Billy Joel
2008-02-28
Pepsi Center
Denver, CO
Just to make it clear: Brian can correctly claim that these tickets were bought to humor his wife, who has a “thing” for musicians who play piano. I really felt that we “needed” to go see the piano man – while he’s still touring (he has been making music since the 70s…how long can a voice hold out?)
So a few things about Billy: He really does seem to be your “New York/New Jersey Everyman”: he’s a bit of a ham, he seems like he could have a bit of a mouth on him, a little blue humor… but really loyal to his crew, backup folks, his whole team. So – not a “showman” – but genuine.
Ok – so I knew alot of the tunes. Alright – all but 1. I was really into the old Billy Joel – The Stranger and 52nd Street, that kind of thing. And radio in Atlanta in the 80s was pretty bad. Brian on the other hand, didn’t know more than a handful of the tunes – much less the words. Let me just reiterate that this concert was an example of him taking one for the team. What a trooper!
For me: It was enjoyable. Almost better than I expected – just because I know Billy is getting older and I was honestly unsure how he would sound vocally. Would I see him live again in a “stadium” tour – probably not. (“The can” has decent sound I guess – for a big venue – but they certainly aren’t my favorite types of shows… Just closer to Mars than the talent – and if I wanted to watch “on screen” I’d get a DVD and watch it at home!)
But – I’ll still listen to his old albums.
