A Few More Dates: Van Morrison, Billy Joel, The Killers

Van Morrison announces a gig in Boston … The Killers books the grand opening performance at the Las Vegas Arena … Billy Joel adds another show at Madison Square Garden.

Van Morrison is slowly putting together his U.S. tour plans for 2016. Today the Northern Irish singer/songwriter announced a April 26 gig at Boston’s Wang Theatre – Citi Performing Arts Center.

A few weeks ago he broke the news that he was headed to Alpharetta, Ga., for an April 24 show at the Verizon Wireless Amph. At Encore Park. Previously announced dates include two nights at Los’ Angeles Shrine Auditorium Jan. 15-16 and three performances at the Fox Theater in Oakland, Calif., Jan. 18-20.

Photo: AP Photo / Keystone
Montreux Jazz Festival, Stravinski Hall, Montreux, Switzerland

Tickets for Boston go on sale to the general public Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. EST.

Morrison’s most recent album is Duets: Re-Working The Catalogue.  The LP, which came out in March, features duets with Bobby Womack, Steve Winwood, Mark Knopfler, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Gregory Porter, Clare Teal, P.J. Proby, Joss Stone, Georgie Fame, Mick Hucknall, Chris Farlowe, and Van’s daughter Shana Morrison.

Visit VanMorrison.com for more information.

AEG Live says the grand opening concert at the Las Vegas Arena will pay “tribute to Las Vegas’ unique history of timeless talent.”

In addition to a headline performance from hometown band The Killers, the show will feature special guest “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton, along with North Las Vegas local Shamir. Set your calendar for April 6.

“It’s only fitting that we open the new Las Vegas Arena with the biggest and most successful performers to come out of Las Vegas,” AEG Live VP of Booking Bobby Reynolds said. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome The Killers home to this incredible new venue and back to their adoring Las Vegas fans.”

Photo: AP Photo / Peter Dejong
MTV Europe Music Awards, Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Killers also sent in a quote for the occasion.

“Notorious libertines of the unofficial Republic of Vegas, rejoice! We are very pleased to be able to pay our gambling debts by playing a show, uhhum, the first show, at Las Vegas Arena! Plus, we’re bringing some Las Vegas newcomers to help us as well: Wayne Newton and Shamir! Please join us for fun and be sure to bring a positive mental attitude, and the deed ot your house if need be. Tickets available at all the regular outlets. Otherwise, see our bass player Mark for guest list. Peace and love, Los Killers.”

Tickets go on sale Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. PST.

The venue previously announced concerts starring George Strait, Janet Jackson, Garth Brooks, and Dixie Chicks.

Visit ArenaLasVegas.com and TheKillersMusic.com for more information.

Billy Joel’s residency at Madison Square Garden continues with a June 17 show.

The gig marks his 30th consecutive show at the famed New York venue. The record-breaking residency – featuring one show per month – began in January 2014.

A Citi card member presale for the June gig begins Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. EST. Tickets go on sale to the general public Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. EST.

Photo: John Davisson
Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.

The Piano Man closes out 2015 with a New Year’s Eve show at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. In addition to his residency at MSG, his 2016 tour plans include dates in Tampa, Memphis and Cincinnati.

Visit BillyJoel.com for more information.