US singer-songwriter Billy Joel made a special entrance to his first-ever gig in Cardiff by catching the train to the Welsh capital. The sold-out concert at Principality Stadium marked Joel’s only performance in Europe this year, and fans were thrilled to see him arrive on the London Paddington to Cardiff service with a Great Western Railway (GWR) worker.
GWR shared a photo of Joel with the train manager, expressing their excitement to have the “Piano Man” on board for his European show. The train ride was a unique experience for fans, as it’s not every day they get to travel alongside a music legend.
Upon arriving in Cardiff, more than 70,000 fans flocked to the stadium for the highly anticipated concert, leading to a full city center road closure. Joel, known for hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl,” delighted the Welsh crowd by incorporating a bit of local flavor into his performance.
During the show, Joel even sang a snippet of Tom Jones’ “Green Green Grass of Home” and engaged the audience in a fun singalong session. The concert was a memorable night for fans as Joel showcased his timeless music and entertained the crowd with his daughters joining him on stage.
Despite recently ending a 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Joel shows no signs of slowing down and continues to captivate audiences with his music. Fellow US singer-songwriter Chris Isaak supported Joel at the Cardiff concert, adding to the excitement of the evening.
For fans attending the concert, the Principality Stadium gates opened at 17:00 BST, with Chris Isaak performing at 18:45 and Billy Joel taking the stage around 20:00. The event saw road closures in the city center, and transportation services like trains and buses provided additional capacity to accommodate the influx of concert-goers.
Overall, Billy Joel’s Cardiff concert was a night to remember, filled with music, energy, and a touch of Welsh hospitality that left fans singing along and wanting more.
