Billy Joel played at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday night for the 32nd time, and perhaps this concert is the most relevant, as it's the last show to be played at the venue before it's closed for major renovations. The pianist and pop star opened his set with "Movin' Out" as a tribute to the closing of the famed venue.
Joel is, of course, a big name in nearby New York City, but he grew up in Hicksville, a Long Island town nearby to Uniondale, home of the arena. He had a whole slew of guest appearances to mark the occasion, including New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who introduced Joel to the stage (the politician received some boos, although it's not sure whether it was a reflection to his politics or sentiment for the closing landmark). Actor Kevin James, who also appeared at Joel's record-breaking concert at Madison Square Garden last month, also appeared.
Nassau Coliseum was opened during 1972 on the site of a former Army and Air Force base, and was home to the New York Islanders hockey team up until the end of the 2015 season. The New York Nets NBA franchise also resided at the arena from 1972-'77. The Islanders will move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first time next season. The arena will undergo a renovation to give it a more modern appearance, similar to the Barclays Center, although there are no plans for any professional sports team to return to the venue. Minor league hockey team the Erie BayHawks.
Out of all the performers who have called the New York City area home, Joel is certainly the go-to when it comes to historic venues. The pianist was also called in for the final show at Shea Stadium, the former home of the New York Mets, for its last gig before demolition during 2008. The musician currently plays a concert every month at Madison Square Garden and recently became the record holder for "most shows" played at the Manhattan venue.
