Phish’s Trey Anastasio Joins Billy Joel for Epic Madison Square Garden Collaboration!

Since 1993, Phish has held the coveted title of my favorite band, with Trey Anastasio reigning as my guitar hero. Witnessing the meeting of musical giants at Madison Square Garden during Billy Joel's second-to-last gig in his iconic residency was a surreal moment for me. The only artist who’s performed at Madison Square Garden more times than Phish is Billy Joel. As he wrapped up his residency, Joel brought out Trey Anastasio for a memorable collaboration.

The opening chords of "Sleeping With the Television On," a track specially requested by Anastasio, set the stage for an unforgettable performance. It was a rarity from Joel’s 1980 record Glass Houses, making the moment even more special. Anastasio’s electrifying solo added a new depth and dimension to the track.

 The Synergy Between Joel And Anastasio Was Palpable

Transitioning seamlessly, Joel launched into Derek & The Dominoes’ classic "Layla," with Anastasio delivering a solo that paid homage to Eric Clapton's iconic rendition. The fusion of Joel's piano melodies with Anastasio's intricate guitar riffs created a mesmerizing musical experience. As the night reached its climax, Anastasio returned for an encore performance of "You May Be Right," further igniting the stage with his infectious energy. The synergy between Joel and Anastasio was palpable, leaving the audience cheering for more.

Both Billy Joel and Anastasio’s band, Phish, boast impressive resumes at MSG, with banners adorning the venue’s rafters alongside those of the Knicks and Rangers greats of yesteryear. Despite years of alleged tension stemming from their shared affinity for the Garden, Trey Anastasio and Billy Joel finally graced the arena’s hallowed stage together at Saturday’s concert. Phish has treated the venue like a timeshare, playing 83 shows there dating back to 1994, while Joel has notched an impressive 149 full MSG gigs since 1978. This historic collaboration between two musical powerhouses serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Madison Square Garden as a mecca for iconic performances and unforgettable moments.