L.A. STATE OF MIND: BILLY JOEL TO LAUNCH INTUIT DOME?

Buzzers are buzzing that Billy Joel will perform the inaugural show at L.A.’s lavish new arena, Steve Ballmer’s Intuit Dome, the future home of Ballmer’s Los Angeles Clippers, who will finally have their own arena. We’re told that while the Piano Man’s rumored appearance would be a Live Nation date, this will be an open arena. Joel’s agent is Dennis Arfa.

Irving Azoff is said to be helping book talent for the 18k-seat Dome, as he has for another Ballmer-owned local venue, the Forum. Ballmer is expected to make the announcement at next week’s Pollstar Live! convention during his 2/8 panel with Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament.

The Inglewood venue will likely host hundreds of sporting events and concerts each year, and if you think it could redefine the music landscape in L.A., you may be right.