The Uncut Truth: 7 Shocking Secrets Behind Billy Joel's 100th MSG Concert Special

The "Piano Man" made history with his 100th consecutive performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden, a milestone event captured in the concert film Billy Joel: The 100th - Live at Madison Square Garden. This special, which aired on broadcast television for the first time in Joel's 50-year career, quickly became a pop culture talking point, not just for the music but for a shocking and unprecedented broadcast error that left millions of fans bewildered. As of , the special remains a definitive document of one of music's most historic residencies, offering a deep dive into the legacy of a New York icon.

The July 18, 2018, performance, which cemented Billy Joel's status as a Madison Square Garden franchise, was a celebration of ten years of sold-out, monthly shows. The televised version, however, brought new drama, prompting a rare network apology and a full rebroadcast in April 2024. This article breaks down the full story, the incredible music, the legendary guest stars, and the enduring topical authority of the man who owns "The Garden."

William Martin Joel: The Biography of a New York Legend

The story of the "Piano Man" begins in the heart of New York City. William Martin Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York. His family later moved to the Levittown section of Hicksville on Long Island, where he spent his formative years.

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Joel is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer whose career spans decades and genres. His early work, particularly the album Piano Man in 1973, launched him into stardom, followed by a string of multi-platinum albums like The Stranger (1977), 52nd Street (1978), and An Innocent Man (1983). His music is characterized by powerful storytelling, relatable characters, and a unique blend of rock, pop, and classical influences.

His connection to Madison Square Garden (MSG) is unparalleled. Starting in January 2014, Joel began an unprecedented monthly residency at the venue, a run that would break all previous records for an artist in a single arena. This historic residency is scheduled to conclude after a remarkable 10-year run and an astounding 150 shows.

7 Unforgettable Moments and Controversies from the MSG 100th Show

The concert celebrated in Billy Joel: The 100th - Live at Madison Square Garden was far more than a routine performance. It was a cultural event packed with surprises and later, a major television controversy.

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1. The Infamous CBS Broadcast Error and Apology

The most recent and shocking detail about the special is the initial broadcast mishap. When the concert first aired on CBS, it was abruptly cut short by approximately two minutes during the performance of the iconic hit "Piano Man." This sudden termination, which was attributed to a "network programming timing error," caused a massive public outcry and instant online backlash from fans who missed the climax of the show.

The controversy was significant enough that CBS issued a public apology and announced a full, uncut rebroadcast of the special just a week later in April 2024.

2. The Surprise Appearance of Bruce Springsteen

A true highlight of the 100th show was the unexpected arrival of "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen. The two rock legends shared the stage for a powerful duet that brought the house down.

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Springsteen and Joel performed two of the most beloved anthems in rock history: the E Street Band classic "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and Springsteen’s signature song, "Born to Run." The moment was a perfect fusion of New York and New Jersey rock royalty, solidifying the concert's legendary status.

3. The Unexpected Duet with Sting

Bruce Springsteen wasn't the only superstar to join Joel. The English musician Sting also made a surprise appearance. Sting performed with Joel on the song "Big Man on Mulberry Street," a track from Joel's 1986 album The Bridge.

These two surprise guests—Sting and Springsteen—demonstrated the massive respect and influence Billy Joel commands within the music industry, making the 100th show a truly star-studded event.

4. Joel’s First-Ever Broadcast Network Concert

Despite his decades-long career and countless performances, Billy Joel: The 100th - Live at Madison Square Garden was the first time a Billy Joel concert had ever aired on a broadcast network. This fact alone made the special a monumental moment for the artist and his fans, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the broadcast.

5. A Setlist Spanning Decades of Hits

The concert's setlist was a masterclass in career-spanning hits, satisfying both casual listeners and die-hard fans. The show featured deep cuts and megahits, showcasing Joel's versatility as a songwriter.

Highlights included: "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)," "Vienna," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "New York State of Mind," "The River of Dreams," "Uptown Girl," and, of course, the finale of "Piano Man."

6. The Unprecedented Record-Breaking Residency

The concert itself was a celebration of a record that is unlikely to ever be broken. Joel’s residency began in 2014 with a commitment to play one show per month at MSG for an indefinite run. The 100th show in 2018 marked a new benchmark in the venue's history, surpassing the previous record held by Elton John. The residency continues to be a major source of topical authority for New York-centric music history.

7. The Enduring Legacy of "The Garden" Franchise

Joel has been dubbed an "MSG franchise," a title reserved for the most important figures in the venue's 130-year history. His performances are more than concerts; they are a cultural institution, drawing fans from around the globe. The 100th show solidified his status as a permanent fixture in the history of "The World’s Most Famous Arena."

How to Watch and Stream the Historic Special

For fans who missed the historic rebroadcast or the live event, streaming availability for Billy Joel: The 100th - Live at Madison Square Garden can be intermittent, making it a highly sought-after concert film. The special originally aired on CBS, implying its availability on the network's streaming platform, Paramount+.

For viewers in Canada, the special was acquired by Global and is available to stream on STACKTV and the Global TV App. However, due to licensing agreements, its availability can change frequently. Fans are advised to check local listings and major streaming services for the most current on-demand options to ensure they catch the full, uncut version of this legendary performance.

Essential Entities and LSI Keywords from the 100th Show

The concert special is a rich source of entities that define Billy Joel's career and the MSG residency, reinforcing its topical authority.

• Key Figures: William Martin Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Elton John (previous MSG record holder).
• Venues & Locations: Madison Square Garden (MSG), The Bronx, Hicksville, Long Island, New York State.
• Songs Performed: "Piano Man," "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," "Born to Run," "Big Man on Mulberry Street," "Miami 2017," "Vienna," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "New York State of Mind," "The River of Dreams," "Uptown Girl," "We Didn't Start the Fire," "My Life."
• Albums & Tours: The Stranger, 52nd Street, Turnstiles, An Innocent Man, The Garden Tour.
• Broadcast Entities: CBS, Paramount+, Global TV, STACKTV.
• Historical Milestones: 100th Consecutive Show, MSG Residency, 150th Final Show.

The special is a must-watch for any music fan, serving as a powerful reminder of Billy Joel's genius, the electric energy of a New York crowd, and the enduring power of live rock and roll.