I agree that it’s difficult to understand “despising” Billy Joel. He is a fantastic musician , wrote numerous great songs and is a decent singer. Growing up I wasn’t a huge fan, preferring more guitar centric bands, however maturing and expanding my musical world created a real appreciation for his music. Also, disliking him because he stays active “to pay off his ex wives”, well there would be plenty of rock/pop people that fall into that category, especially from Joel’s era of music.
OT: Billy Joel #100
- Thread starter richthedentist
- Start date
Joel was like the NY version of Springsteen.
"NY State of Mind" - with sax.
"Summer at Highland Falls" (West Point town - "NY State of Mind" written there)
"Movin' Out" (Anthony's Song)
"Uptown Girl"
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"
Plus others.
Difference between the two is NY doesn't self-identify they way NJ does.
When "Piano Man" was released 18 could drink and the crowds would go crazy (no real DWI yet either).
Joel is the kind of musician people wont appreciate until he's gone.
He's always been around so much.
I like that he wrote a lot of his best stuff a few minutes away in the Hudson Valley,
Springsteen recorded a few miles south (Blauvelt) and The Band a few miles north.
Taylor Swift is there now too recording at Long Pond Studio
"NY State of Mind" - with sax.
"Summer at Highland Falls" (West Point town - "NY State of Mind" written there)
"Movin' Out" (Anthony's Song)
"Uptown Girl"
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"
Plus others.
Difference between the two is NY doesn't self-identify they way NJ does.
When "Piano Man" was released 18 could drink and the crowds would go crazy (no real DWI yet either).
Joel is the kind of musician people wont appreciate until he's gone.
He's always been around so much.
I like that he wrote a lot of his best stuff a few minutes away in the Hudson Valley,
Springsteen recorded a few miles south (Blauvelt) and The Band a few miles north.
Taylor Swift is there now too recording at Long Pond Studio
Agree 100%. Always liked Joel's music. His songs were ubiquitous on AOR stations and he had quite a few pop hits in the 1980s (perhaps my least favorite Billy Joel songs). We had the pleasure of seeing Billy and Stevie Nicks play at Chase Field in Phoenix in early December. Stevie opened the show, and Billy dueted on- Stop Dragging My Heart Around. Billy's set was about 2.5 hours, 21-23 songs (two partial songs), and to me, the highlight of the show was two of his lesser known songs one after the other- Vienna into Zanzibar. Billy was in great spirts, very self-deprecating and funny. We want to see him again.
Despising Joel is kinda strange. But I did take a look at a list of his tunes and all I can say is YAWN.
I've always been a guitar-centric band fan and also kinda big on lyrics. I couldn't find one of Joel's tunes that I thought was interesting or special. And lots of them were just plain stupid.
As far as "seeing" him, admittedly I'm from an era where you could still see most top acts at smaller venues like the Capital Theater in Passaic, Convention Hall in Asbury Park, or the Fillmore East in New York. If one goes to a Joel concert in MSG or a stadium, what exactly are you seeing ?
They pretty much admit that you aren't seeing much when they have those giant screens set up so you can actually "see". And how much are they charging these days for such an experience ?
I don't get it.
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You're really going out of your way to impress us with your hot take. We get it. You don't like him. You're in the minority based on album sales, concert tickets sold, and many other metrics. But you like who you like, and that's fine. I personally enjoy Billy Joel. I've seen him 10 times, all in arenas and stadiums, and almost always sitting close enough to see just fine. His stage setup is excellent to see from all angles. I also find the lyrics from many songs to be very interesting. But I like who I like, and that's fine, too.
I couldn't care less. i just from time to time post my opinions. Make of them what you will.
You're welcome.
Right with ya.
While not sheer genius, love the interplay of the Ali and Rose themes mixed in with him trying score at Zanzibar.
And if you have kids who are teenagers or young adults, Vienna is such an impactful song.
And one more, lyrically, The Stranger is a fantastic song.
And one more, New York State of Mind is classic.
So is the Piano Man, which has a special place for me as my pops was a Piano Man in lounges and restaurants.
I could go on and on.
Vienna is my favorite, followed by Summer, Highland Falls.
I've heard pro guitarists say that playing along with a piano is hard because the piano will be in tune and can reveal any other instruments/voices that aren't
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I get it. I saw him in 1976 at The Bottom Line in the Village. I don't begrudge the guy making money but after seeing him in a venue with a couple hundred people why would I want to go to a 70,000 seat stadium?
Why would you want RU to expand their stadium and fill it with 100K people? Same thing.
1. No one goes to a Rutgers football game for the sound system.
Well, maybe the DJ's family.
2. Perhaps I've been spoiled by in my early years being able to go to a concert at a smallish place and see and hear quality artists. I had enough trouble dealing with a Springsteen concert at MSG or the Meadowlands after attending shows where I could actually see and hear him. I can't imagine what it must be like to attend a piano man's shows....to watch him play that piano on the big screen put there so most could actually see the artist.
3. I understand why the artists play such venues. I just don't get why people would go to see an artist when they really can't see him.
Perhaps he jumps into the crowd like The Boss or Eddie Vedder so the audience can actually get to see the guy.
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CBS Special “Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden” will air on Sunday April 14th at 9pm ET / 8pm CT on CBS and Paramount+.
CBS Special “Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden” will air on Sunday April 14th at 9pm ET / 8pm CT on CBS and Paramount+. The special was shot at Joel’s history-making 100th consecutive performance of his legendary 10-year residency at the world famous Madison Square Garden. The two hour event gives viewers a front row seat to watch the Piano Man play his hit songs in a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.
www.siriusxm.com
CBS Special “Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden” will air on Sunday April 14th at 9pm ET / 8pm CT on CBS and Paramount+. The special was shot at Joel’s history-making 100th consecutive performance of his legendary 10-year residency at the world famous Madison Square Garden. The two hour event gives viewers a front row seat to watch the Piano Man play his hit songs in a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.
The Billy Joel Channel will Return to SiriusXM Later This Year
Plus, don’t miss “Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden” on CBS April 14th.
