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Billy Joel to laugh off his Mets banner

The Phils wanted to cover up a logo for his shows with Elton John at Citizens Bank Park.

In a bid to keep the peace at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies wanted to cloak or replace the 16-by-16-foot Mets banner at the top of the set decoration at the Billy Joel/Elton John concerts tonight and Saturday.

Alas, they could not find anything suitable.

Joel will wear a Phillies jacket for at least part of the show and will make some sort of joking reference to the Mets and their 10-games-back status

My colleague Bob Ford and I hear that the Phillies had reached out to the "Face 2 Face" concert to express concern about Joel's New York-theme set.

It's not that the Phils are worried about any kind of baseball rivalry, we hear; they just don't want some yahoo having too much to drink and throwing something at it or starting a fight. The Mets banner was visible at recent shows at Nationals Ballpark and Wrigley Field.

Perhaps Joel will sing "Philadelphia State of Mind," as well.

John's set includes images of London. Not an issue.

(Semi-related video: Behind the scenes at Citizens Bank Park.)

(This post has been updated.)