Billy Joel catches train to Cardiff for sell-out Principality Stadium gig
Billy Joel took a picture with a worker from Great Western Railway while on the train to Cardiff for his concert.
American musician Billy Joel has taken the train to Cardiff for his inaugural concert in the Welsh capital happening tonight.
The popular musician's show at Principality Stadium is completely sold out and it will be their only European performance for this year.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) posted a picture of Billy Joel standing next to a train manager on the London Paddington to Cardiff route on Friday. The caption read: "We had a great time taking the famous 'Piano Man' Billy Joel to Cardiff for his only European concert. Wales, get excited for an amazing show!"
GWR mentioned that it was a rare opportunity for fans to travel onboard with the main attraction.
"When we got to Cardiff, the fans left the train and were surprised to see the main attraction right behind them," stated a representative from GWR.
Over 70,000 supporters are anticipated to make their way to the stadium, and a complete closure of city centre roads is scheduled.
A spokesperson from the Cardiff council stated that the M4 motorway is projected to experience high levels of traffic as a result of the upcoming concert. It is advised to make plans in advance.
Joel's performance in Cardiff is the only show he will be playing in Europe in 2024.
Joel, a top-selling artist with a record of success on the US charts, is most famous for hit songs like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and We Didn’t Start the Fire.
His concert at the Principality Stadium comes after several other American superstars, such as Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Pink, and the Foo Fighters, have performed at the venue in recent times.
In July, Joel completed a 10-year run of performances at Madison Square Gardens in New York City.
During an interview with Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 last year, the 75-year-old artist expressed that he had no intentions of retiring from performing.
"I am the most ordinary pop star out there," he stated.
I simply sit at the piano and play music. I am in my seventies, I am not a young heartthrob. So why do you want to watch me perform? It all comes down to the love of music.
Joel is most famous for songs like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and We Didn't Start the Fire.
Who Is Opening For Billy Joel?
Another American singer-songwriter, Chris Isaak, will be opening for Billy Joel this Friday.
The musician, who is 68 years old and hails from Stockton, California, is most famous for his hit single Wicked Game released in 1989.
"We had an amazing time performing in the UK last year, and we are excited to be coming back for more headline shows," Isaak shared on X, previously referred to as Twitter.
Excited about joining Billy Joel at his amazing concert in Cardiff on August 9th! It's going to be an incredible experience!
Chris Isaak is famous for his popular song, Wicked Game.
When Is Billy Joel Performing?
The gates at Principality Stadium will open at 5:00 PM BST. Chris Isaak is scheduled to take the stage at 6:45 PM.
Billy Joel will begin his performance around 8:00 PM and the show will end at 10:00 PM.
Which Roads Will Close?
Several streets in the downtown area will be shut down on Friday.
Starting from 7:00 AM, Scott Road and Park Street will be shut down.
After 3:00 PM, the entire city center will be closed. This will involve:
All streets should be reopened at midnight after the event.
Several streets near the stadium will be blocked off to cars and other vehicles.
Public Transportation And Parking
The M4 motorway is anticipated to experience heavy traffic, as cautioned by Cardiff council.
Parking will be available for a fee at the civic center on the day of the event from 8:00 AM to midnight.
The local government is providing a park and ride service between Leckwith and Fitzhammon Embankment, across from the stadium.
Transport for Wales announced that they will be offering more space on train routes to and from Cardiff.
Great Western Railway announced that they will be running additional train services to help concert-goers get home in the evening.
