The final show of Billy Joel’s decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden was nothing short of a spectacle. The legendary musician played his 150th show at the iconic venue, breaking records along the way. To mark this momentous occasion, Madison Square Garden decided to surprise Joel with a special gift – a 1978 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle.
The Triumph Bonneville motorcycle holds a special significance for Joel, as 1978 was the year he first performed at Madison Square Garden. The bike was custom painted with piano keys, Joel’s signature, and the MSG logo on the gas tank. To add a personal touch, the helmet that came with the motorcycle was painted with every date Joel has ever played at the venue.
Billy Joel is known to be a certified motorcycle enthusiast, with a collection of bikes displayed at his motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in Oyster Bay, New York. He has a particular affinity for European bikes, including British makes like Vincent and Royal Enfields. The addition of a British Triumph to his collection seems like a perfect fit for the musician.
Joel’s love for motorcycles comes with its share of risks. In 1982, he recorded a demo for a song titled “Motorcycle Song.” That same year, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a smashed thumb and a dislocated wrist. Despite the injury, Joel remained undeterred and emphasized that his passion for rock ‘n’ roll outweighed any concerns about his ability to play again.
Overall, the gift of the Triumph Bonneville motorcycle serves as a fitting tribute to Billy Joel’s historic residency at Madison Square Garden. The symbolism behind the bike, along with Joel’s own personal connection to motorcycles, made it a truly unforgettable moment during the final show.
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