Billy Joel’s exceptional music talent has spanned decades and his fans cover generations. Now in his 60s, Billy Joel is synonymous with musical stardom.
His unique voice and piano-playing skills are just a couple of reasons why fans flock to his concerts. However, many are disheartened to learn one rule Billy Joel maintains that all concertgoers must abide by — but for a good reason.
The demand for front row tickets at any big name performer’s concert can cost hundreds of dollars. The same holds true for Billy Joel’s performances.
But absolutely no one is allowed to purchase tickets in his front row. Ever. No one.
Billy Joel explained why he bans the sale of front row tickets to his concerts during a Billboard interview. It’s actually quite impressive that he opts to do this.
“We never sell front rows. We hold those tickets at just about every concert. For years, the scalpers got the tickets and would scalp the front row for ridiculous amounts of money. Our tickets are cheap, under $100, some in the $80s, the highest is about $150.”
This angered the musician to think that his loyal and dedicated fans were being kept from enjoying a front row seat at his high energy concerts all because scalpers were selling them at exorbitant prices. Sneaky people were making money off others just to see him in person.
“I’d look down and see rich people sitting there, I call ’em ‘gold chainers.’ Sitting there puffing on a cigar, ‘entertain me, piano man.’ They don’t stand up, make noise, sit there with their bouffant haired girlfriend lookin’ like a big shot. I kinda got sick of that, who the (heck) are these people, where are the real fans?”
It turns out his real fans were always in the back of the concert venue in the worst seats. So he did something about it.
