This Week in History

New Year’s Eve is a monumental night no matter what year it is. On December 31, 2000-2006 (except 2004), Widespread Panic has been a staple at the Philips Arena New Year’s Eve celebration. The band was formed in Athens, Georgia, so they are a great example of homegrown talent. A banner commemorating their 17th consecutive sold out December 30/December 31 performance was recently hung from the Philips Arena ceiling.

This Week in History

Two weeks after her twentieth birthday, the “Princess of Pop” herself sang at Philips Arena. Her December 15, 2001 stop in Atlanta was part of the first leg of the “Dream Within a Dream Tour”. The Las Vegas leg of the tour was filmed and later made into a DVD documentary entitled “Live from Las Vegas”. The “Dream Within a Dream Tour” won an Emmy Award in 2002.

This Week in History

On December 11, 2002, Dave Matthews Band performed for a packed audience at Philips Arena. This band was formed in Charlottesville, VA in 1991; believe it or not, Dave Matthews was reticent to perform in public before being discovered! The RIAA estimates that the band has sold upwards of 31 million albums in the US alone. “Satellite”, “Crash into Me”, “Don’t Drink the Water”, and “The Space Between” are some of their most well-known hits.

This Week in History

With hits like “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Just the Way You Are”, “She’s Got a Way”, and “Captain Jack”, Billy Joel is one of the most celebrated artists of the century. His first hit was “Piano Man”, a song that is still widely popular. He has won 6 Grammy Awards, as well as placement in the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (1992), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999), Long Island Music Hall of Fame (2006), and Hollywood Walk of Fame (2005). He was also the MusiCares Person of the Year for 2002. He has sold in excess of 150 million albums worldwide, and according to RIAA, he is the sixth best-selling recording artist in the US.

Billy Joel will be back with long time friend Elton John as Philips Arena presents
Elton John and Billy Joel Face 2 Face on March 14. Tickets go on sale December 6 at 10:00 AM, check out www.philipsarena.com for more information on this amazing event!