Sony’s Legacy Recordings has officially announced the forthcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of Billy Joel’s The 100th: Live at Madison Square Garden (The Complete Concert). This highly anticipated physical media offering is scheduled for release on May 29th, with pre-orders currently available for fans eager to own this historic performance. The announcement underscores the enduring appeal of physical media for capturing and preserving landmark musical events, particularly for an artist of Billy Joel’s stature whose live performances are legendary.
Capturing a Historic Milestone: The 100th Consecutive Show
The concert film meticulously captures Billy Joel’s monumental 100th consecutive performance of his record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, an event that took place on March 28th, 2024. This particular show was not merely another date on the calendar but a significant cultural moment, marking an unprecedented achievement in the history of live music at one of the world’s most iconic venues. The concert, initially broadcast in an edited format on CBS approximately two weeks after its live staging, garnered substantial viewership and critical acclaim. However, the forthcoming Blu-ray and DVD release promises an even more comprehensive and immersive experience, featuring a substantial collection of 11 songs that were not included in the original television broadcast. This expanded tracklist provides fans with the definitive rendition of the historic evening, ensuring no musical moment from the milestone performance is left unheard.
An Unprecedented Setlist: The Complete Concert Experience
The inclusion of these 11 previously unaired songs is a key highlight for collectors and dedicated fans, transforming the physical release into the definitive document of the 100th concert. These additional tracks significantly deepen the viewing and listening experience, offering a more complete picture of the concert’s dynamic range and Joel’s masterful command of his extensive catalog. The newly added songs include fan favorites and deep cuts, showcasing the breadth of Joel’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. Among the tracks making their debut on the physical release are "The Downeaster ‘Alexa’," a poignant maritime ballad; "The Longest Time," a classic a cappella-inspired track; and a memorable collaboration on "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" with special guest Sting, adding an extra layer of star power and musical synergy to the performance.
Further enriching the complete concert experience are "Half a Mile Away," a track known for its vivid storytelling; "The Entertainer," a self-referential reflection on the music industry; "Don’t Ask Me Why," a spirited and rhythmic offering; and "Allentown," a powerful social commentary. The setlist also expands to include "Nessun Dorma," a surprising yet masterful operatic interlude that highlights Joel’s versatility and musical daring; "We Didn’t Start the Fire," a rapid-fire chronological journey through modern history; "Uptown Girl," a beloved pop anthem; and "Big Shot," an energetic and assertive rock track. This comprehensive collection ensures that the Blu-ray and DVD offer an unparalleled opportunity to relive the full scope and grandeur of this landmark performance, from intimate moments to stadium-rocking anthems.
Beyond the physical release, a newly edited version of the original TV broadcast is also slated to begin airing on May 29th, the same day as the Blu-ray and DVD launch, across APT stations and accessible via the PBS app. This dual release strategy ensures broad accessibility for fans, whether they prefer the convenience of streaming or the archival quality and completeness of physical media. To offer a glimpse into the magic, a performance of Joel’s iconic song "My Life" from the concert is available for viewing, serving as a powerful testament to the energy and musicianship captured during the event. This preview, alongside a curated list of the "30 Best Concert Films of All Time," frames Joel’s latest offering within the broader context of essential live music cinema.
The Genesis of a Legend: Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden Residency
The significance of The 100th: Live at Madison Square Garden (The Complete Concert) cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the extraordinary context of Billy Joel’s residency itself. Dubbed "The Garden’s first-ever music franchise" by James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman of Madison Square Garden Company, the residency commenced in January 2014. What began as an indefinite monthly engagement, with Joel committing to play one show per month "as long as the demand continues," quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. This unique arrangement allowed Joel, a New York native, to solidify his status as the quintessential "Piano Man" of the city, deeply intertwining his musical legacy with the very fabric of Madison Square Garden.
Before Joel, Elton John held the record for most performances by a single artist at MSG, with 64 shows. Billy Joel not only surpassed this record but shattered it, establishing a new benchmark that may stand for generations. His commitment to performing monthly, year after year, fostered a unique relationship with his audience, many of whom became repeat attendees, transforming each concert into a communal experience. The residency became more than just a series of concerts; it was a reliable fixture in New York City’s cultural calendar, a pilgrimage site for fans from around the globe, and a testament to Joel’s timeless appeal and unparalleled showmanship.
Chronology of a Record-Breaking Run
The timeline of Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency highlights its sustained impact and the anticipation surrounding its conclusion:
- January 2014: Billy Joel announces his unprecedented, open-ended monthly residency at Madison Square Garden. The first official show under this new format takes place, beginning a historic run.
- Throughout 2014-2023: Joel consistently performs monthly, breaking Elton John’s record for most shows by a single artist at MSG. Each performance becomes a celebration of his vast catalog and his enduring connection to New York.
- June 2023: After nearly a decade, Billy Joel announces that his Madison Square Garden residency will conclude in July 2024, capping off an extraordinary 10-year, 150-show run.
- March 28, 2024: The 100th consecutive show of the residency takes place, a momentous milestone that serves as the subject of the new concert film. The event draws immense attention and marks a pinnacle in the residency’s history.
- April 14, 2024: An edited version of "The 100th: Live at Madison Square Garden" is broadcast on CBS, providing a broad audience with a glimpse of the historic performance. The broadcast, however, omits several songs.
- May 29, 2024: Sony’s Legacy Recordings releases The 100th: Live at Madison Square Garden (The Complete Concert) on Blu-ray and DVD, offering the full, unedited performance with 11 additional songs. On the same day, a new edit of the TV broadcast begins airing on APT stations and the PBS app, ensuring multiple avenues for fans to experience the concert.
- July 2024: The scheduled final performance of Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in live music history.
Supporting Data and Enduring Impact
The statistics surrounding Joel’s residency are staggering. By the time of its announced conclusion, he will have played 150 shows in the residency alone, in addition to numerous other performances at the venue throughout his career. While precise cumulative attendance and revenue figures for the entire residency are proprietary, industry estimates place the total attendance in the millions and gross revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars, solidifying its status as one of the most commercially successful concert runs ever. This financial success is paralleled by its cultural impact, drawing tourists and music lovers to New York City specifically to witness the "Piano Man" in his element.
Joel’s connection to Madison Square Garden dates back decades, with his first performance there in December 1978. Over the years, he has cultivated a deep bond with the venue and its audiences, often referring to it as his "second home." His career, spanning over five decades, has seen him sell more than 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and numerous Grammy Awards underscore his critical acclaim. The MSG residency, culminating with this 100th show release, serves as a powerful testament to his enduring artistry and his unique ability to connect with generations of fans through his timeless melodies and relatable lyrics.
Official Responses and Fan Enthusiasm
While no direct quotes specifically pertaining to this Blu-ray/DVD release from Billy Joel or Sony’s Legacy Recordings were included in the original brief, the decision to release "The Complete Concert" speaks volumes. Legacy Recordings, known for its commitment to preserving and presenting historical recordings, logically recognizes the immense value in offering the definitive version of such a landmark event. The release caters directly to fan demand for completeness, acknowledging that televised broadcasts often necessitate edits for time and content.
From the perspective of Madison Square Garden, the residency has been a monumental success, reinforcing the venue’s status as a premier global entertainment destination. Joel’s consistent sell-outs and the loyal following he commands have been invaluable. Reflecting on the residency, Joel has often expressed his profound appreciation for his New York audience and the unique energy of performing at the Garden, sentiments that undoubtedly extended to the celebration of his 100th consecutive show. Fans, both those who attended the concert and those who watched the broadcast, have expressed overwhelming excitement for the opportunity to own the full, unedited performance, particularly for the inclusion of the additional tracks and the collaboration with Sting. This release is seen as a crucial piece of Joel’s extensive discography and an essential document of his extraordinary live performance career.
Broader Impact and Implications: Preserving a Legacy
The release of The 100th: Live at Madison Square Garden (The Complete Concert) carries significant implications for Billy Joel’s legacy, the concert film genre, and the ongoing appreciation of live music. Firstly, it ensures that a pivotal moment in Joel’s career – the 100th consecutive show of his unprecedented residency – is preserved in its entirety for posterity. In an era where live music experiences are increasingly transient, physical releases like this serve as vital historical records, allowing future generations to witness the magic of legendary performances.
For the concert film genre, this release reinforces the value of "complete concert" experiences, especially in contrast to shorter, edited television specials. It highlights the demand from dedicated fans for comprehensive archival material that offers an uncompromised view of an artist’s live artistry. The inclusion of special guest Sting further elevates the production, showcasing the collaborative spirit often found in these landmark events.
As Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency approaches its final curtain call in July 2024, this complete concert film serves as a magnificent capstone. It not only celebrates a specific milestone but also acts as a testament to the entire decade-long phenomenon. It provides fans with a tangible piece of history, allowing them to revisit the energy, the emotion, and the sheer musical brilliance that defined Joel’s unparalleled run at "The World’s Most Famous Arena." This release is more than just a concert film; it is a vital chapter in the ongoing narrative of one of music’s most beloved and enduring figures. It reaffirms Billy Joel’s status not just as a hitmaker, but as a masterful live performer whose connection with his audience remains as strong as ever.
