As the clock struck midnight and confetti filled the air, Billy Joel made history with his unforgettable inaugural performance at UBS Arena on New Year’s Eve 2023. Returning to Long Island for his first concert since 2018, Joel’s momentous show marked not only a thrilling start to the new year but also a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
At 74, Joel’s energy and musical prowess remained as captivating as ever. Having announced the conclusion of his decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden in July 2024, this performance became a cherished moment for fans, signaling the beginning of the end of an era. Joel’s decision to conclude the residency after his 150th show to prioritize family time underscored the significance of each live appearance, making the UBS Arena debut a cherished affair for both the legendary artist and his dedicated audience.
Billy Joel took the stage at 10:30 pm, kicking off the night with a series of enthralling performances even before the anticipated countdown to midnight. The evening commenced with the captivating Regina Spektor, setting an electrifying atmosphere and paving the way for Joel’s grand entrance. The timing was impeccable, aligning perfectly with the audience’s anticipation for the transition into the new year. As the iconic countdown from Times Square illuminated the arena, Joel seamlessly serenaded the crowd with the timeless tunes of “Auld Lang Syne,” swiftly followed by a heartfelt rendition of “All You Need Is Love.” These musical choices forged a sense of togetherness, uniting thousands in a poignant moment of celebration and unity.
Among the unforgettable moments of the evening was Joel’s surprising cover of “Start Me Up,” infusing his timeless style into the classic Rolling Stones hit. Later on, Joel shifted gears to perform “Souvenir” marking his return to the song since 2018.
At the heart of his New Year’s Eve performance at Elmont’s UBS Arena, Billy Joel paused to share a glimpse into his future plans while addressing the audience. With his trademark wit, the Piano Man reassured fans about his continued relationship with Long Island. “Just because I’m selling that house doesn’t mean I’m leaving Long Island. I still have a house on Long Island,” Joel affirmed, referring to his longtime property in the village of Centre Island. “I’m just gonna spend a little more time in Florida like old Jewish guys from Long Island do.”
Billy was accompanied by a stellar ensemble of incredibly talented musicians, each adding their unique touch to the musical extravaganza. Mark Rivera on saxophone, Tommy Byrnes on guitar, Crystal Taliefero handling percussion and lending her powerful vocals in a stunning rendition of “River Deep,” Dave Rosenthal on keyboards and serving as the musical director, Andy Cichon on bass, Chuck Burgi on drums, and Mike Delguidice on rhythm guitar and backing vocals—these individuals formed the backbone of the performance. The seamless synergy and years of collaboration between Joel and his bandmates were unmistakable, creating an electric atmosphere that ensured an unforgettable night of music and cherished memories for the audience.
The encore was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring anthems like “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Uptown Girl,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll,” “Big Shot,” and “You May Be Right.” Each song carried its own resonance, sparking sing-alongs and an electric atmosphere that reverberated throughout the arena.
Joel’s decision to conclude the night with this powerhouse ensemble of hits was a testament to his commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience. The energy, passion, and sheer joy exuded by Joel on stage were infectious, leaving a lasting impression on Long Island and setting the bar high for future performances at UBS Arena.
As the clock struck 1 am, bringing an end to the performance, the arena echoed with cheers, applause, and a shared sense of gratitude for being part of a momentous occasion. Billy Joel’s New Year’s Eve debut at UBS Arena will undoubtedly be etched into the memories of all who were fortunate enough to witness this historic event, marking a new chapter in the legacy of one of music’s most enduring icons.
Billy Joel – UBS Arena – Sunday, December 31, 2023
Setlist: My Life, Pressure, Everybody Loves You Now, The Downeaster Alexa, Start Me Up, An Innocent Man, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Barbara Ann, The Longest Time, Big Man On Mulberry Street, Movin Out, Half A Mile Away, Vienna, Don’t Ask Me Why, Allentown, New York State of Mind, The River of Dreams, Whole Lotta Love, Auld lang syne, All You Need Is Love, Only the Good Die Young, Nessun dorma, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Souvenir, 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
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