It’s been nearly 51 years since Billy Joel recorded the song “Piano Man” — five decades of performing and merchandise for all occasions.
As Mr. Joel, 75, will perform his 150th show at Madison Square Garden, the final performance of his 10-year-residency, fans have been gearing up.
Five decades of performing means a lot of T-shirts sold — more than 10 million, in the estimation of Claire Mercuri, a spokeswoman for Mr. Joel — and that’s just the count for licensed wear.
The musician doesn’t have a favorite item — they’re all his “children,” Mr. Joel said, through Ms. Mercuri, which he also says when asked to pick his favorite song.
Collectors, devoted to every wave of memorabilia style, from the blocky graphics of the 1990s to the minimal modern versions, are at the ready.
Persons:
It’s, Billy Joel, Joel, Claire Mercuri, Joel —, that’s, doesn’t, ” Mr
Organizations:
Madison, Garden
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