Billy Joel performs at the Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, in Uniondale, New York. AP
UNIONDALE, N.Y.— Billy Joel opened his final show at the soon-to-be shuttered Nassau Veteran Memorial Coliseum with his 1977 hit “Movin’ Out.”
The Long Island native, who grew up in nearby Hicksville, was tapped to perform the last show Tuesday night at the coliseum before it closes for a major renovation.
Newsday says (https://nwsdy.li/1IomqP3 ) the Piano Man was introduced by his longtime friend Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Paul Simon appeared as his surprise guest and the pair performed three songs, including “Homeward Bound.”
Joel’s set also included songs he rarely plays, including “Just the Way You Are.”
He quipped that he’d be fine if a road isn’t named for him, referring to a proposal to rename a stretch of Route 107 in Hicksville after him. He said, “I’d rather be alive.” TVJ
Cars drive along Route 107 in Billy Joels hometown of Hicksville, N.Y., Friday, July 31, 2015. Sen. Jack Martins introduced legislation last year to rename part of Route 107 in Hicksville for the six-time Grammy Award winner. AP