Covering Billy Joel at MSG: Vampire Weekend’s New York Serenade
Vampire Weekend’s latest stop on their Only God Was Above Us tour delivered a special treat for fans at Madison Square Garden—an unexpected, heartfelt cover of Billy Joel’s “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” The October 5th show kicked off a two-night run at the iconic venue, where they honored one of New York’s musical legends.
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Indie Meets Piano Man: A New York Surprise
Vampire Weekend didn’t just stick to their acclaimed blend of indie rock and worldbeat influences during their MSG performance. On the first night, after an opening set from Mark Ronson and a Billy Joel tribute band, Turnstiles, the group offered up their own take on a classic. Their rendition of “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” from Joel’s The Stranger album, brought the iconic NYC anthem to life, complete with a stage set of a couple being served dinner.
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A Tribute to a New York Icon
For many in the crowd, this was more than a cover—it was a salute to Billy Joel, who wrapped up a 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in 2024 with his 150th performance at the venue. Joel’s history with MSG stretches all the way back to 1978, making Vampire Weekend’s homage that much more meaningful. The band’s decision to honor Joel felt right at home in a place so central to his legacy, resonating with native New Yorkers and longtime fans alike.
Connecting Generations, Blending Sounds
Vampire Weekend has always had a playful, genre-crossing approach to their music, and this cover was no exception. By blending indie rock energy with Joel’s classic storytelling, the band delivered a performance that spanned both generations and genres. It was a moment that fused their own identity with the city’s deep-rooted musical tradition, making the MSG show memorable for both fans of the band and those who’ve grown up on Billy Joel’s hits.
