Why Billy Joel No Longer Takes A Helicopter To His Gigs At Madison Square Garden

After getting freaked out by some mid-air turbulence, rock ‘n roll legend Billy Joel rides the Long Island Railroad to his shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Stick around for more of Stephen’s interview with Billy Joel and tune in to watch the 100th show of his Madison Square Garden residency when it airs on CBS on April 14th.
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@user-un5iv8og3z]

My BFF and I got one of those coveted front row seats to Billy Joel and Elton John years ago in Columbus, OH. The guy came up to us while in a line for food and asked to see our tickets. When we showed him, he said, 'Come with me.' And took us to the front row! Best experience ever!

[@df4196]

did you ever get the food?

[@RicoCosta317]

He's not only a music legend, he's also pure comedy gold 😂

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Apparently he is a terrible person to be married to, as well.

[@theWZZA]

Wow, I couldn't stop laughing!

[@dreamspinner3mn]

Agreed

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

I saw him in Denver and he's a riot. It's strange, the energy from the show comes from his between-song stories and jokes and then the pumped up light-show - because he himself is at his piano the whole time, so it's not like he's running around pumping everyone up. I remember the crowd around me took a little time to get warmed up too. But we got there in the end lol

[@sarahdrawz]

@@ThatOpalGuyyou probably are too with a comment like that😂

[@DinoNardelli]

Billy Joel is a national treasure.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Is there a map to a Templar hoard tattooed on his back?

[@paintedpony2935]

Try an original thought. You might like it.

[@marilyntkeller]

“If You’re having sex- and there’s no NOISE- You’re doin’ it WRONG!!!”😂🙋🏾‍♀️🤣👑👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🫶🏾

[@aureliusmcnaughton6133]

I never heard him interviewed, what a sweet and awesome guy. Possibly the most underrated person in music and definitely a musical genius, and he just talks like you could've met him on the subway ❤

[@holycrapchris]

Check out his interview with Howard Stern as well; good stuff there

[@notbraindead7298]

So true. I agree.

[@nunyabizevah]

He did an incredible interview with James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio. If you can find it, I highly recommend it.

[@christopherp.hitchens3902]

“Underrated” is code for “Why don’t people like him like I do?”

[@aureliusmcnaughton6133]

@@christopherp.hitchens3902 you're presuming to know how much I like him. I'm not a fan of his, I've never bought his music or gone out of my way to listen to it. But from a musical standpoint I'm capable of recognizing that he doesn't generally get the level of recognition that he deserves for being so prolific and having such a broad appeal as a song writer. Some people are much less talented and receive much more attention, and they are "overrated". Now that you know the proper definition of "underrated", go re-read my comment and think about what a douche you sound like.

[@Purple1984Rain]

Hard to believe he is turning 75 in May. Like most of us I grew up with Billy’s music. He is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of all time. 52nd Street from 1978 is my favourite album of his with classics like Honesty, My Life, Big Shot and Rosalinda’s Eyes.

[@rinazm8856]

Good album, but my favorite is Turnstiles: Angry Young Man (with that intro!), MIami 2017, New York State of Mind.

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some Billy Joel fans would take a quick listen to my low-fi acoustic piano & vocal performances of his classics HONESTY, ALLENTOWN, and VIENNA on my YT in tribute to the master of lyricism & composition. Live acoustic with no autotune or digital editing. Peace & stay safe.

[@betacall9634]

My fav album too. Would listen to 52nd Street on the carpet in our den in ‘78 when I was 10 yrs old. Just from the top of my memory there was Stiletto, Half a Mile Away, Zanzibar and Until the Night which is one of Billy’s best songs ever most people never heard. What a talent and blessing we’ve had for 50 yrs with Billy’s timeless music.

[@squanto2]

Yea. So many (ALL) of the musicians and bands of my youth are all so old. It's a little sad and melancholy.

[@ChadBest-ug8uo]

Turnstiles is a work of art. The compositions are amazing! @@rinazm8856

[@BabyLambCreations]

It’s nice that Billy still looks back on touring with Elton John. Always enjoyed seeing those two talented piano-playing superstars perform together.

[@BrandonCroker]

The legendary piano man

[@johnmesser3278]

1981 I am 17. First car 1971 Datsun 240Z. First cassette tape. Billy Joel Glass Houses. Memories that few may understand. Peace

[@themachine8009]

Do u still have that 240z?

[@johnmesser3278]

@@themachine8009 I wish. I had it for 4 years. It was a damn good car.

[@themachine8009]

@@johnmesser3278 it’s a classic now, that was my favorite car and dependable.

[@johnmesser3278]

@@themachine8009 I agree. I kept up everything back then. I got a special account at the local Datsun Dealership parts department. The Parts Manager at the time gave me professional discounts. He thought is was a Great restoration for a kid. In 1983, I had the original faded orange paint stripped off and had the sides painted gloss black and silver from the hood back. The pictures are deep in storage now. A very fun car to drive.

[@MrGreggallman]

We’re the same age. Also had a Datsun 260Z for many years until it was stolen. I think we may have some overlapping memories …

[@maurawhelan3530]

Wow! Brings the real fans to the front row! Now that is a great musician! Yay Billy Joel!

[@tayloreh]

as long as they're cute girls

[@ozvoyager]

Of course, he could also just lower ticket prices and make a million or so less.

[@squanto2]

I saw Paul McCartney a few years ago and an usher gave our group first row seats, instead of the nose bleed seats we bought. It was INSANE!!!

[@Elwaves2925]

@@ozvoyager That still wouldn't stop scalpers selling the front rows. Also, he doesn't decide the price, that's down to his management, promoters and the venue.

[@kiriakoz]

@@ozvoyager you're not smart, are you?

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Billy is in great shape. Lost weight. Looks really good. Just released a song as good as any he's ever written. I feel like it's 1979 again with My Life playing on the radio on WPLJ.

[@user-mq6yt3qq8j]

Geez, check your tv. Sadly as I'm watching him I'm thinking life is cruel. His voice sounds as strong as ever though.

[@jamesdooling4139]

Once a celebrity with brains has achieved their dreams, they get hilariously grounded and make excellent storytellers.❤

[@ChadBest-ug8uo]

This man is such a great storyteller. Detailed and engaging! His lyrics are a product of his storytelling!

[@alphajava761]

I love Billy Joel. I saw him once in the 90s and he was great personally, he had just as much fun as the audience. He was really funny joking around throughout the show. He's a real pro at live performance.

[@PhilSmithRHR]

I saw him in 1994 and he was by far the funniest rock/pop artist I have seen in terms of interaction with the audience.

[@wingv313]

Billy said it, “If there’s no noise, you’re not doing it right” 😂😂 Legendary entertainer & funny as hell. 👍🏼

[@deweymugyoo1707]

Well, he's delightful. I'd enjoy chatting with that man.

[@jt.8144]

Grateful to have been a kid in the 80's and growing up listening to Billy Joel "The Piano Man".

[@Hail_Sagan]

I could listen to Billy tell stories all day. Had the privilege of seeing Billy back in the 90s. Absolutely amazing show.

[@cheri7054]

I saw Billy in the late 70's and loved him ever since. The album that was out was pure gold. He loved boxing on stage. Very cute. This was the day tickets in the upper levels cost under $50

[@ArtsAliveAmerica]

Bucknell University with only 1,000 people, close enough to jump on his grand piano. He wore black Chucks with his brown velvet tux and it cost only a menthol cigarette!

[@j.g.1178]

And running around in his sneakers...very energic show!!👍🏻

[@keve4253]

under $50 in the 70s? tickets were under $10 in the 70s

[@Eddie-oc2se]

Billy Joel comparing his show front row sales to Elton John was very funny😂

[@oliviageter5566]

He says he doesn't like the cameras.. He did VERY WELL in this interview. I like him not many do well being interviewed, he was relaxed, funny and charming. Great Job Mr Billy Joel.

[@Pythone55]

Billy Joel is a National Treasure 💜

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Down to earth, sincere, tells it politely like it is. Appreciate this man that is for sure: :) Atlantic Canada chiming in.

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some Billy Joel fans would take a quick listen to my low-fi acoustic piano & vocal performances of his classics HONESTY, ALLENTOWN, and VIENNA on my YT in tribute to the master of lyricism & composition. Live acoustic with no autotune or digital editing. Peace & stay safe.

[@justarandomdude52]

@@willritter4076 I did that, and I did not regret it

[@willritter4076]

@@justarandomdude52 hey man i appreciate that!

[@celinadavies]

The whole interview is epic 😎 and yes he is a legend and classy as hell 👏 🥰🇨🇦

[@MeetMeUndertheMoon-ui7jf]

Happy 75th Birthday Billy! You have been part of my life. I'm half way to 60 now. For my 10th birthday, my dad gave me "52nd Street" vinyl album as a gift. I was like who is Billy Joel. I put that record on and it changed my life. You have been with me ever since and I hope you always are!

[@bkzone8]

I have been listening to Billy Joel since the 70's, and although I was the one who introduced the rest of the family to his music, most of my family got to see him in concert before I did and I am the only one (other than my father) who has not seen him multiple times. That said , it was one of the greatest nights of my life, being able to see him in concert!

[@anncain2432]

I saw him perform in Houston in the late 70's....awesome performer and funny with lots of stories woven into the evening.

[@kateuhler7803]

You know you made it big when MSG feels "small". 😊

[@meetyouallthere]

Intelligent, funny and a very good musician. Been his fan from the start, good vibes.

[@Seasidecc95437]

Handfuls of tickets to the real fans .. YES. I love you Billy Joel!

[@JaceyMitchell]

I can't remember ever not being a Billy Joel fan. His music is so timeless and cross-generational.

[@rachel_rexxx]

The man has a point

[@JokersNtheOddball]

me and my arrow

[@robinsdog1]

Once in a lifetime show at the Garden. He was the best, and it almost felt like a sing-along, although we tried not to.

[@barrycribbin6895]

Mr Joel deserves a knighthood. Sir Paul, Sir Mick, Sir Elton ... and arise Sir Billy! -- Barry in Melbourne, Australia ;--)

[@Techydad]

I've been a Billy Joel fan for as long as I can remember. One of my fondest memories was my college graduation. My school gave an honorary degree to Billy Joel. Instead of giving some long winded speech that nobody would remember, he decided that we should all sing together. So he started singing a song and we all joined in. Getting to "sing with" Billy Joel was amazing. When I was going onstage to get my degree, I wanted to walk three steps to the side and shake his hand, but sadly I chickened out.

[@johnchase2112]

I saw Billy live at West Chester State College in Pennsylvania playing in an old gymnasium, I’m guessing it was around 1973-74

[@j.g.1178]

Billy Joel was my first concert in 1978...it was still one of the BEST concert experiences ever have in my life!! Thank you for being the music history of life! First time seen him interviewed... wonderful Stephen!!❤

[@NicoCrisafulli]

He was my first concert too! But in 1986. The Bridge tour. Just amazing.

[@NewMessage]

This is part two, for those playing roulette.

[@ChrisSmith-5655]

I lost lol

[@DeathDad]

Every time they call him MSG, I wonder if they’re putting Billy Joel in my Chinese food

[@daveydudely9954]

MSG = Madison Square Gardens

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Marjorie Saylor Greene

[@TheLemon333]

Yes...He knows.@@daveydudely9954 🤣😂

[@francesinez126]

Same. The first time Stephen used it, I though in bafflement, "Well, that went right over my head." It wasn't til Stephen later said the three words that I was like, "Oooh. I am so not hip."

[@TheLemon333]

Maybe you need more sodium?🤣@@francesinez126

[@eileenh4772]

I am 64 I saw Billy Joel in 1980 before 52nd Street at Brockport College outside Rochester,NY. Great show still one of my favorites. ❤

[@mariesmith8454]

Have always loved Billy Joel, an artistic genius & very likeable person,

[@Creativ1]

I saw him live in concert in 1980. He was amazing. Not a performer that just goes through the motions. He gives his ALL! I’ve enjoyed his music forever.

[@Chris-pe8nc]

I saw Billy Joel when he performed for the American troops in Nuernberg, Germany. That was a a great concert from a generous performer.

[@francesinez126]

Was Mussolini there for the trials?

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Billy's a musical genius, had the pleasure of seeing him live once in Sydney. Him and the band were superb.

[@felixblitshteyn9506]

Nice to see the Piano Man! Thank you Billy Joel for a lifetime of great music!!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@___David___Savian]

I saw Billy one night on the Long Island Railroad. He was wearing a hat and glasses. I thought to myself that cannot possibly be Billy Joel. Then, we got to Penn Station (the last stop) and we all got up to exit the train. I usually wait to be the last to leave. Billy also waited to leave last. He got up by holding like a little bar behind each seat and I realized it was him. I shat my pants.

[@roryregina]

Saw him 3 times in the early and mid 90's (Storm Front and River of Dreams). Best performer I've ever seen in concert, You could tell he was happy to be there, loved what he was doing, engaged with the audience, and really wanted to entertain the fans who had paid to come see him.

[@BlackGuardXIII]

I saw Storm Front. That was the second time I saw him. Both shows were spectacular.

[@guys1743]

What a great man.

[@jimmygarlon750]

Great music and fine wit.

[@northerntraveller3815]

Gotta love this man!!!

[@Steven_Williams_]

I wonder if Billy ever goes as Mike from Breaking Bad for Halloween.

[@alphajava761]

I saw that too.

[@janusconner3710]

The Elton anecdote though...

[@noreengirnis2233]

I'm so bummed. I never got to go.

[@anguslean4058]

I saw him twice On Long Island and Yankee stadium He is amazing live At the Nassau Coliseum show his encore was almost as long as the show. He is my favorite singer/songwriter writer / musician Incredible talent.

[@SmolNoodles]

“i CoMpArE iT tO sEx” I died.

[@singingwind977]

If there's no noise, you're not doing it right 👍

[@SmolNoodles]

@@singingwind977 You gotta get some- *gets cut off* oR mOm aNd dAd aRe uPsTaIrS!!!!!

[@charlesbrown8555]

I love that Billy has kept the same band throughout the decades. Saw him three times, and hope to see him again.

[@usergodcandy777]

🤔

[@DanielSon69]

Was at MSG for his September concert. He was amazing. Loved his music since my mid teens, this concert was #2 on my concert bucket list 😎

[@ELLIOT1311]

Such a legend

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

He has such a typical Long Island face, nobody is going to notice him on the LIRR.

[@46foryounger]

He’s adorable and loveable I have seen him in concert three times. Love him forever ❤

[@AC3handle]

Last time I saw him not on concert or such on tv, was when he went to Orange COunty Choppers, and had them do up a custom bike. One of the guys there tried putting a fancy tail light on the bike, but billy just smashed it off, said he wanted a CLASSIC bike.

[@MashaT22]

I was lucky enough to be at one of the 12 Gardens Live shows. Those shows were among Billy’s best ever concerts for sure (according to people who had attended nearly every concert he ever did sitting in front and next to us), and he even played two songs he hadn’t done in years and years. I was also lucky enough to see Elton John at his 60th birthday - we got tickets by sheer miracle because a good portion of the tickets were reserved for Elton’s personal guests who came in via a Red Carpet event. That was also an epic night! I haven’t been to too many concerts in my life because I come from a family with a widowed mom that struggled, and then I became permanently disabled twenty years ago when I was 22 years old. However, I feel blessed that I’ve seen both of these icons when they both put on two incredible shows. And fortunately both ended up recorded so I can relive the memories on repeat!

[@breezerlife4115]

God I love this man….I wish I could see him live before he retires. 😢

[@Kloverkill]

His front-rows-for-fans move is total class.

[@14LP2]

Elton picked up an excellent tip from Billy on the front row! 😉

[@jewelqueen5949]

If the MTA wants increased ridership, advertise Billy Joel's line. I've been privy to so MANY late night drunken Piano Man singalongs for free. 🤣🤣🤣 IMAGINE the man himself!!!

[@Terryh681]

I was a very happy beneficiary of Billy bringing his true fans up front!

[@ReggieWhite15]

He is so real ❤️❤️❤️

[@dejaliloquy]

One of my all time favorites

[@cherylgrec9701]

Billy Joel is a treasure. Love this guy!❤

[@alicemendoza8108]

Love him.......

[@makelifematter1896]

❤❤loved this musician and artist but wow what an amazing humble beautiful song❤❤

[@ianlawless7481]

My background is punk and metal, but I will never miss a chance to see this guy. First time I saw him he played four hours straight like a mad man and bloodied his knuckles up, come to find out that's just how he goes every night or just wont play. Respect!

[@CaptainRonAhoy]

A beautiful soul, an epic catalog and a rewarding life.....warts and all......with love from one of your many fans....

[@ncooty]

Such an endearing man.

[@TimoBrown79]

Absolute LEGEND

[@TheJeffShadowShow]

My favorite Billy Joel CD is "The Bridge" from 1986. It perfectly personifies the era for me. Especially the song "A Matter of Trust".

[@ejshelby5460]

One of the best experiences of a billy Joel show or live CD is the between song banter and jokes

[@teresaalfano3879]

Billy Joel is SO amazing! Such a great songwriter and performer. the show at MSG is such a great experience - like one big sing along. Go if you haven't seen it!

[@jerrykessler2478]

I saw Billy with Stevie Nicks in Phoenix last December. It was a great show.

[@AudioSticks214]

Use to work with Dudsey at Clair, he's been Billy's sound man for a long time. Great people! 🥰

[@eleonoradini2371]

I live in a small town in Italy and, believe me, listening to his music in the seventies really changed my life

[@maxtylersmusic]

Billy Joel is such a good interview

[@JuliePayne]

Love him ❤

[@lauragroce3816]

Billy was always a hoot! 😍

[@sunbow26]

Billy, it was a pleasure to see you on Colbert. I'd have loved to see you irl. I've listened to you since my early years. I loved that the Colbert band welcomed you in with Scenes from an Italian Resturant"... one of my absolute faves. Much love to you!

[@damiancollins475]

Good wholesome family entertainment" his shows are fantastic , health and happiness to him and his family.

[@crocglox7797]

"...I'm movin' out, I'm movin out."

[@kevinnelson66]

Billy has sort of turned into "The Godfather".

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

The Godfather of shtty piano rock music...

[@freya8133]

​@@Axolotl_MischiefWell, you're here watching this. You must be at least interested. BTW I like both Billy AND punk rock.

[@scarsunseen24]

you are deaf and ignore reality. oh well.@@Axolotl_Mischief

[@edithzeeb7102]

I love the way he does the front row.

[@infamousElle]

OMG a man of the people. I didn't think there were any left...and an artist to boot

[@commonsense571]

My very first valentine gave me cold spring harbor on vinyl. I was in third grade. I think damn. That kid knew what the hell he was doing way before his time 😁 I love Billy so much and have seen him in concert three or four times. I WISH I could see him again and hope I do. I’m disabled now but hope I get a chance after I get my service dog. It is a dream. 🩷”Everybody has a dream. “🩷

[@alexaales7937]

damn, i was hoping to catch the show at MSG before he quits! i was 12 when my much older brother introduced me to him, gave me all his vinyls, made a tape with all my favorites. as soon as CDs came about i bought every single album. my favorite to this day is his debut album 'Cold Spring Harbor' closely followed by 'The nylon curtain'. i will forever be grateful for the comfort he gave to me with his music!

[@valhoff3]

I’m so glad we got to see him at MSG before it all comes to an end.

[@user-eq2dx2jp6v]

❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 hey dear stevey and all u welcome back ❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank youuuuuu all , exactly Madison Square 😂😂😂😂😂

[@adawil2002]

Have a friend who has attended over 85 of the Billy Joel MSG shows.

[@karitahannikainen4734]

MSG THE BEST..CN MANY..THANX BJ FOR BEING YOU!!❤🌝

[@ellenmoss444]

I think Billy Joel is still a cutie pie ! I'm a New Yorker myself, and Madison Square Garden is the best place to perform. ❤

[@sandraturk241]

I don't take helicopters to MSG either. We're the same!

[@trishrobbins9942]

I saw him perform in the early 70s in my college cafeteria in CT. When his band took a break, he stayed and played all the instruments.

[@Nagroddy]

I heard one of Billy Joels early radio interviews in about 1976 just after his forth album, Turnstiles, came out and it appears that his core personality other than perhaps becoming a bit mellow, has not changed. To me that is a good thing!