Is Billy Joel Still Performing Live in 2025
Billy Joel is still performing live, with his final residency at Madison Square Garden extending into 2025. The residency, which started in 2014, has become the longest-running concert series at the venue. According to recent reports, he continues to sell out the 20,000-seat arena multiple times per year. The shows remain a staple of his career, blending greatest hits with new arrangements. This residency is the primary source of his current live performance income. For the latest official announcements, check his verified channels at billyjoel.com.
The final leg of the residency is explicitly framed as the end of his touring career. Joel has stated that the MSG dates will conclude the live chapter of his work. This decision is based on a long-term plan to stop extensive road travel. The final shows are expected to be documented and released as a special project. The current schedule focuses on completing the existing residency commitment. Industry tracking sites like Billboard monitor the ticket sales and grosses for these final dates.
Billy Joel's Final Residency and Financial Impact
The residency at Madison Square Garden has generated over $100 million in gross revenue from ticket sales alone. Each performance typically earns him an estimated $2 million to $3 million in gross revenue before expenses. This financial model relies on premium pricing for the 200-plus shows completed. The residency format minimizes travel costs and maximizes per-show profit margins. Forbes has detailed how this arena model creates a reliable income stream for legacy artists, as covered at forbes.com. The final residency dates are positioned as high-demand premium events.
How Much Does Billy Joel Earn Per Show
Billy Joel's per-show earnings from the MSG residency are among the highest for a solo legacy act. The gross revenue per show is split after deducting venue costs, production, and crew expenses. His net take per show is estimated to be in the six-figure range based on standard residency splits. The financial structure is similar to other long-term Vegas or NYC residencies. The final shows are expected to command even higher prices on the secondary market. Data on concert grosses is regularly compiled by Pollstar for industry analysis.
Billy Joel's Setlist and Performance Schedule
The current setlist for the final residency shows features a mix of piano-driven hits and later-career tracks. Core songs like "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" anchor every performance. The show structure runs approximately two hours with an intermission. The production uses a minimalist stage design focused on the grand piano and band. The schedule typically includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night shows during the residency run. The setlist is occasionally adjusted to include deeper album cuts for longtime fans.
What Songs Are on Billy Joel's Final Tour Setlist
The final setlist includes "New York State of Mind," "Just the Way You Are," and "Only the Good Die Young." Later hits such as "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "The Longest Time" are also staples. The performance order is designed to build energy across the two-hour runtime. Joel often interacts with the audience between songs, sharing brief anecdotes. The final shows may include a special encore segment with select deep cuts. Setlist updates are tracked by dedicated fan sites and setlist.fm for real-time accuracy.