In a historic moment for music lovers in New York City, legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel performed his 150th and final show at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Thursday night, bringing an end to his epic residency that began in January 2014. The Bronx-born piano man has captivated crowds with his monthly performances, creating a unique and cherished experience for his fellow New Yorkers.

Joel's residency at MSG has been unparalleled in its massive scale and unwavering focus on the local community. Month after month, he has filled the iconic venue, attracting not just tourists but also fervent fans from the five boroughs. Even amid the pandemic-induced breaks, loyal attendees eagerly awaited the return of their beloved artist.

As the sold-out crowd gathered for this historic final show, the atmosphere was electric with a mix of boisterous excitement and teary-eyed sentimentality. The devoted fans, who formed a tight-knit community over the years, savored every moment, knowing that they might never experience this intimate connection with Joel again.

Setting foot onstage to the dramatic brass intro of "The Natural (The End Title)," Joel kicked off the evening with a poignant rendition of "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" - a song that pays homage to various locations in New York City. Throughout the night, the setlist took a backseat to the sheer significance of the event, as attendees reminisced and sang along to fan-favorites like "Big Shot" and "Allentown."

Joel, known for his engaging stage presence, expressed his gratitude to the audience and recounted the countless milestones he and his band had achieved together. From being the first group to perform at Yankee Stadium to playing in front of a half-million people at the Coliseum in Rome, Joel's career has been marked by extraordinary moments. However, he declared that none could compare to his time at MSG, dubbing it the "best."

While bidding farewell to his residency, Joel reassured the crowd in a hopeful whisper that he would return. This statement sparked a glimmer of optimism among fans, suggesting that more Garden parties could be in store for the future.

The night took an emotional turn as Jimmy Fallon, the popular late-night talk-show host, surprised Joel by joining him onstage. Fallon paid tribute to Joel's remarkable MSG legacy and presented him with a banner celebrating his 150-show residency. Joel's two youngest daughters, Della Rose and Remy Anne, then made an adorable appearance, sitting atop their father's piano during "My Life" and energizing the crowd with their infectious enthusiasm.

With family moments cherished, including a heartfelt performance of "This Is the Time" dedicated to his wife, Alexis Roderick, Joel showcased his versatility by impersonating Mick Jagger and welcoming Axl Rose, frontman of Guns N' Roses, as the night's special guest. Together, they rocked the stadium with exhilarating covers of Paul McCartney and Wings' "Live and Let Die" and AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."

In a fitting encore, Joel, accompanied only by his own talent, belted out classics like "An Innocent Man," "Uptown Girl," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." These signature tunes not only impressed the crowd with Joel's remarkable vocal range but also tugged at their heartstrings, marking his heartfelt farewell.

As the final notes reverberated through the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, emotions ran high among both the artist and his devoted fans. Billy Joel's extraordinary residency, which created a vibrant monthly party for the locals, had come to a close, leaving memories that will linger for years to come.

Although it may be the end of an era, the undeniable magic of Billy Joel at MSG will forever hold a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. The hope of future appearances at the Garden sparks a glimmer of anticipation among fans, knowing that they may yet experience the brilliance of their piano man once again.