Billy Joel, the iconic musician known as the Piano Man, recently concluded his decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden with a show for the books. To mark the occasion, the world-famous venue presented Joel with a special gift – a 1978 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. This particular year holds significance as it was when Joel first performed at the historic venue. The motorcycle was custom painted with piano keys, Joel’s signature, and the MSG logo on the gas tank, along with a helmet featuring every date he has played at the Garden.
It is no secret that Billy Joel is a certified motorcycle nut. With dozens of bikes in his collection, some of which are on display at his motorcycle shop in Oyster Bay, New York, Joel’s passion for motorcycles is evident. He has a particular fondness for European bikes, including British makes like Vincent and Royal Enfields. The Triumph Bonneville fits right in with his collection, adding to the array of impressive machines owned by the music legend.
Joel’s love for motorcycles extends beyond collecting them – he even recorded a demo for a song titled “Motorcycle Song” in 1982. However, his passion for riding did not come without its risks. In the same year, Joel suffered an accident when a driver pulled out in front of him at a red light, causing him to smash his thumb and dislocate his wrist while riding his bike on Long Island. Despite the incident and the doubts raised about his ability to play again, Joel remained undeterred, emphasizing that he plays rock ‘n’ roll and is not aiming for perfection like classical pianist Vladimir Horowitz.
Billy Joel’s final show at Madison Square Garden not only marked the end of a remarkable residency but also celebrated his enduring passion for motorcycles. The special gift of a Triumph Bonneville served as a symbol of the musician’s love for the open road and his unwavering dedication to his craft. As Joel continues to inspire audiences around the world with his music, his affinity for motorcycles remains a unique aspect of his larger-than-life persona.