Billy Joel Opens Up About Disappointing CBS Special: ‘I’ve Always Been Cut Short by TV’

Billy Joel recently spoke out about his CBS special ‘Billy Joel: The 100th — Live at Madison Square Garden’ being abruptly cut off. The legendary singer expressed his lack of surprise at the incident, stating that he has always felt ‘cut short’ by TV. Despite his massive success, Joel admitted to not being a fan of television appearances, finding himself to be ‘camera-shy’ and unable to convey his music authentically in a filmed setting. Reflecting on the challenges of performing live on camera, Joel highlighted the limitations of being static at the piano and the impossibility of conveying the same energy as in a live concert setting. The musician also critiqued the artificiality of edited videos, expressing his preference for genuine, live performances. As he prepares for the final show of his decade-long monthly residency, Joel’s candid remarks offer insight into his perspective on televised performances.