I have been to three concerts, and they have all have been by Billy Joel. Last one was in Boston for his River of Dreams concert.

So show me some Billy Joel songs.

One of my favorites.

I'm just going to sneak in here and say that I don't own any of his stuff. I've never been to see him. But when he comes on the radio (yeah, I listen to radio and certain station that plays him somewhat regularly) I don't think I ever change the station. But on radio, I don't think they do his the variety of his work justice.
I think the last video I saw was him inviting a college kid up to play w/ him. The kid was having that moment and didn't let down.

ETA: But my memory of Billy Joel's music: 15,20 yrs. ago I worked in a lumber yard driving Hi-lo. My Hi-Lo had a radio and one year I had a high school kid working w/ me who's dad was a big fan of Billy Joel. The kid was raised on Billy Joel. Every time a Billy Joel song came on we'd be singing along w/ him.

I could count on one hand songs that create an emotional response from me. And, I would have three fingers left over. Goodnight Saigon is one of those songs.

quote:

Originally posted by goose5:
I could count on one hand songs that create an emotional response from me. And, I would have three fingers left over...

I am just the opposite. My favorite is his live album Songs in The Attic and "Summer, Highland Falls" is my favorite song (Farm Aid version):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ol7uTxnl0

He played at my college (SUNY Cortland) early in his career, around 1972, with Linda Ronstadt. I passed (kick me!) and did something else that night.

I've failed to do many things right in my role as a father raising two beautiful daughters. One thing I've done well? Both of mine appreciate Billy Joel's music, not just his popular stuff. If they hear the beginnings of "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," they'll stop everything and turn it up.

Both learned to drive listening to either a CD or my playlist (depending on the era) which heavily flavored with his music. So now when I hear certain songs of his, they carry layers of memories-those from my teenage years, coupled with the later memories of my girls driving my truck down back roads learning to drive to songs about Brenda and Eddie and the discount rack "like another can of beans."

Pretty entertaining from a few years back. Kid from the audience asked to accompany Billy Joel and was granted his request.

New York State of Mind

Downeaster Alexa...


Piano Man...


Innocent Man...



Tony.

My brother had The Stranger on 8-track. I wore it out. I tend to avoid his material now only because I beat it all to death over the decades. My wife is a huge fan. But I'm still firmly in the camp that this man is a superb talent.

This is my warm-up song for drums...

My very favorite and go-to Billy Joel song is this one, which IIRC was never a big hit but I love it. Highland Falls, NY is the town right outside of West Point, NY:



I had a chance to go see him in Germany for the River of Dreams tour in 1994 while in the Army there and I never made it and have kicked myself ever since

With bonus Christie Brinkley and Rolls Royce footage







.

Billy Joel may have been a New Yorker through and through but it was a DJ in Philly at famed rock station WMMR that started playing this unknown newcomer’s song “Captain Jack” and made him famous. I don’t think many people have ever heard about this:

Here’s How Philadelphia Created Billy Joel

I saw Billy Joel and Elton John together in Clemson, SC in the early 90s. One of the best concerts I have ever been to.

Joel doesn't play 'Captain Jack' live much, though does save it for Philly shows.

Anybody who likes him should go ahead and try to see him live. I saw him 2 years ago now at one of his MSG shows and he was excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Billy Joel may have been a New Yorker through and through but it was a DJ in Philly at famed rock station WMMR that started playing this unknown newcomer’s song “Captain Jack” and made him famous. I don’t think many people have ever heard about this:

Here’s How Philadelphia Created Billy Joel

I saw him at Giants Stadium with Elton John. Great show. I am not an Elton John fan but still it was great. Two great pianists playing together.

My favorite album is Glass Houses.

Another favorite of mine, I seem to like his more obscure and non-big-hit songs for some reason:

I saw a documentary called Hired Guns, about studio musicians. Seems Mr. Joel was less than kind to those he hires.

I've seen dozens of shows over the years, maybe hundred or more, but never Billy Joel. I'd like to see him live. And I don't even like giant arena shows.