Bruce Springsteen says Long Island and New Jersey kinda like the same place

New Jersey ... Long Island ... what’s the difference?

Bruce Springsteen, stage-bantering during his Tuesday night concert at UBS Arena in Elmont, told the audience he seen little difference between the two bedroom communities of New York City.

And he paid tribute to Billy Joel.

"You see, Long Island and New Jersey — they’re the same thing. We were just separated at birth. That was what happened," he said to cheers while performing "Wrecking Ball." "We’re all my fellow bridge and tunnel people." 

Then, maneuvering his guitar, he added: "If you shake up New Jersey like this it becomes Long Island."

The banter was prompted by the song lyrics, "I was raised outta steel / Here in the swamps of Jersey."

Springsteen's tribute to Long Island drew laughter, cheers and nods of agreement. His lyrics referencing the New York Giants and The Meadowlands Sports Complex also received warm and enthusiastic reactions from the audience.

As if all that weren't enough, Springsteen also gave a shoutout to the Piano Man, who has boosted his presence in Florida and isn’t much in a "New York State of Mind" after listing his Gold Coast mansion, movin’ out and becoming a Florida resident.

"Let Billy hear ya in Florida!" Springsteen said during "Hungry Heart."

Springsteen, of Freehold, New Jersey, has shouted out Long Island — and Hicksville's Joel — before.

In 2009, at a 25th anniversary concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden, Springsteen asked the audience: "Are you ready for the bridge-and-tunnel summit meeting right here, right now? Because Long Island is about to meet New Jersey on the neutral ground of New York City!"

Then, Joel emerged. The two performed together.

Newsday's Rachel Weiss contributed to this story.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.