Billy Joel - The Downeaster 'Alexa' (Live at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, April 1990)

[@ShreyashRaj47]

There is something about this song, it emits a powerful vibe.

[@myotis_9324]

reverb

[@davidwitenstein5276]

Yeah the destruction of a lifestyle

[@ilcorvo9559]

Because it concerns a serious topic. Generations destroyed.

[@thepatriot7639]

Bay men are powerful

[@ricksmith6298]

I've lived this life...and loved my shelter island gurl.

[@dlunafidel]

Are you fuckin' kidding me? What an incredible performance by Billy and all the musicians. One of those rare occurrences where the live performance surpasses the original. Truly a masterpiece of a masterpiece. What a treat that this moment in history was captured for all to share.

[@jamescraggs7021]

It's March 2022 and this song still gives me shivers.

[@christophermaynard1902]

Beautifully said!

[@elbolsillo]

No! We’re NOT kiddin’

[@tonyscott5673]

Mark Rivera keeps getting younger as Joel ages, but no sign of aging here, Billy is at his best voice as if this had to be the last date on the tour. Violinist (Joel gave a shout out at the end by not for us?) rocked it better than Perlman - minus the vio-face. Sadly this was one of the final gigs with Liberty on drums (huge falling out) truly the backbone of those (and this) performance!

[@darcyasher2716]

Well said. It’s rare, but here the live performance was better than the original (which was amazing)

[@DeltaTristar500]

I'm a drummer, and I can tell you that drummer is working his finger to the bone

[@JC-ed4xm]

Liberty De Vito

[@williammartinjoel1]

Yes he's the best drummer on the planet. Liberty DeVitto.

[@billynolanjr2266]

Only problem is that's not Liberty Devitto...

[@billynolanjr2266]

​@@JC-ed4xmNope that's not Liberty !

[@AdamJohnson-di7co]

@@billynolanjr2266 it is Liberty.

[@ronobrien7187]

34 years after this recording I can tell you that the fishermen are still struggling but it has nothing to do with climate change or over development. they are getting crushed by corporate a foreign fishery. Edit: I just got his reference to development. The influx of money has priced the locals out of real estate. That is for sure.

[@charlescharlemagne4907]

no cell phones. A better time for our country

[@Exquisiteheat]

Billy should be nominated for US poet laureate

[@peterkawiecki9342]

Jean Luc Ponty kills the violin solo. Get chills every time i hear this beautiful song especially this version. Billy's voice sounds amazing.

[@aldobeltramino1519]

I agree!!! Too much better the young woman violinist al stage of Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY, June 1990

[@maryw246]

My all time favorite Billy Joel creation.

[@DarlaVaughan]

I was going to comment much the same and saw yours. His list is long, but this is my absolute favorite ❤

[@ylvaspangberg1116]

This is one of the most haunting songs I know. I never tire of it. So powerful.

[@milanchudal3943]

Song

[@zerpblerd5966]

chord progression check out the song: Dream Theater - Misunderstood

[@leogreaves3251]

yes. nothing else to say.

[@MummaMia5]

@@zerpblerd5966 They’re awesome and it’s a great song but no comparison to this one imo

[@AlbertoVO5]

@@leogreaves3251except that puts a lump in my throat every time.

[@buzzfunk]

Glad i grew up during this time of musical genius. Today, we really don't have anyone comparable.

[@PaganOnTheShortBus]

Check out some stuff in the Metal genre. The musicianship by some is incredible.

[@EdwinCage-jf3sd]

He's still here

[@billy1673]

Having been born and raised on Long Island, this has always been my favorite song. Billy Joel is our patron saint. This is arguably his best performance of this song to include the studio/album version.

[@JTRocks4Ever]

He is that.

[@lordoftherings999]

I NEVER get enough of this majestic song / poetry, prob my favourite artpiece ever ❤️ Also live version is as perfect as the recorded one, this instance even better in vibe and power

[@coastal_memories_fishing9366]

There really aint no island left for islanders like me. My home is a shadow of its former self

[@AlbertoVO5]

This gut wrenching song honors all trades people.

[@TheMjulian7]

Two masters on stage: Billy and Jean-Luc Ponty on violin. Incredible performance by the drummer.

[@jimaiello750]

I couldn't have said it better

[@markozbunjol625]

i remember woman on violin. i can't find video

[@hagie61]

I was at this show. Worked at a Music store called Music Plus in Marina Del Rey, CA. We had 2nd row. What an amazing concert that was!!!

[@deborahneumann9685]

me,too....in seating right behind the band...best concert

[@beatlesgoats8376]

Billy is a legend

[@zippyrodriguez9632]

I am not the biggest Billy Joel fan, but this really is a beautiful tune.

[@riccardoangeli802]

Guarda le sue performance live anni 80 poi mi dirai

[@davidwitenstein5276]

Actually he's a prick. Wonderful music from a genuine ass. From my parents house you could see the harbor where he wrote. I didn't live on Longuyland for a short time I GREW UP THERE. The song was written as a fundraiser for BAYMEN. NOT LONG LINERS NOT NET FISHERS BAYMEN. And the most important line in the song "there ain't no Island left for Islanders like me. I grew up with t heir kids. Its all McManions and crappy vineyards.

[@fnnsullivan1863]

Violin guy killed that solo Deng

[@olivertravel329]

I think that dude is... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gminl6etj5Z5h68

[@roberthunkins3118]

Jean Luc Ponty

[@leroybrown5726]

I appreciate this

[@beachmountain8834]

I must say from experience in live mixing bands from all roots qualities and origins: That violin solo is as near out-of-this-worldly as ANYTHING gets.

[@brain_56]

Liberty DeVito on the drums working those fingers to the bone.

[@mariolatorre1518]

I started sailing because of this song

[@andiblinco347]

This exactly what modern music us missing, great song, great musicians playing so tight with real passion, great stuff😊

[@PerfumeGarden]

Time changes as well as music, I agree that modern music has flaws but people are going to like different stuff, me personally I love Billy’s music

[@silkegehtyoutubegarnichtsa892]

If "epic" ever applies... Can we name any modern equivalent??

[@robertbordevik5072]

My thoughts exactly 👍

[@UrielX1212]

@@PerfumeGarden Nah. The flaws are basically the entire industry. Modern music is equivalent to the junk food aisle with autotune being the #1 ingredient.

[@craigclemons4880]

My son actually turned me on to this song after watching the hangover 2 because he was paying attention to the important part.❤️

[@Bornelvibe]

I always love this tune,,,man that Fiddler was killing it,,,, he should have been on a roof!

[@danishplays3240]

This song hits even harder when you watch the perfect storm

[@MummaMia5]

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

[@yanksgiants22605]

Everytime I hear this song I can't help but to think of my home . Long Island.

[@mcgheestrees5030]

This is a masterpiece

[@bigchief124]

Only Billy Joel can look cool playing the accordion and write such a powerful song at the same time.

[@AlbertoVO5]

And man, that accordion is pulled out to full extension!

[@scottfischer6029]

This is ridiculously good

[@HamzaalAbbasi]

The American dream is not lost!

[@helenbloomer3356]

This reminds me of my Uncle in Ireland- small farmer- the government wants to close small farms. He had to sell cattle every winter they made up some phoney policy about drains. Complete crap- it would cost too much to install these drains, so he had to sell his cattle every winter. It would put him out of business. Such crap, he kept a tidy farm, and a farm that was in the family for 210 years, it broke his heart. I can so relate to this song,

[@philtarus9861]

Goose bumps and happy tears, that’s all I have to say 😊

[@HUEDENIGMA]

Still one of the best live performers in the world. Billy the whole crew of musicians just inspiring

[@russellgreenberg9471]

Jean-Luc Ponty is the God of Electric Violin. What a guest helping out an already stellar band. ❤

[@markozbunjol625]

i remember video where is woman on violin. i can't find

[@rlh5870]

Jean Luc is the best!

[@markhansen3111]

I'm an Islander to the core. Worked the waters for years but had to change my career. Wound up in the aerospace business. Rocket man. Retired now, but still an Islander. The sea is part of me.

[@bloodsling]

damn that drummer is insanely brilliant,them ghost notes..good lord.

[@MrPierref4]

Liberty deVitto

[@roberthunkins3118]

Terrific drummer

[@garonmario99]

I've got bills to pay and children who need clothes, I know there's fish out there but where God only knows. So simple yet, so powerful!

[@mikehenderson339]

Miss you Billy and your music. Today's music is shite! There will never be another Billy Joel.

[@tonysmario817]

what a fucking song!! that's what music was meant to be. bravo

[@sw1tched]

top 5 song in my entire 45 year life.

[@leogreaves3251]

Jesus Christ. Billy Joel is so amazing.

[@Tacoman1967]

Here's to the Scallopers and Clam boats out of Cape May🍻

[@lynnobrienbrokergri2343]

Wow! First time seeing the Alexa video. So darn good❤

[@WayneCusano]

Brings tears

[@jefffrancis8769]

The truth touches us all !! Thanks Billy Joel.

[@bennyv69]

what can i say other then wow he loves where he comes from i understand it's long island oh my god it's so f......Beautiful

[@robinchandler3127]

If you lived on Long Island NY, you would understand. It was a real struggle for the fisherman who tried to make a living and a life for their family. Billy Joel wrote many great songs. This one comes from his heart. The boat was named after his daughter

[@cowetascore8476]

Billy's boat is the Alexa Ray

[@j.dragon651]

I am not a big Joel fan but this song kicks ass and Jon Luc Ponty don't hurt either.

[@johnfredwick]

that violin work is wicked!!

[@markozbunjol625]

this is a very strange Mandela Effect. I love this song and I always listen to the songs and watch the video so I know this live version very well, but instead of a man on the violin, there was a woman dressed all in black, with long brown hair and she was even further away from Joel. There is no way this was a man with a beard, I've watched that video so many times it's unbelievable.

[@uno7o906]

The violin guy ❤

[@briandiamond7681]

Chills. Absolute chills. Such power and emotion 👏

[@ricksmith6298]

I was a fisherman on the gulf. Our hearts are the same.

[@dieterkessler5274]

with the world's famous unknown violinist J.L.Ponty. Great !

[@olivertravel329]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gminl6etj5Z5h68

[@rlh5870]

He is a great violinist 👍🏻

[@BalanHorea]

One of the Best

[@TheDaddyo365]

my whole family were commercial fisherman. this song gives me chills.

[@OnlyTycrane]

Came across this song watching the hangover 2 years ago, I’ve been hooked ever since

[@joshuaecht]

Billy would make a good commentator about culture, politics, the media, etc. when his singing days are over.

[@bizquikboy]

This guy's voice is underrated. He can be a total belter.

[@Brinotlikethecheese]

The guy who played the violin, his outfit was 🔥😂. I love this song. It’s beautiful.

[@olivertravel329]

enter the man the myth the legend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gminl6etj5Z5h68

[@PamelaSHill]

Jean Luc Ponte and his trademark blue violin. 💙

[@uehm]

He kinda looks like Coach from Survivor lol

[@TaylorJohnson1]

Agreed.

[@billyjoel0]

Hello, thanks for your positive compliment about my songs. it’s nice seeing all these beautiful comments. how are you doing?

[@brettfleming2714]

Better version than the studio. Beauty!

[@mioryderoncgnp1589]

A true work of art the pulls at ur soul!!

[@TheStuport]

Awesome to see Jean Luc Ponty doing his String thing with billy!

[@derincatalbas9425]

That violin at the end is just unbelievable

[@TheStuport]

Jean Luc Ponty!

[@rlh5870]

He is great!

[@TheStuport]

@@rlh5870 You Betcha! 👋

[@schnuffi511]

One of the greatest Songs in Music History...and Billy is such an incredible Singer...

[@Stoner075C]

Is that J. L. Ponty? Dios mío man. Increíble.

[@Du3Lality]

My favorite artist of all time, and I'm finally going to see him perform in September at the Garden!! Lifelong dream has been set!

[@giovannisanchez4960]

Tremenda canción de Billy Joel.. El oro nunca se oxida,

[@My40Love]

The drumer is killing it!!!

[@mikeharris3747]

Billy’s songwriting creates eternal masterpieces. This Song brings me to tears every time I hear it and gives me strength to keep working and providing for my beautiful girls. God bless you Alexa I sing your fathers songs to my little girls every night... 🙏

[@keithcamardelle739]

Absolutely stunning! Better than the studio version, and that one is amazing! Chills every time i listen to this! The violin solo is insane!

[@bwisnieski1335]

very rare that a rock song features a kick ass violin solo. this song does it. billy joel can truly make anything amazing.

[@Jc-pg4or]

Jean Luc Ponty is a Genius.He played with Elton on Honky château in 1972. What a song!A masterpiece 👍😳

[@jamesbowen-vp5ji]

Never saw this version. Jean Luc Ponty on violin you got to be kidding me! Maybe the best rock, fusion, prog violinists ever. Great, powerful Joel song.

[@robertbordevik5072]

Wow. Just wow. Powerful! Billy Joel is the man! And what a band!

[@Nazyairsengikar]

1 of the best ever.

[@TaylorJohnson1]

Literal tears.

[@billyjoel3124]

❤❤

[@billyjoel2917]

Hi big fan!!!! I'm using this medium to appreciate you in particular as a fan of mine and I want you to keep supporting me while I bring more entertainment to your way. Love you❤️

[@CI_1111]

As a long islander who moved to FL … absolutely gorgeous

[@helenhoronzy9296]

There’s nothing this man can’t relate too! I lived in Long Island too, for a short time. It’s beautiful out there. It’s that of him being an Islander. He feels what he’s a community is feeling & suffering in the fishing industry. The families that depended on their husbands to go out into the sea, and bring in a nice load of fish. To survive the season!!! Billy Joel is such a compassionate man on so many levels! His music speaks about them all!!! Such a genius in every area of his life & experiences! 💙✝️🛐❤️🕯🕊

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Helen Horonzy, How're you doing? Is nice meeting you here.

[@ia5662]

Liberty Devitto absolutely CRUSHING it on the kit!

[@wildwoodskier]

great song

[@keithlestrange4249]

❤ powerful song ....

[@BI-km6dl]

Just insane! Ok so on the basis of just his skills with instruments, Billy is awesome. Add to that his song writing and on top of that his singing and you’ve got an artist that qualifies as a force of nature! This man is a GENIUS!

[@bwaters735]

Very powerful song and message. Top three in billys catalog imo

[@alexbleas6871]

Ein unglaublicher sänger und Musiker ,einfach klasse ,Respekt 👍😎

[@blackfishgaming7145]

I worked on boats for year’s around these waters. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@marunasuoyaki2238]

The powerful power of billy Joel is transmitted. It is a masterpiece

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Marunasu Oyaki, How're you doing? Is nice meeting you here.

[@johnfredwick]

This song keeps coming up in my dreams.

[@04brobinson33]

Literally half woke up this morning with this stuck on repeat in my head 😂 worse ways to wake up. Take care my man 👍

[@johnfredwick]

@@04brobinson33damn, two years since i made that comment, but i still play billy joel live every day

[@Ronkarona]

Everybody’s totally locked in! What a song

[@johnlazenby723]

My favourite Billy Joel song

[@rosalinhares5488]

Billy is very clever A great musician voice performance amazing

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Rosa Linhares, How're you doing? Is nice meeting you here.

[@Zaxarian]

It’s a chilling song but so great because of that

[@yvonnemartinez273]

Wow Mr. Joel I tip my hat to you. An amazing entertainer with a voice of platinum sexiness written all over it. This song touches my heart what a beauty. Blessing❤

[@kaislivesoundchannel4706]

One of my all time favorites

[@charlescharlemagne4907]

why is his live performance of this in NY the same year not on KZbin anymore?

[@isaacgg6674]

This just makes you feel some way. Can’t describe it but it’s pretty amazing.

[@colinmonahan9350]

Perfect

[@francescofoti3224]

Dear Billy, thank you for this gem! 💙

[@guys1743]

I am happy to have found that song which is for me one of the masterpieces of music in the last 40 years.

[@wolfgangb.1462]

Ich bin kein Fan von Billy Joel, aber dieser Song ist nur noch genial. Wurde vor einigen Jahren tatsächlich in D mal im Radio gespielt, da dachte ich mir, was ist denn das? Bin normalwerweise Fan von Metal, aber das höre ich mir seitdem regelmässig an. Einfach Klasse!

[@andydixon2980]

Billy is an incredible talent. That voice alone would be enough.