Joel has welcomed many high-profile guests onstage during his MSG residency, including some of the biggest names in rock and pop.
Last weekend, he and Sting reunited to perform at Raymond James Stadium and delight fans with an evening full of classic hits and iconic covers.
1. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Last night was Billy Joel’s 100th show at Madison Square Garden and kicked it off with Sting for an exciting duet performance – watch fan-shot clips below to witness it yourself.
The “Piano Man” seemed in good spirits and far from ready to retire, as 2024 has already been an eventful year – with his first album release since 17 years, an approaching Madison Square Garden residency show and co-headlining tour with Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart under way. USA TODAY caught up with him to chat about singing with Sting and returning into the limelight.
2. Big Man on Mulberry Street
As Joel nears his 150th show at Madison Square Garden, he’s co-headlining dates with Sting. Joel is in playful spirit as he tweaks a verse of New York State of Mind in order to recognize local media outlets with an extra shout-out in verse 11.
Sting was also invited back on stage for an unannounced performance of Big Man on Mulberry Street; see fan-captured footage below for confirmation of this fact.
3. Every Breath You Take
Joel and Sting drew upon two sources for inspiration when creating The Florida Orchestra project; Sting’s solo work and his time spent in The Police were both resources that provided rich material. With each instrument adding their own flavor and dimension, their collaboration resulted in something greater and fresher.
Sting’s rendition of “Every Breath You Take” filled Petco Park, creating another “wow, this really is happening” moment and setting an unforgettable tone for his performance that night. His rendition proved the ideal start to an incredible show!
4. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Joel and Sting made a successful start to their co-headlining gigs this weekend with an unforgettable sold out show in Tampa. Both musicians took turns performing hits from both of their careers – even duets!
Sting began his show by performing The Police’s 1981 hit ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.’ Joel joined Sting on stage and helped them sing it together, as seen on fan-shot videos.
He also covered the 1986 classic, ‘Big Man on Mulberry Street,’ adapting it to fit his and another singers crooner-style singing.
5. Fields of Gold
Fans at Raymond James Stadium were delighted to witness an unforgettable reunion between “The Englishman in New York” and the Piano Man for just one evening only.
Sting looked reminiscent of Frank Sinatra in a hat and suit for his return to the stage, joining Joel on “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
Joel also performed his classic anthem with reggae-fusion artist Shaggy, who appeared from behind a screen showing pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge. Fans had hoped for him to join Joel again for “Englishman in New York”, perhaps next time!
6. If You Could See Me Now
Sting ended the evening on an emotional note by dedicating this heartfelt song to their longstanding friendship. Everyone sang along as Sting belted out its lyrics with joyous abandon.
These New Yorkers will reunite later this year for concerts in San Diego, St Louis and Las Vegas. Joel, 74, will also perform two stadium shows with Stevie Nicks as well as wrap up his monthly Madison Square Garden residency in July.
7. Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Lion Sleeps Tonight was Joel’s most beloved global hit, reaching number one worldwide. But its tragic back story is equally fascinating – as Ilonka David-Biluska reports for Rolling Stone, Solomon Linda wrote an original version called Mbube and sold it for just ten shillings at Gallo Record Company in Tanzania.
Family legal sources inform RS that he never saw any of this money and ultimately died in poverty.
8. The Entertainer
Joel and Sting made up for an early evening rainstorm that turned Petco Park into an ocean of umbrellas by performing to a sold-out audience with top performances at Petco Park. Joel spread Empire State love throughout his performance, flashing clips of Brooklyn Bridge during “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and Statue of Liberty to close “New York State of Mind”.
Joel will collaborate with Sting for one final show this spring before concluding his Madison Square Garden residency. USA TODAY spoke with Joel about singing with Sting, making mistakes and why he loves his latest single release.