Billy Joel announced as surprise performer for upcoming concert at Minute Maid Park

The Houston Astros and Live Nation revealed during a news conference Thursday that Billy Joel is the surprise performer for an upcoming concert coming next fall to Minute Maid Park. The legendary musician and songwriter is coming to Houston Friday, September 23, at 8 p.m.

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Many special guests, including legendary baseball players Jeff Bagwell and Reggie Jackson, were in attendance for the big reveal.

“Billy Joel is one of the biggest concert draws in the world, selling out arenas and stadiums across the globe,” said Stephanie Stegall, Vice President, Event Sales & Operations, Houston Astros. “We’re thrilled he will be making his first-ever appearance at our ballpark, Minute Maid Park, on September 23. This will be a show for the ages and one of the biggest nights ever at Minute Maid Park.”

“Billy Joel has performed many incredible nights in Houston throughout his career,” said Anthony Nicolaidis, President, Live Nation Dallas. “We’re excited to bring Billy back to Houston for his first show ever at Minute Maid Park. It will be an inside the park home run!”

New York’s quintessential son, Joel is one of the greatest musicians of our time. He ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer, songwriter, and composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. Joel’s songs have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions of people across five decades.

Joel’s biggest hits include “Uptown Girl,” “Just The Way You Are,” “The Longest Time,” and “Vienna,” among others. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected “Piano Man” for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its “cultural, historic, and artistic significance.”

Joel is also the recipient of six Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. Joel has received the RIAA’s Diamond Award twice for “Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II” and “The Stranger.” Joel has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has received numerous industry awards, including a Tony Award for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music.

Joel has also performed alongside other music greats at two of Madison Square Garden’s most extraordinary benefit concerts – “12-12-12, The Concert For Sandy Relief,” which raised awareness and money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy and “The Concert for New York City,” which was held to help aid 9/11 victims and heroes.