CBS Apologizes After Billy Joel Concert Abruptly Cut Off, To Rebroadcast Special

CBS has apologized after Billy Joel’s 100th consecutive performance at Madison Square Garden was abruptly cut off for some viewers on Sunday.

Joel was halfway through playing “Piano Man” when local news began airing in some parts of the country.

“A network programming timing error ended last night’s Billy Joel special approximately two minutes early in the Eastern and Central Time Zones,” Julie Holland, CBS’s Vice President of Communications, said in a statement. “We apologize to Mr. Joel, his fans, our affiliated stations, and our audience whose viewing experience was interrupted during the last song.”

Due to overwhelming demand from his legion of fans, Joel’s performance will be rebroadcast in full beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, April 19, CBS said. Fans can also watch Joel’s performance on Paramount+.

Joel performed some of his biggest hits during the concert, including “New York State of Mind” and his new single “Turn the Lights Back On.” Sting and Jerry Seinfeld joined him on stage.

Sunday’s special got a late start after the 2024 Masters Tournament.