Madison Square Garden recently gave Billy Joel a special gift to mark his final show in his decade-long residency at the venue. The gift was a ’78 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, as a tribute to the year he first played at the iconic venue in 1978. The motorcycle was custom painted with piano keys, Joel’s signature, and the MSG logo on the gas tank. Additionally, a helmet painted with every date he performed at the venue was also included with the gift.
Billy Joel, a certified motorcycle enthusiast, owns dozens of bikes, some of which are displayed at his motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in Oyster Bay, New York. He has a particular fondness for European bikes, including British makes like Vincent and Royal Enfields. Therefore, the Brit Triumph Bonneville gifted to him by Madison Square Garden fits right into his collection.
In 1982, Billy Joel recorded a demo for a tune called “Motorcycle Song.” Interestingly, that was the same year he experienced an accident while riding his motorcycle on Long Island. He smashed his thumb and dislocated his wrist when a driver pulled out in front of him at a red light. Despite the incident, Joel remained unfazed and continued to play music. Reflecting on the accident, he mentioned, “I play rock ‘n’ roll. I’m not Vladimir Horowitz. I wasn’t that good to begin with.”
Billy Joel’s final show at Madison Square Garden, where he received the Triumph Bonneville motorcycle as a gift, was a memorable event. It included tributes from Jimmy Fallon, a guest appearance by Axl Rose, and audience members such as Bill Clinton. During the show, the special motorcycle even made a cameo appearance when the Piano Man performed “You May Be Right,” a song that features lyrics about riding a motorcycle in the rain. The audience was able to see the custom-painted motorcycle on the big screen, adding a unique touch to the performance.
Billy Joel’s gift of the ’78 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle from Madison Square Garden was a fitting tribute to his music and his passion for motorcycles. The custom-painted bike, along with the helmet commemorating his performances at the venue, added a personal touch to the event. Billy Joel’s love for motorcycles and music continues to be a significant part of his life and career, making the gift a perfect symbol of his enduring legacy.
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