Why Billy Joel doesn't sell front row seats to his concerts | SPIN

[@tlabonte1]

I was one of those “kids” 25 years ago that got to sit in the front row! Great memory. Still a fan

[@brandonohara4122]

Wow awesome 👌 😊

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

😊😊😊

[@markkeneson6806]

How old were you at the time?

[@tlabonte1]

@@markkeneson6806 19 years old. I was a big fan and knew all the songs. My friend worked for her college campus music venue and knew to go early to get spotted by the crew

[@markkeneson6806]

@tlabonte1 , I had a feeling kids meant young adult fans, not actual children. That must have been an awesome experience getting such an upgrade from average tickets to front row.

[@lukej7758]

I was one of these kids, almost 15 years ago. Myself as a 15 teen year old and my two older brothers got to be against the rail for Billy Joel & Elton John’s face2face tour in Seattle. It will remain one of the greatest and most impactful nights of my life. We got personal acknowledgments from Billy & Elton shook our hands. I loved music before, but this experience resolved in me that I would somehow do music for a living. I’m now a full time DJ, and play guitar, piano, & sing. Thanks for this life defining moment Billy & Elton!

[@christine8092]

And that was me!!!! They came to us. We had the worst seats in the house. They brought us down to the first row. We were in shock. It was awesome! Best night of my life!! Billy Joel is incredible ♥️🇺🇲💯

[@farris5918]

Yes! A great human being.

[@jocoder-williams4306]

Fabulous. What a wonderful memory.

[@mrjuanderfuI]

How cool there are 2 commenters that had that experience. Must have been unreal

[@Pianoman999]

What a great story and memory!

[@garyford3533]

this man got very rich on the backs of those very rich men with there bibos, who are the real fans.

[@petervermilyea6490]

I was one of those die hard fans that actually won the ticket lottery and got 1st choice of seats at the Hartford Civic Center 1/8/1990 and got front row…which was actually 3rd or 4th row by the day of the show. Still a fun time anyway! We had made a sign that read “You got us Hummin’ 1967-1991” and Mark Rivera picked it up and held it up for everyone to see. What an epic moment for a 20 year old kid. ☻ I also got one of Liberty’s drumsticks which I still have today. Perfect souvenir for a drummer!!!

[@user-me5fh3yu1j]

This should become common practice. It’s so smart.

[@zp1191]

Then wouldn't everybody just buy back row tickets?

[@georgelaxton]

Still luck of the draw of that ever happening to you.

[@atomsk1972]

@@zp1191 Guaranteed front row tickets vs 1/100 chance of a front row seat. Also, the road crew are doing the 'selecting'.

[@luisaucedo]

Yeah but the managers lose millions so most likely never going to

[@Proudathiest1]

@@zp1191well maybe but since only a handful get to go to the front it would be kind of a dumb move to buy back row tickets

[@darrelhutchinson1990]

That’s how you keep fans and create new ones. Thats beautiful.

[@1nvisible1]

*That's how he met Christy Brinkley!*

[@enterpassword3313]

Most pop stars hate their fans lol

[@Da_one_tl]

@@enterpassword3313personally I don’t blame them

[@rma6070]

​@@enterpassword3313no, the dumb ones Maybe, and those are the ones that don't stay famous long. The other ones may love the fans and at least understand that they gave him or her literally everything they have! But they hate some of the bad things that go with Fame like no privacy, paparazzi, fake people, etc.

[@enterpassword3313]

@@rma6070 no

[@eileenventuri4569]

Such a classy move. Love him even more.

[@cassiepittman1489]

Well said, I couldn't have said it better!:)✌️💖🤩

[@BlackAbe007]

👍🏻

[@BarMiztah]

Well said #classy 💯

[@melissameeks37]

💯

[@joelivingstone7353]

@@cassiepittman1489nj

[@madratter]

I worked for Billy when he was with Christie Brinkley. I was the lead foreman contact for landscaping services at his home in the Hamptons. One day at lunch with my crew Billy had us relax in a courtyard while he played us a 6 song mini concert on a baby grand piano. We were 8-10' away. He had two of his Harley's in the living room right next to his piano. Weird to see motorcycles inside a mansion. Great guy. Very friendly and incredibly humble. Christie was wonderful too. Be well Billy . Thanks for the memories

[@markfryer9880]

Wow, personal concert for the hired help! Paint me a shade of green with envy. Not sure what to make of the Harley's in the lounge room? Was he stripping them down in his spare time? 😅 Mark from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@madratter]

@@markfryer9880 Hi Mark. No his motorcycles were in perfect shape sitting on decorative plates in the living room. Almost like trophies but he drove them fairly regularly. He's a great guy and very friendly to working people in the community. Often seen on his Harleys just riding around town. One day a bike needed maintenance so I helped him put it into a trailer. I've had some cool interactions with him and Christie. Both good souls 😁

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

Awesome.

[@wendysegnitz6501]

And, they have a beautiful and talented daughter! Love you Billy!

[@nichellepeters5195]

Dang!! Now THAT'S a very, very cool story. What an incredible memory! 😲 I'm jealous never saw the man in concert it always sold out, or I didn't have the money. 🥺

[@JornGuardian]

“Had to be a big shot didn’t ya?”

[@aliendroneservices6621]

You had to prove it to the crowd.

[@EszGotYa]

you had to be a big shot, didn'tcha?

[@aucupomeliora]

Perfect

[@MichaelMeade-d7b]

​@@aliendroneservices6621 By sitting in front of the crowd, kudos to Mr. Joel for bringing the real fans to the front.

[@PETERODZZ]

😅I was thinking the same

[@michaelcorleone7598]

It’s lovely to hear a big artist like BJ treating his fans with kindness and respect.

[@KeithHays-ek4vr]

That's who Billy Joel is. - That's one of the reasons he's so loved. - His crew loves him too.

[@douglasrodenbach8000]

😂😂😂

[@iggydeohgee]

​@douglasrodenbach8000 right?! Must've never seen hired gun

[@Bob-pw7rf]

Good Guy, Hicksville Guy !!

[@stayinganonymous.3172]

His crew must not include his drummer then.

[@jvandekamp6986]

My parents grew up on Long Island in his neighborhood. Before he was famous, he would roll his piano to the end of the driveway and play for the kids. This man was born a humble legend and entertainer.

[@patricksmith4424]

Did I hear that right? roll his piano to the end of the drive. Not only a legend, but the world's strongest man!

[@kaitlyn3386]

@@patricksmith4424Well he took boxing lessons so I have no doubt that he’s strong!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

100% CORRECT!!! ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! YOU KNOW IT!!!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

​@@patricksmith4424Everybody has pianos at the end of their driveway in Long Island. Didn't you know?

[@colincipriani4753]

​@@patricksmith4424On Long Island we all keep a piano out at the end of the driveway. It's our offering to our lord and savior Piano Man.

[@piscinaiv7937]

really nice gesture for paying fans on a budget that still want to come out and enjoy the artist.

[@bherber]

Only problem is he gives them to 18-21 college girls who know like 2 of his songs. (not real fans). Try being a "fan on a budget" like you say who's a guy.

[@rondolavino7778]

This comment above your reply literally said he got to be in the front row and he’s a big fan. Oml

[@bherber]

@@rondolavino7778 - Look, the main point is that Billy's a liar. He's saying "he send the road crew out to give tickets to real fans." That's not what he does... He sends the road crew out to give them to young girls they think are hot. I had this confirmed by Billy's guitar tech Chainsaw. He said the road crew "needs something to look at." If you're a guy, you ain't gettin an upgrade to the front row...

[@DannyP-dm1pw]

@@bherber Yeah and if roles were reversed a woman would do the same thing. I know plenty of women over 60 that love sleeping with men in their 20's and early 30's . I know my ex GF in her 40's was always checking out guys at the gym just in college ripped. Women do it too. Stop making it always seem like men are the only freaks. Do you blame Billy? If you were in his shoes would you want to look at all men or attractive women? I'm sure my Girl would love to replace me with a man with hair instead she's with a baldie but I'm sure she fantasizes

[@JackStevenson-ql4qu]

@@bherbermakes me like Billy even more lol. I would do the same thing in his shoes.

[@wbanker2500]

I, too, was one of those lucky people in Phoenix in the 90'd. (And I was no kid!) I've always been an avid fan and this was one of the most exciting memories of my life! Front row center. Amazing. Thank you, Billy Joel!

[@cate9540]

That's a gesture that really embodies his genuine appreciation for his fans. This small act of kindness has no doubt given thousands of people a wonderful experience that they'll always remember.

[@kymberBee]

Thank you Billy! This happened to me in ‘91. Me and my very excited cousin had nose bleed seats. A roadie stopped us and gave is two front row seats right by the piano!! When he sang the line about the redhead girl in Keeping the Faith he looked square into my eyes and grabbed my hand! It was the most amazing night of music that I will ever remember!! ❤ I have always been a lover of music, but that night changed me. I ended up marrying a musician and it’ll be 30 years in the fall.

[@LoneWolfCrooner]

What Lovely story!

[@jnnx]

We get it, you were hot, back in the day. . .

[@michellerobin5461]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tw8464]

Love this! That is real art and music magic right there. Billy Joel is a Legend for the music spirit

[@King_Cova]

30 years in the fall of what seems like you missed something.

[@Bob-cj6zm]

I was one of those kids! I was 14 years old, it was first concert and I’ll never forget that moment! Thank you, Billy!

[@tarp11z]

Proof that the man has a soul, and that he's still there for the love of playing music and giving people joy.

[@trillbrown3686]

It's all about soul

[@turtle4614]

Why is this not more popular? Artists really making that connection with their fans. Amazing.

[@gastondeveaux3783]

One of the greatest artists ever. I've been a fan for years. The more I see and hear of him, the more I love him.

[@ladykharmaofthehillcountry3427]

I was one of those kids in SLC 1990’s Billy’s been a hero of mine since b4 I can remember! Thanks for the opportunity to see you up close! I was 16 and you are ASTONISHING LIVE

[@rolandofgilead43]

i've never seen him live before but i love his early 70's concerts i've heard quite a few of them. stuff he did back than he did record but they never got released i dunno if all of them he recorded but some of them he did.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

Funny how all the people saying they got the front row upgrade are women, who I assume were good looking 25 years ago.

[@51desoto1]

That’s an artist who cares about his fans. The more I listen to him the more I admire his music, his talent and genius.

[@saionji7760]

A very sincere act of kindness and generosity to fans.

[@the_key_x]

Happened to my brother and I in a different way when he performed in Cape Town in 2006…. We had grown up on Joel’s tunes (we were in our twenties at the time)… we bought standing room tickets but as the doors were about to open two crew members came out and counted us amongst around thirty people that were let in and allowed to run freely to the stage! We were one head away from Billy Joel, best moment a moment that my brother and I share now in our forties! ❤️

[@PaganOnTheShortBus]

I'm a full on Metal Head. I saw Billy in 2015 in San Francisco and was completely blown away. He's outstanding!

[@artavialineszy9453]

I know that makes the concert better for him. Real fans giving him all the love.

[@MarkAaronHudnall]

Especially, given the way he describes it, you would think that it’s a bunch of jaded mafia members sitting in the front row because they’re the ones I have all the $ dough… I feel where he’s coming from, and you know it must’ve been something very repulsive for him to feel that motivated to block the scalper effect 🎭 in order to make this kind of change. This way, at least he’s always connecting with his primary audience.

[@stevenp25100]

So you can't be a real fan if you have money?

[@richardgrayson3241]

Billy Joel is the voice of many generations, mine included. He didn't start the fire, but he made musical magic with the ashes.

[@Scott-Andy]

My very first concert was Billy Joel’s the nylon concert tour. I was only 15 years old. Some 30 years later I met him in Chicago just me recognizing him on the street coming out of the Ralph Lauren restaurant on Chicago Avenue. He was so very polite and he let me photograph him. He said shoot away. Billy Joel full circle. ❤

[@racecarrik]

So anyways I started blasting

[@sarvolfe6435]

Like Tom Cruise, an entertainer who appreciates his audience.

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

A common man who cares for the people. God, I love this guy. What a treasure.

[@williamholdsworth3833]

When Columbia Records released Billy's Piano Man album I was the manager of a record store. My Columbia Rep invited me to see Billy perform the album live at a legendary Philly -area club, The Main Point. My reserved seat was front row, around 8' from the piano, and, Billy. Amazing performance!! He really is THE PIANO MAN! 👍

[@bobk2899]

I am a huge Billy Joel fan. And this is exactly why I absolutely love his music and his attitude. Thank you Mr. Joel for being who you are and for entertaining all of us for so very long.

[@johnnybmean74]

This is why you love his music? Why wouldn't you love music "strictly" because it's good music?

[@BryanHerber-s7g]

@bobk2899 - LOL. Geez you're as dumb and gullible as everyone else commenting. Billy doesn't give those seats away to "real fans." The road crew gives them to young girls who they think are hot... If you're a guy, you're not getting upgraded to that front row...

[@janetives5470]

AND HIS ATTITUDE. Misinterpreting.

[@bobk2899]

@@janetives5470 I disagree 100%. I don't think he is misinterpreting anything. I think he is genuine and a good person. If you don't, Keep it to yourself.

[@dawnsteadman2523]

My son and his best friend got one of those tickets. It is something we will never ever forget! Thank you

[@gregfletcher9612]

Matchbox 20 did the same thing. I took My daughter to one of their Brisbane Australia shows. We were right up the back. They came up the back and picked a heap of people including My daughter and I to go down the front row. Will never forget it.

[@JBRewind]

I love Matchbox 20. That's great to hear.

[@peaner083]

That's pretty awesome hey

[@gregfletcher9612]

@@peaner083 Yeah. It was fantastic. It was my Daughters 13th birthday present to go to the concert.

[@peaner083]

@@gregfletcher9612 That's unreal. I heard they are coming back here this year sometime too. Iam personally into harder stuff but definitely have to appreciate a band that lasts this long hey.

[@lyrehcb8156]

I honestly didn’t think I could love MB20 more but this just proved me wrong. What a great way to show your fans some love. Gonna go play their music now 😌

[@claudevieaul1465]

Now THÁT is how you maintain a true fan base!... My hat's off to the legend Billy Joel!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@lynnewaugh5930]

That's true a lovely man 🎹❤ I was at one of his concerts I paid for my mum for her birthday we didn't have brilliant seats, long story short one of his roadies took us both to the front row seats it was amazing and we'll never forget that night 🎶🎤 fantastic memories, peter kaye was next to us lol brill night

[@richardmendoza4389]

I wish ALL entertainers had this mentality

[@trashbagLasagna]

You had to be a big shot last night …🎶

[@fluorosco]

Deeeeencha !!!!!! 😂

[@tobiasfarragut292]

You had to have the last word last night you had ta be a big shot did ya whoaWhOoA! 🎶

[@michaelmerck7576]

Now we know the inspiration for that song

[@get2dachoppa249]

This was the reply I was looking for.

[@crnkmnky]

​@@michaelmerck7576 Funny, but not quite. The real story involves some moves like Jagger. 😸

[@kevinkoger5749]

God bless an open mind and heart like that.

[@irenemacias7423]

My first concert was Billy Joel , never ever forget it , my best friend and I dressed up as Joel , right down to the sneakers and tie ( was promoting 52nd Street ) , we made fake id’s like the roadies all wore , they let us in and sat in the rows directly behind Mr. Joel, we loved we could see him like we were watching on the stage with him ( we were just in a section close to the stage ) I’ll never forget it - I’m sure the roadies all knew it was a silly thing to do but we were cool , never acted like crazy groupies or something- and We sure loved 🥰 it and appreciated it 😊😊😊😊‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️Thanks for all the music and my introduction to genius music making and a real New Yorker , Mr . Joel -and crew ‼️‼️‼️😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@mommommy6135]

Billy joel is the best. He really understands his fans. That's why he's loved for generations.

[@BlueRazor69]

Only a guy like Billy Joel can do this Most of musicians get bullied into selling the seats

[@jeremykothe2847]

bullied? or shown the numbers and change their minds. Billy can afford to lose the 10%. (which is what you said mostly :D)

[@Teeveepicksures]

​@@jeremykothe2847Except artists don't make that extra profit. That goes to scalpers and ticket companies. ANY artist can do this and many do.

[@tchilp]

He is one of best selling acts the world has seen and he does that once in a while. Normally, the front rows are sold for very high prices.

[@jerryclubb7574]

Very thoughtful for him to do...

[@bobk2899]

What a stud!

[@sherrylaury]

Of all the entertainers in the world, you, Mr Joel, are now and have always been, my number one. I can only hope to actually get to say thank you in person one day.

[@LoneWolfCrooner]

What a lovely thing to hear. I will always ❤ Billy and his songs 🎵

[@coreyaok5tqhurst175]

I already grew up with and have always loved this man's work and have always been in awe, yet now I have respect beyond what I thought was so much before hearing this. We need more like him, more who are able to relate to the common, hardworking person. To us. To other people. Thank you, sir, for everything you do, and many blessings to you.

[@brucefield9237]

I got to be front and centre at one of his concerts many years ago. Amazing experience. Even ended up with one of Liberty DeVitto's drum sticks. Still a prized possession.

[@shannonbiggers3312]

Liberty is "The Man".

[@LoriGreaves-lg2ur]

Thanks Billy you're the real deal...thanks for loving us as much as we love you!! 😘

[@jonathan711]

They came and got me and showed me the door. It was incredible. Will never forget it.

[@JimLBon]

I saw Billy live once at Safeco field. While Safeco isn’t a great venue for a concert, Billy was amazing. In addition to his tremendous talent, he has a great sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Probably the best musician I’ve seen live. That was a great show and it’s easy to love this guy.

[@yyyhoodat]

WHO. ELSE. DOES THAT?! SUCH a cool & classy dude..

[@janetives5470]

Taylor Swift is apparently appreciative of her fans.

[@TravelWithGus]

Just saw him in concert last night! He is amazing!

[@michaeloutsidethebox3391]

Saw him in 80-82 in Starkville Mississippi. He jumped up backwards on the piano and played with both hands and both feet! Awesome performance!

[@bobthebear1246]

Billy Joel has always been a wonderful man, extremely down-to-earth and he never forgot where he came from. Oh, and he's also one of the 3 greatest solo artists of all-time.

[@jeffbaca1173]

I’ve been to over 315 shows, I only had front row seats once for a bridge school concert at shoreline, I must admit you do feel special.

[@claymiller9192]

Nothing but class. Thanks Piano Man. Need more like you!

[@bobk2899]

Absolutely!!

[@kevint1911]

I’ve been a Billy Joel fan since the 80’s. I never knew he did this. One more reason to be a fan of Billy!

[@shaunbat5097]

Love this man....class act

[@JackStevenson-ql4qu]

Been a fan of Billy ever since I can remember..43 now. Looking forward to seeing him in San Antonio.

[@mdf1671]

I was one too. Shaved head wearing a Frank Zappa T-shirt! Even got to sing the last line of “It’s Still Rock n Roll” into his mic. Best concert ever.

[@randalcolucci6833]

Thanks, Mr. Joel! That's why you're a regular guy who made it big. Your friends from L.I. will always be there for you because you don't forget where you're from and who matters. Saw you years ago in oceanside, Nassau Coliseum - great show. Met you once in a bar I worked the door at in downtown Huntington. Be well.

[@danicegewiss862]

He's originally from Pennsylvania.

[@randalcolucci6833]

@@danicegewiss862 Really. He was born in the Bronx and grew up on LI. And, no, he wasn't from Allentown.

[@kristin40]

That’s really nice. Not enough people do nice things, Bill is definitely one of those guys 😊 Thank You for being you 💋

[@studlyhungwell5740]

Just one more reason to love Billy Joel ❤️

[@paigemills67]

Myself and two of my friends were three of those kids from the early 90's that got front row at the Clemson University football stadium to see Billy Joel and Elton John. we thought it was a scam at first but went along with it and then when we realized we were on the front row we just couldn't believe it. We even got to touch Billy Joel's legs while he was performing, lol. That's how close we were. Such an amazing memory!

[@GardensAndGames]

I saw that happen at Giants Stadium in the early 90's. We had seats 3 rows from the back and I saw a group of 8 people in the back row get given front row tickets. It was very cool.

[@sligacheese6470]

1980 I used to carry a tape recorder to school playing Billy Joel 🎉❤

[@KevinFarrell-hc3wn]

So did I! "Glass Houses" album. 1980 it came out.

[@eliahmccraig7891]

His music is amazing. Timeless. He doesn't seem Hollywood at all. Now I like him more.

[@michaelhamerin3814]

We need more artists doing this! With what ticket prices are today especially.

[@clinthowe7629]

I really admire that about Billy Joel, what a classy thing to do, great respect to you sir! its like the first will be last and the last will be first. 👏👏👏

[@explorerthedennis]

I got the pleasure to build the stages for Billy Joel and Elton John tour. It was awesome. Got to watch sound check by myself no one else there. It was like Billy played a concert for me. He did all songs he didn’t do at the actual show. During the show got to be one stage in front the stage and back stage. I jumped on stage during sound check snd stood in front his piano and Billy stopped playing until I got off stage.

[@nsos28]

Incredible. Wish I had the chance to be in the front, but seeing him at all has been something awesome in my life

[@donkeeton7897]

Love Billy Joel he has always been about the common man.

[@nickjohn2925]

Thats another reason why Joel is one of my favorite musicians of all time

[@threearrows2248]

Niiice! Only time I got front row for a concert that didn't have a front pit was for Joan Jett. I had bought my dad pretty decent tickets and then somehow they disappeared after I handed them to him about an hour before the show. Started to panic looking for them, then a woman approached and said her rich boss bought front row and they had two extra. It was really awesome. Must be amazing to see Billy up close like that.

[@onemercilessming1342]

I've always been a fan of his music, but now I appreciate his character.

[@RankopediaHarvey]

Have seen Billy Joel three times. He is totally a great live act and in my Top 5 all time. Love Billy Joel!

[@SleepyArcticBirds-ft4lb]

What a great idea to give those that love Billy Joel but can’t afford the tickets to enjoy a concert of their lifetime ❤❤❤👏👏👏

[@laurenseybert9353]

I was one of those kids too!! Best night ever!! We were in the very last row at the top of the Civic Arena in pittsburgh and I’ll never forget it😊💗😊

[@dylanbushmire2623]

What a great venue was the roof open

[@Ponchitograndito]

U know ur lieing

[@laurenseybert9353]

No… It was in December. I had just graduated from SRU and it was the best graduation present ever!!!

[@jrawk4140]

​@Ponchitograndito why would someone feel the need to lie about that?

[@NancySanders-om4ic]

I am glad to see him,again,Such a Great Person as well as Singer🙏❤❤❤🙏

[@Peter-qn4sq]

A true Gentleman and Great entertainer. Thank you. Hope to see you one more time

[@plbeckman]

This man is wonderful.

[@moriahsavage5275]

How wonderful! Just fell in love with you all over again "Piano Man" Bravo! Billy ❤️

[@Malohta]

Worked at Ticketmaster back in late 2000s. ACDC went on tour. Closest tickets was paperless to stop scalpers since their credit card became the ticket. Stockholders freaked out when they saw Ticketmaster take a hit from lower sales. Ticketmaster then started a way to sell your paperless ticket. Scalper buys a paperless ticket, Ticketmaster gets a cut. Scalper sells ticket, Ticketmaster gets a cut of that too. Ticketmaster is essentially a ticket scalper with a more legitimate face. They get the convenience fee (usually a % of the face value of the ticket) and order processing/delivery fee. At least they don't charge three times the face value of the ticket, then cancel the ticket and have a replacement mailed they sell to someone else.

[@BryanHerber-s7g]

Regardless of scalpers, Billy doesn't give these tickets to real fans... The road crew gives them to young college girls who they think are hot

[@tinamcnalley2575]

​@@BryanHerber-s7gKZbin should not have disabled the thumbs down.😠

[@arfriedman4577]

Many years ago, I was able to buy prince tickets that happened to be very close to the stage. I think prince did similar things with the front tickets. We saw Billy Joel and Elton John concert in 1990s. Our seats were maybe middle tier. Many blessings to all.

[@SteveSmith-hh2ni]

What a good man. He was great on the Grammys Sunday. Still has it.

[@cealrowe]

That's awesome other artists should take note what a smart idea, plus what artist wouldn't rather have fans that connect with them right there with them...

[@nicole4659]

There artist need to learn a thing or to from the piano man aka the GOAT.

[@veganvocalist4782]

YEA givin them all that great energy , smart move ;D

[@dustinlarkin8582]

That is amazing.

[@MarcinLeonard]

Thanks you for your love and support,I appreciate.

[@shevetlevi2821]

Billy brings up alot for me. First of all "Rosalinda", "Until the Night", and "River of Dreams" are absolutely perfect works of art. Miami 2017 is the swan song of NYC from Billy as a true New Yorker. NYC isn't inhabited by New Yorkers anymore.

[@rc51rider300exc]

I've loved his music for 35 years....and now I think even more of him as a person....never heard of anyone doing that! What a great guy!

[@bigdbusiness8092]

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF BILLY JOEL AND HOPE TO SEE HIM IN PERSON BEFORE THE SHOW ENDS

[@bobk2899]

I have been lucky enough to see him in concert twice. I hope I get that privilege once more

[@TheNextChapterRiva]

I was one of those “kids”. I was heading to my seat in the nose bleeds when the usher asked if we wanted to move closer. I was skeptical but said sure. I was gobsmacked that we were heading to the floor. That was the closest I’ve ever been at a concert. I left hoarse from singing every song feeling like he was singing just for me.

[@xygomorphic44]

Ticketmaster should be abolished

[@rma6070]

As a fan and a musician and fellow keyboardist I almost feel like crying! Because I've never heard any musician do this! That's freaking beautiful! He knows who the fans are and who really appreciates his music and music in general! I've always respected Billy but now it's 10 times more!🥲👍💛

[@MeMeDaVinci]

I was at his concert in Toronto in January 1994, postponed from November 93 when he and Christie split up. I was in the back row but didn't get to move up. It was a great show. My favorite album is Turnstiles.

[@dwaiting883]

A buddy of mine was taking his niece, very last minute, day off, to see Ed Sheern in concert. They got tickets that day, second row from the very last row way up in the stands. He joked with them as they drove to the show, "Maybe we'll somehow get up front to see him real good!" And he was joking. Next thing he knows, one of Sheeran's crew approaches them and invited them to the front row. I saw the picture and those little girls were just beaming with huge smiles. I'm so glad artists like Joel and Sheeran do this. I've always been an avid concert goer, waiting in line on Saturday mornings outside a store to get in and buy tickets. These days I can't even afford to fo see a band only a decade old as if they are on a reunion tour after a 20 year hiatus with a greatest hits album out. And worse, now that I have a little one, I don't think I'll ever be able to afford to go. Nosebleed seats for full price are an awful experience.

[@MickMcGarnackle]

Billy Joel is the man. I remember reading about a show he played in Russia. When the lights weren't on the crowd, the crowd would dance and sing along and be happy and into it. But when the lights were on the crowd, they settled down because they didn't want to be seen by any authorities enjoying American music too much. Billy apparently took great exception to that. Point is, the dude loves his fans and he loves to make a crowd happy. That's a very important factor in a musician's success, and it's a quality of which far too many mainstream artists nowadays seem bereft.

[@jamescheever7982]

brilliant insight

[@madsombrero]

And the road crew get to hook up with the hot chicks they handed front row tickets to 😂😂😂

[@Clairebearthegoodfinder]

Another of hundreds of reasons we love Billy Joel ❤

[@TRUEC4N4DI4N]

Billy Joel is a true artist that appreciates and loves his fans. For him to do this truly shows how much he cares about them.

[@Paul__FC]

Thats smart , but i bet their alot of hot young girls getting those tickets you can cherry pick from. Well played.

[@PhillipDean.]

Exactly

[@SprinkelFallingleaf]

He's done this for a VERY long time. He talked about at one of his college lectures. He used to say he needed people in the front row that knew the lyrics, so when things like we didn't start the fire, came up... And his mind was on, what's for dinner (cause you aren't allowed to eat before the show), and his mind goes, wait what were we doing... He could look at a fan and go, oh yeah, that's the song. He also doesn't use a teleprompter like Elton does. He has an old school book if needed.