Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden is always a spectacle, a grand celebration of music that spans generations. But the February 20, 2020, show was something else entirely. I was pretty buzzed by the time the concert kicked off, balancing a Guinness in one hand and a Heineken in the other, feeling the kind of giddy anticipation that only comes with seeing a lifelong icon live. The energy in the Garden was electric from the start, and the night would only get more surreal as Joel rolled through a career-spanning setlist that felt like a journey through both my personal soundtrack and music history itself.
Opening Energy
The evening began with “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” a song that always feels prophetic, opening the show with its apocalyptic New York imagery. The crowd sang along as Joel’s piano thundered through the iconic opening chords, and I found myself laughing mid-song at the absurdity of Itzhak Perlman’s name being announced later. Honestly, at this point, I was halfway between admiration and a tipsy giggle — and it set the tone for the entire night. The city’s heartbeat seemed to sync with the Garden as Joel moved into “Pressure,” a song with its jaunty, insistent rhythm that had the audience instantly hooked.
“Vienna” followed, quieting the roar of the crowd just enough to remind everyone why Joel’s lyrics resonate so deeply. Even buzzed, I felt the emotional weight of the song — the gentle piano melody paired with lyrics about patience and reflection created a brief, beautiful pause amid the excitement. The crowd hung on every note as Joel transitioned seamlessly into “The Stranger,” pulling us back into his classic pop-rock storytelling.
Medley of Movements
From there, Joel hit “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” with the kind of driving piano rhythm that makes you want to jump out of your seat. It’s one of those songs where you can’t help but feel the narrative — the struggle of the working man, the satire of suburban ambition — and the audience sang every word. It felt like a shared memory, a collective reminiscence of youth and the trials of adulthood, all wrapped in Joel’s genius composition.
The surprises started early. Instead of sticking solely to his catalog, Joel interspersed covers like “Born to Run” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” by Bruce Springsteen, reminding everyone why the Garden is such a stage for cross-generational rock reverence. And then, out of nowhere, “Kashmir” — the Led Zeppelin classic — took over, Joel’s interpretation paying tribute while infusing it with his own signature flair. His playful energy on piano during these covers reminded me why he’s not just a musician but a performer who thrives on unpredictability.
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” the Elton John classic, felt like a nod to his contemporaries, a wink to an era of piano-driven rock that Joel and his fans helped define. His version was heartfelt but fun, and the audience roared in approval, waving hands in the air as the piano chords rang through the arena.
Joel and the Orchestra
One of the highlights of the evening, though, was the orchestral collaboration with Itzhak Perlman. When Joel introduced “Where’s the Orchestra?” and “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” the crowd erupted. I laughed uncontrollably at the mere mention of Perlman earlier, but seeing the legendary violinist take the stage alongside Joel was humbling. There was a reverence in the Garden as the two merged classical precision with Joel’s storytelling. The music soared, the strings cutting through the air, turning these songs into a lush, cinematic experience. I could barely contain myself, alternating between guffaws and awe as Perlman’s bow danced across the strings.
Songs like “Don’t Ask Me Why” and “A Room of Our Own” reminded everyone that Joel’s catalog isn’t just piano-rock anthems; it’s layered with emotion and storytelling. His piano work was intricate and playful, especially in the transitions, where he teased melodies and snippets of other tunes, weaving a tapestry that felt both familiar and fresh.
Audience Interaction and Banter
Joel’s banter throughout the night was equally memorable. Between songs, he joked, reminisced, and even addressed the absurdity of some covers and medleys. My buzzed state made these moments even funnier — I found myself laughing harder than anyone around me, shouting along with the familiar punchlines and clever asides.
During “She’s Always a Woman,” the crowd sang along, and the collective harmony was breathtaking. Joel paused occasionally to let the audience carry the notes, his eyes twinkling as he watched thousands of people become part of the performance.
Then came the soulful covers. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” had a funky, infectious groove that transformed the Garden into a dance floor. And “Take It Easy,” an Eagles cover, brought a breezy, California rock feel, showing Joel’s versatility and reverence for fellow artists.
Classic Joel Moments
The setlist was a master class in both nostalgia and showmanship. “My Life” was infused with snippets of “Anchor’s Aweigh” and “YMCA,” playful interludes that sent the audience into fits of laughter. “Only the Good Die Young” had everyone on their feet, shouting the lyrics in unison. Joel’s energy was unmatched, even after decades of performing — he danced lightly, his fingers flying across the keys with remarkable dexterity.
“The River of Dreams” was a high point. The audience sang every word, and Joel’s storytelling came through in full force, the piano and band weaving a gospel-like intensity. The performance of “Nessun dorma” by Mike DelGuidice added another layer of grandeur, a surprise operatic interlude that reminded everyone that a Joel concert is as much about the unexpected as it is about the expected.
Finale and Encore
The final moments were an exhilarating mash-up of favorites. “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” gave us a narrative journey through life, complete with piano flourishes and storytelling finesse. “Piano Man” turned the entire Garden into a choir, the audience singing every note with fervor, bringing an emotional climax that could give anyone goosebumps.
The encore was nothing short of legendary. “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Uptown Girl,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “Big Shot,” and “You May Be Right” delivered exactly what fans had come for — high energy, sing-along choruses, and unforgettable piano-rock brilliance. Mike DelGuidice’s interlude of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” during “You May Be Right” added the perfect touch of playful unpredictability, keeping the energy at a fever pitch until the final note.
Personal Reflections
Being buzzed definitely changed my perception of the night. The Guinness and Heineken had me laughing more freely, appreciating the absurdity of life, music, and the oddness of Itzhak Perlman appearing mid-show. At points, I couldn’t stop grinning at the interplay between Joel, DelGuidice, and the orchestra, my laughter mixing with cheers from the crowd. The energy wasn’t just on stage; it radiated through the audience. It was a communal celebration of music, memory, and the sheer joy of experiencing Billy Joel live at the Garden.
Joel’s mastery lies not only in his music but in his ability to bring generations together. Young fans and older audiences alike sang, danced, and laughed in unison. The setlist was a perfect blend of classics, covers, and surprises, showcasing Joel’s immense versatility. From the poignant beauty of “Vienna” to the raucous energy of “You May Be Right,” the concert was a full spectrum of emotion and entertainment.
Legacy of the Evening
Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden is more than a concert — it’s an institution. The February 20, 2020, show was a reminder of why. With decades of music under his belt, Joel still commands attention, commands joy, and commands reverence. From the intimate moments with Perlman to the rollicking finale with the audience on their feet, the night exemplified why Joel remains one of the greatest performers of our time.
For anyone fortunate enough to attend, the experience wasn’t just about listening to music — it was about feeling it, living it, and becoming part of a shared musical history. I left the Garden that night with ringing ears, a buzzing heart, and a grin that wouldn’t fade. Billy Joel didn’t just perform; he reminded us all why music is magical, why live performances are vital, and why Madison Square Garden will always be the cathedral of New York music.
Setlist – Billy Joel, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, February 20, 2020
-
Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
-
Pressure
-
Vienna
-
The Stranger
-
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
-
Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen cover)
-
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Bruce Springsteen cover)
-
Kashmir (Led Zeppelin cover)
-
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John cover)
-
Big Man on Mulberry Street
-
New York State of Mind
-
Allentown
-
Where’s the Orchestra? (with Itzhak Perlman)
-
The Downeaster “Alexa” (with Itzhak Perlman)
-
Don’t Ask Me Why
-
A Room of Our Own
-
She’s Always a Woman
-
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips cover)
-
Take It Easy (Eagles cover)
-
My Life (Anchor’s Aweigh and YMCA snippets)
-
Only the Good Die Young
-
The River of Dreams
-
Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover) (sung by Mike DelGuidice)
-
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
-
Piano Man
Encore:
-
We Didn’t Start the Fire
-
Uptown Girl
-
It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
-
Big Shot
-
You May Be Right (with ‘Rock and Roll’ by Led Zeppelin interlude sung by Mike DelGuidice)