Billy Joel kicked off the New Year with a special performance alongside Jason Bonham, best known for his connection to Led Zeppelin. The concert, held at Long Island’s UBS Arena on December 31, featured Joel not only performing his well-known hits but also a selection of rare tracks, including the 1982 song “A Room of Our Own” and the much rarer “Souvenir” from 1974, which had not been played live in over four decades.
A highlight of the evening was their rendition of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Whole Lotta Love,” with Joel inviting Bonham and his band on stage to join him. This performance marked the third time Joel has incorporated the iconic song into a New Year’s Eve celebration. During the song, Bonham took the drumming lead, continuing the legacy established by his father, while Joel’s longtime guitarist, Mike Delguidis, performed the vocals.
The concert not only celebrated the New Year but also wrapped up a remarkable year for Joel, who completed a record-breaking 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden. In addition to this accolade, he earned impressive sales figures from 104 shows and released his first new lyrical single in nearly two decades. Overall, the night was filled with energetic performances, including covers of The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla,” all contributing to a memorable celebration.