Billy Joel to headline Citizens Bank Park this August

Billy Joel will headline Citizens Bank Park for the first time as a solo act on Saturday, August 2nd, it was announced this morning in a press conference at the baseball stadium.

The piano man is second only to Bruce Springsteen when it comes to selling out South Philadelphia sports venues. Joel has 48 total, with 28 coming from the Spectrum, which closed in 2009, 18 at the building that is now known as the Wells Fargo Center, and two 'Face to Face' dates at Citizens Bank on which he shared a bill with his fellow ivory tickler, Elton John.

In recent years, Joel has kept a low pop music profile. His last non-classical studio album, River Of Dreams, came out in 1993, when he was still married to Christie Brinkley.

PHOTOS: Great Billy Joel moments through the years

He last played Philadelphia solo in 2008, when he headlined the Academy Ball with Philadelphia Orchestra. He performed the last concerts at Shea Stadium before it was demolished later that year, and drew positive notices in 2012 for his The Concert for Sandy Relief.

Last month, he rang in the New Year at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and he's playing a half dozen sporadic dates at Madison Square Garden in New York, beginning this month through April.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Monday, January 27th. Tickets for the general public on sale will be available Friday, January 31 at 10am at Ticketmaster.com, LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster Outlets or by-phone at 800-745-3000.

The Phillies are in Washington playing the Nationals that night.