Hershey, Pa. – Billy Joel unveiled the new expanded band and the massive new stage set he plans to use at next week’s historic final concerts at Shea Stadium here at Hersheypark Stadium Thursday night. The Shea musical surprises, however, remain under wraps.
Between two-story video screens shaped like skyscrapers and scrims printed with an artistic photo collage of New York landmarks, Joel and his band – now-augmented to 21 strong thanks to a new eight-piece string section, four-piece horn section and two backing singers – tackled an expanded version of the setlist he has developed during his 10-show, six-week run at the Mohegan Sun Arena that ended last week.
Though the huge images and new New York-centric video footage are hard to miss, it’s the sound of the huge new band that makes the biggest difference to anyone who has seen Joel since he relaunched his solo touring in 2006. The swelling strings turn “New York State of Mind” into an even more moving experience than usual. The additional backing vocals make “River of Dreams” sound even more powerful. And the extra horns help turn the unlikely “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” into a brassy show-opener.
The task of putting together “The Last Play at Shea” – the final shows at the hallowed stadium that changed the way the world considered rock and roll – has clearly made Joel consider his own career, which has spanned Shea’s entire lifetime. After “Keeping the Faith,” Joel thanked the crowd for its continued support, pointing out how unusual it is for a guy like him to still be filling stadiums. “I’m 59 years old,” he said. “I haven’t had an album out in 15 years.”
Maybe part of his secret is that he still doesn’t take himself too seriously. Even
as he prepared to complete “the hat trick” – becoming the only artist ever to perform at Yankee, Giants and Shea stadiums – on Wednesday and Friday, Joel was still able to joke around. He turned a towel into a wig before launching into “Piano Man” for his final encore and during his lengthy soundcheck, which drew fans from the nearby Hersheypark to listen throughout Thursday afternoon, he segued from “Captain Jack” to Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.”
Even his introduction was fun. “I'm Billy’s dad,” he joked to the crowd. “Billy couldn't make it tonight. He’s too busy combing his hair.”
SETLIST: Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) / Angry Young Man / My Life / The Entertainer / Zanzibar / Allentown / Ballad of Billy the Kid / I’ve Loved These Days / Big Man on Mulberry Street / New York State of Mind / Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) / Goodnight Saigon / Don’t Ask Me Why / Keeping the Faith / She’s Always a Woman / Captain Jack / Lullaby / River of Dreams / Highway to Hell (sung by Chainsaw) / We Didn’t Start the Fire / It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me / You May Be Right / ENCORE: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant / Only the Good Die Young / Piano Man
PHOTO: Joel and jersey by James Carbone for Newsday
Comments (7)
Thanks for posting this, Glenn.
And, remember that Long Island features the only radio show in the world devoted to the music of Billy Joel--Sundays 2PM to 3PM on LI's 90.3FM.
I wish Billy was drive himself into a tree and off himself for good. I am so sick of his music, ENOUGH ALREADY!
I was at the Hershey show. It was wonderful. He still sounds great except he has trouble hitting some of the higher register notes that he was able to hit, even a few years ago.
But the man is a consummate entertainer. He played for 2:30, which is a perfect show. A beautiful night. What more could you ask?
A ledgend!
I first saw Billy in 1973 at the Schubert Theater in Philly.He opened for the Doobie Brothers.I've seen him many times through the years and he always leaves his heart and emotions on the stage.The Hershey concert was magnificent for me,because my wife,son his fiance and my 2 daughters all got to share in Billy's musical genius.It was my favorite Billy Joel show because I really took the time to appreciate his special gift.Thanks Billy for being so generous.Shaef
Billy J is a great musician, dad, conversationalist. I hope he kicks Christies bum of an x for his shittin on his daughter.
Stay young forever Billy !
Piano NOt you seriously need to check yourself. You are a disgusting person to say that about anyone. You are one sick individual and you cant even form a correct sentence.
I LOVE you billy