Madison Square Garden recently honored legendary musician Billy Joel by presenting him with a special gift – a 1978 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. This gift was given to mark Joel’s final show in his impressive decade-long residency at the iconic venue. The year 1978 holds significance for Joel as it was the year he first performed at Madison Square Garden. The Triumph Bonneville was custom painted with piano keys, his signature, and the MSG logo on the gas tank, making it a truly unique and personalized gift. Additionally, a helmet painted with every date Joel has performed at the venue was also included as part of the gift.
Billy Joel’s final show at Madison Square Garden was a night to remember, with special tributes from Jimmy Fallon, a guest appearance by Axl Rose, and a star-studded audience that included figures like Bill Clinton. As a certified motorcycle enthusiast, Joel’s love for bikes is well-known, with dozens of bikes in his collection displayed at his motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in Oyster Bay, New York. The custom Triumph Bonneville will surely hold a special place among his collection, especially with its unique design and sentimental value.
Not only does Billy Joel have a passion for motorcycles, but he also has a special affinity for European bikes. Reports indicate that his collection features British makes like Vincent and Royal Enfields, making the addition of the Triumph Bonneville a perfect fit. Joel’s connection to motorcycles runs deep, as he even recorded a demo for a song titled “Motorcycle Song” in 1982. Despite facing a motorcycle accident in the same year that left him with injuries, Joel remained undeterred and continued to pursue his love for bikes and music.
Reflecting on his accident, Billy Joel maintained a rock ‘n’ roll spirit, expressing his unwavering determination to keep playing music. Despite facing doubts about his ability to perform again, Joel remained confident in his abilities, stating, “I play rock ‘n’ roll. I’m not [late Russian-American virtuoso] Vladimir Horowitz. I wasn’t that good to begin with.” This resilience and passion for music and motorcycles encapsulate Joel’s enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.
The custom 1978 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle gifted to Billy Joel by Madison Square Garden not only celebrates his legendary residency at the iconic venue but also symbolizes his unwavering passion for music and motorcycles. Joel’s final show was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, with the special gift adding an extra touch of sentiment and nostalgia to the unforgettable night.