The final week of this year disappointed fans after legendary singer Billy Joel postponed his Madison Square Residency concert. The 73-year-old ‘Piano Man’ has been in residency at the Garden, playing one show a month, since January 2014. However, just before completing his final show of the year, Billy contracted a viral infection.
MSG Concert Pushed To June…
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) December 18, 2022
Fans won’t be seeing the ‘Piano Man’ at his final show of the year. Legendary singer Billy Joel has postponed his last concert of the year at New York’s Madison Square Garden amid a viral infection. He shared this news via Twitter, apologising to fans that he had to postpone his show at the last minute.
Billy wrote, “I’m disappointed to share that I’m under doctor’s orders for vocal rest due to a viral infection so unfortunately, I must postpone my Monday, Dec. 19 Madison Square Garden concert to June.”
“I’m so sorry to let you know so close to show day, but I was hoping to be closer to a full recovery by now. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year,” Billy added. This show would have marked Billy’s 86th show of his residency at the MSG since 2014, playing one show a month.
The management announced that the show has been rescheduled for June 2. “We understand the inconvenience this causes everyone who purchased tickets and we apologize for this unexpected circumstance,” a management statement read, adding that Joel has been under strict doctor’s order to rest. Please note that the tickets for Monday’s show can be used for the June 2 concert. However, the date may be subject to further change.
Billy Joel’s Previous Health History…
They say, even the most accomplished stars have a fair share of problems. Billy Joel battled depression for many years. In 1970, he saw a downfall in his career as personal tragedies continued to hit him. If you aren’t aware, the “Just the Way You Are” singer tried taking his life by drinking furniture polish.
Later Billy admitted, “I drank furniture polish. It looked tastier than bleach.” His bandmate rushed him to the hospital, where he received treatment for depression. In 2002, Joel underwent treatment at Silver Hill Hospital, a substance abuse and psychiatric centre. In 2005, he again underwent treatment for alcohol abuse.
Despite all this, Billy Joel remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Even though he’s retired from writing and releasing pop music after “River of Dreams”, Billy continues to tour, and MSG is like his second home.
Billy Joel will resume his shows at the MSG with his January 13 and 27 performance. Thereafter, he is set to hit the road with Stevie Nicks for an L.A. tour that begins on March 2023. The Piano Man hasn’t retired really. We wish this artist a speedy recovery.
