American singer Billy Joel will be the first music act to secure a residency at New York's entertainment epicentre, Madison Square garden.

The regular slot will make the 64 year-old the arena's first ever music franchise, only sports teams have had a regular future at MSG.

These teams are the New York Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and Liberty (WNBA).

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon (Dec 3rd) Mr Joel said (via Rolling Stone), "Playing Madison Square Garden is an experience that never gets old."

Adding, "A show a month at the Garden for as long as there's demand means more opportunities to connect with music fans and provides a unique and memorable show every time we play here."

The Bronx born songwriter fist played the famous arena back in 1978 and has since gone on to perform there 46 times.

"I said it in '78, and I'll say it again, there is no better venue in the world," he said.

MSG officials also spoke at the press conference and they revealed a new logo for Billy, which will hang next to the sport franchises, "Billy, having you as our music franchise feels a little like having the Pope as your parish priest," said MSG Executive Chairman James Dolan.

"I'm truly an admirer and I grew up with your music, too, and so I'm thrilled to death."

The residency kicks off on January 27th and so far there are a further four more concerts booked for February 3rd, March 21st, April 18th and May 9th. The MSG officials said they will keep adding more shows "as long as there is demand for it".

Billy Joel
Billy Joel at the NY press conference