Billy Joel: Piano Man Takes Cardiff for One-Night European Show
American music legend Billy Joel will grace the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday night, treating a sold-out crowd to his only European performance of 2024. With over 70,000 fans anticipated, the event promises to be a musical extravaganza, bringing the iconic "Piano Man" to the Welsh capital for the first time ever.
The gig follows a string of recent performances by US superstars at the stadium, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Pink and the Foo Fighters, solidifying its reputation as a premier venue for international music acts. The atmosphere is set to be electric as fans gather to hear Joel's timeless hits, including "Uptown Girl", "We Didn't Start the Fire" and, of course, the beloved "Piano Man".
Ahead of the event, Cardiff Council has issued a warning about expected traffic congestion, particularly on the M4 motorway. A full city centre road closure has been planned, starting at 3pm and affecting major thoroughfares such as Duke Street, Castle Street, and High Street. The council strongly advises concert-goers to plan their journeys in advance to avoid any delays.
Joel's Cardiff performance marks a significant event in his career, coming after his 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City ended in July. Despite this milestone, the 75-year-old musician has expressed his continued passion for performing, stating that he has no plans to retire. In an interview with Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2, he quipped, "I'm the least glamorous pop star there is...I just sit at the piano and play the piano. I'm in my 70s, I'm not a matinee idol. So why are you coming to see me in the first place? But it all has to do with the music."
Adding to the excitement of the evening, fellow American singer-songwriter Chris Isaak will be supporting Billy Joel. The 68-year-old, best known for his 1989 hit "Wicked Game", expressed his enthusiasm for the UK tour on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "We had a blast rocking out in the UK last year, and we're thrilled to be returning for more headlining shows...Looking forward to supporting Billy Joel at his epic stadium show in Cardiff on August 9th too. It's gonna be one heck of a run!"
The concert is scheduled to begin at 8pm, with doors opening at 5pm BST. Chris Isaak is expected to take the stage around 6:45pm, warming up the crowd before Joel's anticipated performance.
For those travelling to the event, Transport for Wales has announced additional capacity on rail routes to and from Cardiff. Great Western Railway will also be providing extra trains to facilitate the return journey for concert-goers in the evening. Parking is available at the Civic Centre for a fee, while a park and ride service is being operated by the council between Leckwith and Fitzhammon Embankment.
With its sold-out status and the anticipation of a truly unforgettable performance, Billy Joel's Cardiff concert promises to be a night of musical magic, one that will leave audiences reminiscing over the iconic hits of a true music legend.
