Both Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will perform their most beloved songs from throughout their illustrious careers during a concert scheduled for Friday, Sept 13 at Cleveland Browns Stadium – tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 am Friday Feb 2 on Live Nation website.
Joel and Stewart announced their joint performance Thursday during a press conference held at Cleveland Stadium, hosted by Mayor Justin Bibb, Live Nation SVP Marketing & Sponsorship Sales Barry Gabel, Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris.
“To have two iconic performers from the same era is truly remarkable,” Gabel noted, noting that the show will likely sell-out due to both artists having strong fan bases across the world and an extensive catalogue of hit songs.
Joel and Stewart have performed extensively throughout Cleveland over the years; Joel most notably performing at Progressive Field in 2017 while Stewart most recently playing Blossom Music Park less than two years ago. Both artists have been honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Joel as an individual artist in 1999, Stewart both as part of The Faces in 1994 and solo artist again in 2012.
According to a news release, they will join Sting and Def Leppard on two concerts scheduled to take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Oct 25 and Nov 9 and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, respectively. Tickets go on sale beginning Feb 2 at 10 a.m.
Joel is one of the world’s most successful recording artists and an equally successful businessman and philanthropist, having established numerous charitable endeavors including The Billy Joel Foundation for Children with Cancer in New York and his Center for Performing Arts there. Additionally, he has been honored by organizations such as American Academy of Achievement, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Council of Distinguished Fellows and received the Congressional Gold Medal as a result.
The musician and renowned painter are well known in both North America and Europe, having held several exhibitions of his artwork both here and overseas. In 2011, they received the National Medal of Arts – one of the highest civilian awards presented by the US government.
Cleveland has long been overlooked by major touring acts, but Gabel believes there is now a process in place that makes booking concerts in Cleveland simpler for major acts. He compares it to putting together a puzzle – all pieces must fit perfectly if a concert is to happen here, such as available dates at venues, costs associated with hosting an event, history with performers in Cleveland and travel expenses.