏
@milesian1
4 ай бұрын
Absolutely! We shall not be divided by those who profit from our division.
I attended this concert with my family while we were in New York for thanksgiving. My favorite part was when he began “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” My parents were impressed that I had memorized almost all the lyrics.
On January 24, 2024, I will be lucky enough to meet Billy in Tokyo. I'm really looking forward to it now!
@eejzhang3790
5 ай бұрын
So I am. And will fly to Tokyo from China next wednesday，can't waiting see the forever piano man
@madman8535
4 ай бұрын
how was it?
@eejzhang3790
4 ай бұрын
@@madman8535 no regret at all😃
This WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN HAS BEEN THROUGH MANY STRUGGLES.. AND NEVER FORGOT ABOUT THEM..AND STILL SHOWS APPRECIATION FOR HIS D FANS..LIKE ME ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mike, congratulations to you, your wife and daughters for being the beneficiaries of this well-known practice of Billy Joel. My wife and I saw him at his April 2023 residency at MSG and it was an amazing experience. You really captured the feeling of what it is like to experience his concert from a front-row perspective. Thank you for the video.
A DEDICATED SERVER FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE HIM AND FOLLOWED HIM THROUGH HIS JOURNEY.. I ADORE THIS SONG MAN AND ALL THAT HE HAS GIVEN US.. I LOVE YOU MR.BILLY JOEL.. AND PLEASE THANK YOU MOTHERS SPIRIT ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I saw him live in Perth, Australia on 2 different tours late 70s, he must have toured alot at that point, his band we're awesome back then, I put his concert just below ABBA on my musical highlight list, ABBA only ever did around 100 concerts ever worldwide so to see them(actually Agnetha, I dont recall seeing the others much) is still my outstanding concert event.
Thank you for uploading the concert! Billy is a National Treasure! I'm a fan since my 20s (68 now)...and a Long Islander via Queens and now a resident of Suffolk County for almost 18 yrs...I identify with Billy's lyrics. The man is a legend!
What a setlist ! I've been listening to this mf'er since 1977 ! Billy Joel ROCKS !
1月24日東京ドームでビリーさんの一夜限りのショーを堪能しました。 これが最後の来日になるかもしれないと、彼の歌声、ピアノ、一挙手一投足に注目していました。 会場におられる方皆さん同じ思いで、ビリーさんも日本のファンに感謝を込めてピアノを弾き歌ってくれました。とても温かい貴重な時間を共有させていただきました。ビリーさんのファンで良かった、本当に良かった、ビリーさん貴方は本当にオンリーワンな方です。できればまた来て欲しいです。あの魔法のような時間をまたいただきたいです。
I was born in 1965 , I grew up with the classicics , my favorite is Led Ledzeplin but I love me some Billy Joel . We love him in upstate New York
The greatest singer/songwriter of our generation. He is still solid after all these years. Will be sad to see him quit performing.
@laurastone6578
5 ай бұрын
He’s bored and has a ton of money.
@cranez006
4 ай бұрын
"So I think I'll put out another song!"@@laurastone6578
Fantastic...no more words to add :) Greetings from Germany, Nuremberg.
What a WONDERFUL PERSON you are to share such good fortune with all of us, bless you thank you so much!!!!!!! I have never been able to see him live, and I never will so this is a treat
Legend. Going to be a sad day when he announces no more performances. And I won't blame him at all.
Absolutely xxxx amazing"" here i am on a raining north east UK housing estate watching from my bedroom" the audience" the american people ,my idol" the master world superstar Billy Joel, God bless everybody" love peace and goodwill to everyone,,🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹god bless you
包み込むような包容力が有るビリージョエルさんの楽曲は、大好きデス❤️80年代の頃から聴いてます。いつ聴いても斬新な音色は色褪せることはない！素晴らしいシンガーソングライターさん٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶💖💖💖✨✨✨
Amazing story, what an great experience. I grew up outside of Allentown, so Billy Joel always has held a special place in my heart.
So blessed to have been in the audience at this concert! First time see him in concert and it was worth every penny! Thank you for allowing me to relive my memories!,😁
I got had the pleasure to see Billy and Elton together in Tampa in the late 90s what a performance ❤
What a wonderful story and thank you for making this recording and for sharing. ❤
I got to see him at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪 in 2018, he was amazing Genius and Legend
Iam afan of billyjoels too i love his songs as well
Screw all the numbnuts complaining. People can be so ignorant. I loved your post. The chancce of me sitting in the front row at msg for a Billy concert is slim to none, and slim already left Michigan without me. Thank you.
I’ve seen Billy Joel several times (twice with Elton John), and never seen him NOT play Scenes From an Italian Restaurant…but thank you so much for posting this!!!
Musicians love music more than anything else in life. they were just meant for this.
Mike, thank you so much for the story. I'd heard he does this but it was so much fun to read first hand details of how the approach took place.
Incredible! I will get to see Billy live for the first time in Wales in August. Can't wait!!
That is one supremely talented band he's got there.
Wow you can see the floor moving up and down. Great concert.
BILLY is the best New York state of mind
観られてよかったです！ありがとうございます！
It’s on rare occasion that one is at the right place at the right time. On November 22, 2023, my family and I were fortunate enough to be in that place,...just at the right time. Thank you so much for uploading.
The MSG shows exhibit why Billy is our Beatle and really helped us all feel the power of music in a very special way. Love the Natural theme as walkup music. What a band, what a night, what a show, what a crowd, what a city, what a love affair with said city. OUTSTANDING.
SOOOO COOOOL THE MUSIC OF THE NATURAL BUT OF COURSE
Great Video, glad he gave the tickets to you. He couldn’t have chosen a better guy and his family to give them to . Your video is appreciated. Memories for a lifetime.
This is one of the best "fan cam" concert videos I've seen. Thank you so much for uploading.
@mskvarenina
6 ай бұрын
Thank you. I think I said it earlier but I like to record things as it helps me remember and relive them again when I play them back in the future. So I started out with that pan of the stadium then when the final pre show song started I began recording again and I really wanted to capture the thrill of when the lights go down and Billy walks out. Then I was thinking I’d only grab a minute or two from each song just to remember. But at the end of the night it seems I captured a lot, much more than I was planning and some of the video was so good when the other musicians came to the from that I figured I’d drop it into iMovie and create this video. Had no idea it was get to 33k views (as if today, when I posted this comment) but I guess the fans are enjoying it. It really does give a nice perspective of what it’s like to see the show from up front.
@markanderson4794
6 ай бұрын
No doubt. Incredible filming. Great job
@Mr21scott
6 ай бұрын
No it's not. You can't even see half the band or the singers all at the same time. All you see is him and close ups. And frankly, why even go if you're just going to hold your phone up and record the whole thing and not even experience it.
@wndowpayne
6 ай бұрын
@@Mr21scott plenty of band shots in there,,can you name Billys bass player?? I think it gives a great feeling of the vibe,,and the ladies up front seemed to be enjoying instead of being lumps of coal..Merry Christmas
@seanscanlon9067
6 ай бұрын
@@mskvarenina Your daughter sitting next to your wife reminds me a bit of a young Alexa Ray Joel.
That's a great story. I love Billy. He's a true legend. Glad you had a great time.
Mike, thanks so much for sharing this! Absolutely amazing. It wasn't two days ago that I saw an interview with Billy from years ago talking about how he gave away front row seats. Made better by being able to share the experience with your family. There's nothing better. Appreciate the post.
@jeffreytemkin818
3 ай бұрын
If you notice before the show , they show the front rows. If you notice, they are all women and they are all hot. Even their mothers are hot.
Thank you for posting this! ❤
Billy is in fine voice . The band are super tight too. Really great sound quality. Plus a fantastic setlist. ❤️❤️❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thankyou for this so clear he still has it his voice is fantastic and his band baci x
Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thank you for this footage! I'll never be so lucky to see Billy in concert, even though I am his second biggest fan so thank you for this footage.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
WoWWW. Thank you!
wow thanks for sharing. He's been my fav since 1984
Thank you!
my dad and me love Billy, what a video, thx ever so much, i cried many times, what an performance, all the best from Iceland.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your story and video 😀 Happy for you and your family.
Thank you for doing a fantastic job filming. To see him up so close wow, and he sounds as good as ever, incredible. Loved every minute of it. Thanks again.
CONGRATULATIONS for the seats. Fabulous show! Your video is amazing. ❤
At 74 yrs old he is amazing. Just as great as ever. Best of the best. You’re so generous to downloading this for all of us big fans.
Still sounds and performs great
We're travelling from the UK for a trip to NY. I'm going with the wife for our wedding anniversary on Feb 9th next year. She doesn't know that I've bought tickets. I just hope the gig is as good as this. Like you seen him numerous times but don't think we'll ever be as lucky to get those seats
@Jalleur14325
6 ай бұрын
A lovely way to celebrate 🎉❤
@raylord8900
6 ай бұрын
The funny thing is that he's just announced he's doing one European gig in 2024 next year Guess what it's only 10 miles from where we live in Cardiff Wales 🏴 He's never played in Wales, which happens to be the birthplace of Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, amongst others. Tickets on sale next week so hopefully I'll be able to see him again this time with my children with us.
Thanks Mike 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for posting this Mike. Love you brother.
My go-to playlist on KZread music is Billy at Sigma Studios in 1972, fantastic sound. It's great to see him still sounding this great 51 years later!
Billy Joel Legend they don't make them like that anymore his music will live forever !
Me encanta tu música Billy..desde bebé mi mamá la ponía y ahora es mi preferida...en casa la pongo y bailo y canto solita...me encanta...
Thank you for taking the time to record and share. The audio/video quality is very good. Greetings from Mexico City. :)
@willritter4076
4 ай бұрын
I'd be honored if some Billy Joel fans would take a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performances of his classics HONESTY and VIENNA on my YT in tribute to the master of lyricism & composition. Live acoustic with no autotune or digital editing. Peace & stay safe.
Billy Joel is such an amazing human and piano man 🥰🥀☘
I miss 80’s Billy Joel. And I’m looking forward for a brand new single in February!!
It's the same opening sequence he used when I saw him last in Toronto in 2000. Amazing. He loves the baseball theme openings.
Oh man, I just read your description of how you got to the front row. I had heard Billy does this. That's so goddamn awesome. Meanwhile I was thinking, "damn how much did they pay for those seats" .... Really awesome. Hope your family absolutely loved it and seems like they did. Very jealous
We saw Billy at Hyde Park UK,the band,the sound, Everything was superb.We couldn't miss this chance of a lifetime.
Thank you very much for sharing. Amazing perfomance. Thank you. From Seoul, Korea
Saw soo..many of Billy's concerts & he just gets better with time❤ A-MAZ-ING 👏👏👏👏
Thank you.💙
Thank you so much Mike for this great video! Such a wonderful story. Very nice to see your lovely family enjoying themselves ❤ I never had the opportunity to see Billy Joel but your great video made it feel like I was there!🤩🤩🤩Christmas greetings from Sweden 🎄
Awesome story! Congrats on the seats. Definitely a pipe dream to see him from the front row. Although section 111 was awesome!!!
Billy Joel = PURE GENIUS!! "An Innocent Man" is his finest work, A MASTER PIECE!! in it's purest form, the lyrics are my life story
Great 👍
One of the best songs of all time. Beautiful lyrics
one of the best entertainers of all times....i wish i would have been there... i have complete respect for billy joel. his band members very professional as well. great concert
Love the Equinox logo baby. Amazing Jarre album. His best work to be fare.
Great camera work - thanks for sharing this😃😃🥰
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve seen Billy three times but not like this!!!!😊
Billy Joel, the legend multi awarded talent greatest hits of all time immortal song forever favorite love and peace ✌️😇✌️
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing such a special memory for you. I’ve been listening to this phenomenal man since the early 70’s! Best decade of music! My 20’s! I live in New Jersey and only half hour from the City. Finally got to see him when he had a concert with Elton John at Madison Garden. So so great. You are so generous sharing this concert for those who can’t be there!!
there will never be another Billy Joel
Wow, just wow...what a story. The feelings that night had to be indescribable and this video is amazing. We were there in August and it was just, well...tears. Lifelong fans. Mike, I am so happy for you. Once upon a time I had this happen at Elton John and Billy Joel together in Madison, WI. I was in the front row by a total accident of fate. I still carried a non-video cell phone back then. So happy you have shared this with the world. Your story included with the video makes all the difference in how special this is. Congratulations, best wishes and may all your days be filled with music.
I want to listen to Billy Joel's music in his home country of America. Especially Miami2017!
That was awesome... Looking forward to seeing Billy again in Denver, July 12. (will be 2nd time seeing him with my son and neice, who are also a big fans) I first saw him when I was 19 on the Storm Front tour, still such a great entertainer.
I've seen him 5 times....in his younger days.... brilliant as ever....but sorry to see him slowing down here...Trust me I GET IT...completely... great to hear the tunes coming from a master!
Still one of the greatest musician and entertainer of all times. Saw him the first time 1974 in Stuttgart, Germany in a small place. I will never forget.
Legend!
Great opening song choice!
Back in 78 this song came on the radio "My Life" over here in England. I was 15yr old and remember thinking "wow who's this Man" well been a fan of him and his great music ever since!! Great video thanks.
Thank you so much for sharing!! What an amazing concert, and front row seats to boot! Thanks again! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute = )
@mskvarenina
6 ай бұрын
Thanks. I’ve watched this video 5 times already start to finish. And it’s my own video. lol.
@marymark9528
6 ай бұрын
I'm glad for you and your family to be the recipients of Billy Joel's generousity. I've only read that he gives away some of the best seats to the fans in the 'nose bleeds' sections. It's so neat to actually speak with someone who experienced it first hand! An early endearing Holiday gift for you all and you captured something that is everlasting!@@mskvarenina
It was 1994 River of dreams tour for me and my best friend. Back then, no internet, no cell phones, only word of mouth "rumor" that Billy Joel moves fans down from the nose bleeds. We were sitting in the dead last row near the ceiling when a man approached us and said "Is it just you two ladies tonight?". I can still hear him in my head 30years later. We were moved right to the second row and it was the best experience of my life. (next to my kids being born of course!) No cameras, no cell phones, just great memories. Here we are 30 years later, I live in Florida since 1995, but have seen Billy Joel a total of 22 times. i am coming to MSG for his last show, with that same best friend, and we keep hoping it will happen again. I was thinking my friend and I are too old to get picked for the front row now, but reading your story gives me hope!
Gran concierto nos dió un repaso a través de carrera, es sin duda uno de los grandes del pop un gran artista, muy completo y versátil, seguro que varias generaciones disfrutaron mucho sus éxitos, a mi despertaba la curiosidad de lo que decían sus canciones e intentaba hacer la traducción de ellas, salud y felicitaciones para el Gran BILLY JOEL.
*short show. thanks uploading and recording. great seat*
Was not even expecting them to throw down some Hammer of The Gods!! Now I am an evening bigger fan.
At his age, he could easily just phone it in but he's giving 100% and still sounds great and hits the notes.
Big Shot! Funny, when I saw him tour the album 52nd Street at MSG, back in the late 70's. instead of the piano spinning around while he sang, HE was spinning around on his back on top of the piano! Great show!
very cool... I'm going next Thursday.