The Piano Man made his return to Madison Square Garden Friday night, his first concert since February 2020. 

Fittingly, his first words back on stage in New York were “Seen the lights go out on Broadway, I saw the Empire State laid low,” the opening lyrics of his song, Miami 2017. 

Fans poured into Madison Square Garden for Joel’s homecoming. 

What You Need To Know

  • Friday was Joel’s 120th lifetime performance at Madison Square Garden, his very first was in December, 1978

  • Joel has residency at the Garden, like the Rangers and Knicks, and before the pandemic had performed for 73 straight months. On, Friday he was back for the 74th concert of his residency

  • Fittingly, his first words on stage were “Seen the lights go out on Broadway, I saw the Empire State laid low,” the opening lyrics of his song, Miami 2017

Friday was his 120th lifetime show at the Garden — his first since the pandemic. 

“Oh, it’s fantastic,” said concert-goer Brian Cox. “We’re finally breaking through this COVID barrier and we’re getting ready to enjoy exciting music again with Long Island’s Billy Joel. How better way to celebrate?”

“I mean, what can you say?” said another concert-goer, David Madona. “He’s a legend of his time, he’s the only one who does what he does."

Brian Cox and his wife Susan Blagar-Cox said, “We got vaccinated just so we can come here. For the most part, yes. And our grandson, but predominantly Billy.”

“I’ve listened to him since I was a kid with my dad,” said Ryan Kopa. “My dad was a big influence with me with his music from when he started back when he first started performing in the 70s and I’ve just followed him music ever since.” 

Billy Joel returns to Madison Square Garden Friday, Nov. 5. Photo by Stef Manisero.

Joel had been performing monthly at the Garden up until February 2020.

Like the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, he has residency at MSG. 

For some fans, Friday’s concert meant checking a lifelong dream off the bucket list.

“We’ve been wanting to see him my whole life so I’m just happy that he’s finally back and performing,” Kopa said. 

Others just had to come back for more. 

“From the 80s, I can count 15, easily,” Cox said. 

Joel wasn’t the only one to return to the NYC stage Friday. 

After being cancelled last year because of COVID, the Rockettes retook the stage at Radio City Music Hall Friday for the iconic Christmas Spectacular. 

“It’s a good welcome back,” said Kopa. “It’s been a long wait, so it’s great to have him here.”

An old friend bringing these New Yorkers back together.