This is an interesting development in New York. From the RAMP Newsletter...
New York's Madison Square Garden has forged a unique deal with hometown hero Billy Joel, making him the first-ever music franchise of "The World's Most Famous Arena" -- the arrangement launches the Piano Man into a monthly performance residency at the Garden, starting in January. "Since his first show in 1978, Billy has performed 46 shows at Madison Square Garden, including an unprecedented 12 consecutive sold-out shows that have earned Billy a spot among the Garden greats with a banner raised in his honor," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company. "Today, we take that relationship even further and are extremely honored to have Billy as The Garden’s first music franchise. This new partnership will ensure that someone who has been such an important figure in our past will also be a major part of our future. We welcome Billy home and look forward to many unforgettable nights of music at the Garden." In a not-so-shocking turn of events, Joel's first four announced shows -- January 27, February 3, March 21 and April 18 are already sold out.
Joel commented, "Performing at Madison Square Garden is a thrilling experience. I've played different venues all over the world, but there's no place like coming home to The Garden. Since my first show in 1978, I've always looked forward to the energy of the crowd. I'm honored to be joining the Madison Square Garden family and look forward to taking the stage of the newly transformed Garden to create many more memorable nights."
