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Joel Movin' Out of Shea

Piano Man will play the last shows at iconic venue that first hosted the Beatles

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 7:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – His idols set a pop-cultural milestone by playing a concert there in 1965, and now Billy Joel will be the last musician to rock Shea Stadium, reports the New York Sun. Since the Beatles turned to sports venues to fit their legions of screaming fans, the home of the Mets has hosted everyone from The Police to The Boss to the Pope.

That makes Joel's "Last Play at Shea" concerts, on July 16 and 18, quite the events—and quite the honor. The old stadium will meet the wrecking ball at the end of this baseball season, but it's not the end of loud, elaborately staged stadium rock in Queens. Shiny new Citi Field will be ready next spring.

Singer Billy Joel poses with a New York Mets jersey after a news conference announcing his upcoming concert at Shea Stadium on July 16. It has been billed the Last Play at Shea.
Singer Billy Joel poses with a New York Mets jersey after a news conference announcing his upcoming concert at Shea Stadium on July 16. It has been billed the "Last Play at Shea."   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Joel will be the final artist to perform at the old Shea Stadium.  Past performances there have included concerts by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Police, and Bruce Springsteen.
Joel will be the final artist to perform at the old Shea Stadium. Past performances there have included concerts by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Police, and Bruce Springsteen.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Bruce Springsteen, third from right, performs with members of the E Street Band during a performance at Shea Stadium,  Oct. 1, 2003, in New York.
Bruce Springsteen, third from right, performs with members of the E Street Band during a performance at Shea Stadium, Oct. 1, 2003, in New York.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The Beatles were the first band to turn to baseball stadiums as concert venues, but although the huge venues were lucrative, they also contributed to the band's decision to stop playing concerts.
The Beatles were the first band to turn to baseball stadiums as concert venues, but although the huge venues were lucrative, they also contributed to the band's decision to stop playing concerts.   (Archive Photos)
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