Billy Joel becomes music franchise in Philadelphia, Boston

While Billy Joel may always be in a New York state of mind, Philadelphia and Boston are also laying claim to him as a music franchise.

Madison Square Garden’s music franchise has extended his record-setting monthly residency at the arena through at least July. However, the Hicksville native is now also the first music franchise at both Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park and at Boston’s Fenway Park, stadiums he has sold out for the past five years.

Joel will also become the first artist inducted into Fenway’s new Music Hall of Fame when he plays there on Sept. 14. “Billy Joel has so thoroughly committed to Fenway Park with his pledge to perform at the ballpark annually and this Hall of Fame dedication is a small token of our appreciation for his devotion to the City of Boston and our venue,” Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said in a statement.

The Philadelphia Phillies plan to give Joel the key to Citizens Bank Park when he plays there on May 24 and will sell his merchandise at the stadium throughout May. “Billy Joel’s past performances at Citizens Bank Park have been exceptional which is why his fans in Philadelphia return year over year,” Phillies Executive Vice President David Buck said in a statement. “In addition to being thrilled that he will perform again at Citizens Bank Park in 2019, we are also honored that Billy has chosen our ballpark as his residency. That speaks volumes about his personal connection with our city and our fans.”

Joel will make history at some of his other stadium dates this year, playing the first concert at Milwaukee’s Miller Park and at Baltimore’s Camden Yards, as well as playing the final concert at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. He is also set to make his first appearance at Denver’s Coors Field this summer, as well  returning to Wembley Stadium in London.