Billy Joel (1 Viewer)

[shifty]

I saw him with Elton John. It was a great show. He isnt getting any younger , go see him.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Has anyone recently seen Billy Joel in concert?

I ask because I have the opportunity to see him on Friday at Wrigley Field. I have never seen him before. I have seen Paul McCartney and Springsteen at Wrigley Field, and they were both excellent shows. Good sound, good sightlines. The stage for both shows was in deep centerfield. I assume it will be the same for Billy. 

I plan on getting tickets on the field--not because of proximity to the stage, but because I like the aesthetic of walking on the diamond, the outfield grass. I have heard that Billy sits on one end of the stage and never moves, so I will avoid paying the upcharge of center seating.

I would be interested to hear about the vibe of one of his concerts. I have heard that he likes to talk in between songs.

I have also heard that one of the big stresses he has is playing in a brand new venue. It really makes him anxious and nervous to learn a new building. Conversely, when he finds a venue that makes him comfortable and relaxed, he returns as often as possible. This will be his sixth appearance at Wrigley Field, and fourth year in a row. So, obviously he will be up for the show. 

It's an awesome show if you like him.  He will give you everything you want song wise. 

 

[RUSF18]

I would say don't expect much of a "show". Not that you really should from an old solo performer. But musically, if you like him, you'll like the concert. 

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am now sitting where Addison Russell usually stands.

8pm start but the stage is still dark. 

 

[McGarnicle]

8pm start but the stage is still dark. 

See him before he croaks.

Hope you didn't miss your window. :(  

 

[Eephus]

It's his career and he's done pretty well so far but I'd love to see him release some new material.  His last pop record came out 24 years ago this week.  His 21st century output consists of his classical album (the self-deprecatingly titled Fantasies & Delusions) and pumping out the oldies in stadiums.

He was a craftsman as a writer with a knack for pop hooks and clevah conversation.  He never seemed particularly confessional, he told stories about other people.  So he doesn't have to let us into his soul now.  But I suppose it's hard to pick something back up if you haven't done it for that long.

I saw him 40 years ago this fall, right before he blew up with The Stranger.  No offense but I wouldn't go to one of his shows now but I'd definitely listen to new material if he put some out.

 

[RokNRole]

Big fan of Captain Jack

https://youtu.be/tnPDEgmKHMw

 

[Wrigley]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am now sitting where Addison Russell usually stands.

8pm start but the stage is still dark. 

You may have ran into Mrs Wrigley

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

You may have ran into Mrs Wrigley

I hope not literally. They laid over the outfield grass a thick sheet of rubbery material that I had some difficulty navigating while trying not to spill my beer or Joe Maddon Authentic Philly Hoagie. I may have stumbled a little bit.

As others mentioned, Billy did the thing where he offered up two song choices for a vote. The winner (over "Innocent Man") was for a song I admit to being unfamiliar: "Zanzibar". It was a good song. A big round dude came on stage with a trumpet and blared out a lot of fills over Billy's vocals, and then a two minute solo. 

Billy played for over two-and-a-half hours and poured out every big hit except for "Just The Way You Are". I have always liked "I Go To Extremes", but I didn't expect to hear it, so I wasn't disappointed by its omission. He also did a song that I haven't heard in many years but I remember from it being one of the first videos I ever saw on MTV: "Sometimes A Fantasy". 

All in all, quite entertaining show and I am glad I attended. 

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Rolling Stone did a track-by-track assessment of "The Stranger" which had its forty year anniversary. Interesting read.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/billy-joels-the-stranger-turns-40-a-track-by-track-guide-w505936/movin-out-anthonys-song-w505937

Also, the Billy Joel channel is returning to Sirius starting October 2nd: http://blog.siriusxm.com/2017/09/26/the-billy-joel-channel-returns-to-siriusxm-for-a-limited-time-see-how-well-you-know-the-piano-man/

 

[RokNRole]

I recently read that Billy Joel doesn't sell tickets in the first two rows of his concerts. He gives them out to other ticket holders before the show because he wants real fans up front and not just not rich folks.

I respect that a lot.

 

[RokNRole]

https://youtu.be/2xxugNQUtpE

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Summer, Highland Falls

https://youtu.be/ygNNpvzuNFA