Billy Joel Tickets

What's is it like to sit behind the stage for Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden? Are the tickets worth it? These are valid questions that we get a lot specific to Billy Joel's residency at Madison Square Garden. The short answer, is if the tickets are in your price range and you are looking to just go for the experience, then yes, the seats behind the stage will be just fine for you.

One of the biggest concerns of fans is that they will not be able to see Billy Joel perform live. If this is your concern don't worry. Billy Joel and his piano are visible to all seats. There are no obstructions behind the stage and the video screens above are high enough to clear the view for all seats.

One of the main reasons these tickets stick out is their lower price. There is a reason they are cheaper and that is because you don't get all the elements of the show. For one, above the stage are several video screens which display different video elements during the show. Sometimes it is the band members performing on stage, other times it is video clips and graphics. This content is only visible to those sitting in front of the stage. If this is something that matters to you, these seats are probably not the best seats for you.

There are some hidden benefits to siting behind the stage as well. For one, the lower price is something everyone can appreciate. Not only that but some of the lower level seats can get you much closer to Billy Joel on stage. Once you're that close, you won't even notice the lack of video screens or effects. It is one way to sit closer while sticking to a budget.

This was my first time ever attending an event at the historic Madison Square Garden. For it to be a concert with New York's own Billy Joel on his 70th birthday was just icing on the cake. I arrived several hours before the show. This is common for me because I like the peace of mind of arriving early, but also I know the delays a congested New York City can bring. And I was right. I arrived almost three hours before the show time and the line to get in was already wrapped along the block. For many who don't attend a lot of concerts, don't let this cause you anxiety. All tickets for Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden are reserved seating, so arriving early won't get you a better seat or view. Also for his residency there are not any openers, so you will not miss anything by not entering as soon as the doors open.

Once at the gates, prepare for some of the strongest security you've ever seen for a concert - this is New York City mind you. At my entrance everything went through an airport-like scanner. It sure makes you feel safe and we thank all those that work security across the country to help fans have safe and enjoyable live event experiences!

Once inside, I got my first view of the setup. Unlike many shows which don't have seating behind the stage, Billy Joel tickets are sold for every seat in the house. In order to allow those sitting behind the stage to see. There is not much of a backdrop behind the stage. Instead, there are several difference sized white banners hanging above his piano. Speakers and lighting are also raised high up above the stage. The stage is oval and seems to mimic the curved nature of Madison Square Garden's floor.

Floor seats for Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden are split into six different sections. Sections A-C are larger and closer to the stage. They are then split by a gate which leads to floor sections D-F which are smaller sections but further from the stage. What is important to note about the floor seats is that many fans stand for the show and there is not much elevation between rows. This causes many fans on the floor to watch what is projected on the screens above the stage instead of Billy Joel live. If you are tall, good for you - but shorter fans might want to opt for a 100 level seat instead.

As the crowd filled in, the excitement built as well. Like all Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden shows it was sold out. While the listed start time was for 8:00 he did arrive casually late (it was his birthday after all!). However, this is probably the case for most shows, but it is still a good idea to arrive early to ensure not to miss anything!

He took the stage with "Big Shot" which of course was to the delight of all 20,000+ fans who sang along to every word. Billy Joel's piano is centered on the stage with a spotlight directly on him. Of course he also surrounds himself with some of the best musicians in the business. For those sitting behind the stage, some of the musicians might be out of view, but Billy Joel should always be in clear view no matter where you are sitting. Since he plays so many shows, his setup is designed to treat everyone who paid for tickets. This is obvious when his piano rotates so that his back is never to one side of the audience for too long when he is playing. This happens consistently, so if you find yourself with a bad angle that should change quickly!

It really did seem like a setlist of hits, but that is just a Billy Joel concert. What else would you expect? He does switch up the songs from show to show, but will always make sure to please fans by playing hits for those seeing Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden for the first time. For most shows, Billy brings up a guest in some form. For this show his first guest was his daughter Alexa Ray Joel. Together they played "New York State of Mind" for a special family moment. Next, only two songs later Billy revealed he had another special guest, Peter Frampton! Of course the crossover was perfect for the crowd who were fans of both legends on stage. While it is never guaranteed that Billy Joel will bring a guest on stage, it is something fans can always wish for to get an even more unique concert experience.

The full show is close to two hours. Again this can change show to show because of the setlist, guests, and other differences. There is not an intermission, but there is an "encore" where he leaves the stage to come back and play several more songs. I put the word encore in quotations because it is pretty obvious he will come back by the songs omitted in the regular portion of the set. For the encore you can expect 3-4 songs, all hits, so get ready to dance and sing!

To conclude, if you are a big Billy Joel fan I do suggest getting tickets for Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. No matter how many times you see him, there is just something special about seeing him perform at home in his legendary residency that has been going on for years now. If you're lucky you can even walk away with a cool collab experience like I was able to with Peter Frampton.

If you have any questions specific to the show, be sure to reach out to us at [email protected]!

For his residency shows, Billy Joel switches up the order of the songs. For good reason to keep himself as well as fans seeing him at multiple shows on their feet.

However, for the majority of shows you can always expect the staples:
- We Didn't Start the Fire
- Uptown Girl
- Piano Man
- Big Shot
- You May Be Right
- New York State of Mind
- Only the Good Die Young
- Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)

We were lucky enough to attench his residency show in May of 2019 and the setlist we saw is below.

Big Shot
My Life
Vienna

The Longest Time
The Downeaster Alexa
The Entertainer
Don't Ask Me Why
Keeping the Faith
New York State of Mind
She's Always a Woman
Allentown
Show Me the Way (Peter Frampton Guest)

Baby, I Love Your Way (Peter Frampton Guest)
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
I Go to Extremes
Sometimes a Fantasy
Only the Good Die Young
The River of Dreams
Nessun dorma
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
Piano Man

ENCORE:
We Didn't Start the Fire
Uptown Girl
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
You May Be Right (Peter Frampton Guest)

For the most recent list of setlists, look here.