Details About Billy Joel That Will Leave You Empty Inside

An innocent man lambasted by the critics. A long-time struggle with alcoholism. There's a lot of sadness behind the music of this piano man.
#BillyJoel #Music #PianoMan
Father left him | 0:00
Took on bullies with boxing | 1:21
Twice attempted suicide | 2:16
First solo album flopped | 3:33
'Piano Man' was autobiographical | 4:19
Horrific motorcycle accident | 5:01
Two epic betrayals | 5:55
Struggles with alcohol addiction | 7:14
Complicated love life | 8:16
Stopped releasing songs | 9:34
Critics have never been kind | 10:44
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/913479/billy-j...

[@GrungeHQ]

What has been your favorite performance by Billy Joel?

[@_Clem_H_Fandango_]

The last show of his I saw was several years ago at the FedEx Forum. His best that I've seen out of the six or seven times I've seen him live going back to the early 80s.

[@williamgreen1440]

What is that background music? 🎶

[@christopherallen9580]

cover of Hey Girl

[@gregoryyoung8819]

Philadelphia Spectrum. "Glass Houses" Tour. He played so much from his previous albums. A skilled musician and great performer.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Every time he has performed at Fenway Park in Boston! We missed him terribly this year!

[@susanb5058]

Hard to imagine the criticism of Billy Joel who is such a beloved musician, constantly selling out shows over so many years. It just shows those guys’ opinions are garbage and they don’t know what they’re talking about. Billy will forever be one of my faves! ❤❤❤

[@TheRealDrJoey]

As Geo Bernard Shaw said, "It's easier to criticize than to be correct."

[@Loc_Nguyen52]

They would rather be deaf or getting paid to said that

[@KenFullman]

I had no idea that these negative reviews existed. But I don't read reviews of musicians. I just listen to the music. Billy is a master of his trade and a true artist. I think the journals that employ music critics should actually employ musicians to do the job. Maybe then we wouldn't get these hacks that try to sound cleaver by putting down truly talented individuals.

[@brandall101]

Yeah, that's a new one to me. It seems the public regards him on the same level as Elton (much like Brian Wilson is the American complement of Paul McCartney). He's a legend for very valid reasons. Of course all legends have high and low points, the high points are very high. Regardless, his voice is incredibly and very distinctive.

[@percyhawkins716]

Yeah, I put him right up there with The Monkees. He was every bit as good as them.

[@MAgaSUXX]

I saw Billy Joel at the University of Colorado (Boulder) where I went to school (1978) and will NEVER FORGET IT. He played his ASS OFF...for hours, he did an encore....his band left and he came BACK OUT...and sat there...ALONE at the piano drinking a Heineken, and then WITH NO ASS LEFT, he played on and on...working like a laborer....farming the soil, banging the nail, lifting the WORLD on his shoulder...and I will NEVER FORGET IT.

[@robertK3371]

Wow, what an amazing concert to be at. I wish I could have seen that.

[@CrisKRA]

The Stranger is without question one of the best albums ever made

[@waynej2608]

It's certainly his best.

[@Wheresthelove7]

One of the 10 best of all time.

[@lyndxnjoel6917]

Haven’t listened to it yet, but 52nd street one of my all time favourite albums. Will listen right after this video.

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

Yes, that was a very successful album. Unfortunately, it just could not beat Saturday Night Fever.

[@stephanvillavicencio5679]

The stranger song is well written musically and lyrically. Lyrically, it describes the shadow side of our own personalities, based on Jungian psychology (focused on the subconscious). In other words, this song is a masterpiece!🎉❤

[@jimcharles9705]

I always liked Billy Joel, but I was never super into him until the last 3 or 4 months when something snapped in me and I very quickly bought up his whole catalog. He's incredible. As far as the critics go, they are people who get paid to be negative. And none of them ever wrote a hit song or sold out an arena. I like his decision to stop in 1993. He says that he said (in his music) all he had to say. Roughly a 22 year recording career. He doesn't owe us more. His bill is paid-in-full. What a wonderful recorded legacy!

[@liz090833]

are you suddenly pushing 30 maybe 35? ❤

[@commonsense2680]

Well put. I also appreciate his honesty is deciding to stop writing because he just didn't think he could produce the sounds he used to. He worked a lifetime and people can still enjoy his live music at Madison Square (I think).

[@carbybaby5929]

NEW SINGLE THOUGH FEB 1ST

[@singerrb4984]

Poor title!!! This article didn't leave me "empty inside." Rather I found it to be uplifting to learn that someone so gifted has had struggles, too. I adore the piano man!!

[@pauljacques2133]

No. only grunge leaves people feeling empty inside. Billy remains one of the greatest composers ever.

[@johnmaki3046]

I agree!

[@fredskolnick1183]

Moi aussi! Billy is one of the greats!@@johnmaki3046

[@robertK3371]

Despite growing up in East Oakland, CA in the 70's, 80's and early 90's, for whatever reason I loved Billy Joel's music. In a violent place where being white was extremely rare, my adopted family (all black) would give me crap for listening to that music. My mom would say, don't let no one tell you what you can and can't do! Thanks mom, I love you. And thank you Mr. Joel. Thank you for allowing me to pass your music down to my daughters who listen to you, just as I did. What a life.

[@sheltonbailey6548]

I seriously admire this man’s talent not only as a performer but more-so as a songwriter. “Honesty” is amongst my favourite BJ songs.

[@Satwamassive]

Nothing like listening to this song whilst receiving a BJ.

[@Love.America]

My boyfriend loves that song. Once he played it for me... I do, too, now. He is a gifted songwriter!

[@upthedown1]

Will always love Billy Joel's music. Don't care that he hasn't written anything in a long time. His body of work speaks for itself ❤

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Thank you. He'll always be the Piano Man to me. ...like "She's always a woman to me".... The man has etched his soul on the scene.

[@percyhawkins716]

He's no Bobby Rydell but he's ok.

[@lindamcd1217]

For sure!

[@GaryGrube1]

"...Will Leave You Empty Inside"? I found this to be uplifting. I have even more admiration for this man.

[@jennywright8883]

I know! I don't get that either😶

[@ilsy74]

His kindness and his music speaks for itself. You can't wrong this legend

[@dozzer009]

@@TransformerzUnite Haha, well done!!! 👌🏻💋

[@TheHatMusic]

I'm immensely glad that Billy didn't succeed with his attempted suicides. He is a world class musician, and a phenomenal songwriter. The world is significantly better for having him in it, and his music very rightly deserves the level of acclaim it has garnered. The man is an absolute music legend, on the back of his own drive and effort.

[@aaronwolfe5834]

Very few artists have the depth and complexity that the work of Joel has. It is a reflection of his transparency about the struggles in life he has had.

[@kiers1970]

Singer song writer. Unmatched in our time.

[@oppothumbs1]

I don't like him, he's schmalzy. Piano Man. You can hear Joel’s contempt, both for the losers at the bar he’s left behind in his stellar schlock stardom and for the “entertainer-loser” (the proto-B.J.) who plays for them. Even the self-contempt he imputes to the “piano man” rings false. But the way he sings it is overwrought. “Only the Good Die Young” is a catchy song with humor and Billy's vocals are good on this “Captain Jack”: Loser dresses up in poseur clothes and masturbates and shoots up heroin and is an all-around phony in the eyes of the songwriter who is so, so superior to him. However, the song has a certain depth and is catchy and I enjoy the brooding. “The Entertainer”: Entertainers are phonies! Except for exquisitely self-aware entertainers like Billy, who let you in on this secret. “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.” Hollywood is phony! Who knew? God, doesn’t Billy ever get tired of showing us how phony the phonies of this phony world are? Could someone let B.J. know he’s phoning it in with all this phoniness at this point? Isn’t there something, well, a bit phony about his hysteria over phoniness? He can’t even celebrate his “New York State of Mind” . I like it. “The Stranger“: This is Billy lifting that great Beatles line about Eleanor Rigby “wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door.” You should see the heavy-handed mask featured on the expensive two-disc “legacy” reissue of “The Stranger” album. So deep! We’re all phonies hiding our true faces! Everyone wears a mask! Who woulda have known it without Billy telling us? “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant”: It's not bad if you only hear it once. “She’s Always a Woman”: First, has there ever been a more blatant-or blatantly inept-case of attempted artistic theft than “She’s Always a Woman”? It’s such a lame imitation of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman.” (Billy's woman “hides like a child” whereas Dylan’s “breaks just like a little girl.”) Billy's woman also: is prone to “casual lies,” “steals like a thief,” “takes care of herself,” and “carelessly cuts you and laughs …” Just find this song obnoxious. Same for "Honesty" I do like "A Matter of Trust". Seems pretty earnest and a good enough rock song and a fine video.

[@brendalg4]

He said people think all his songs are autobiographical. "If they were, I'd be dead"

[@mns8732]

Hahahaha

[@alanmcneill2407]

The song "And so it goes" , the lyrics are genius, and the piano is heartbreakingly sad, I sang a portion of it to a lady I loved very much, it ended with, "and you can have this heart to break...." No. She dumped me. I never listened to it again, don't need to, I lived it. But I am sure, there are many who can relate to that song, its part of life. Billy Joel wrote and sang, and lived, so much of human life. He is the best.

[@leeosmond9217]

She lost someone who could relay music to her. She lost big time ...just saying

[@eilrach299]

I once sang (and played) this to a young lady I was courting - though she thought it was beautiful she didn't quite get it. Shame.

[@localfatherfigure]

@@eilrach299pedo

[@huntersun9]

I heard somewhere that "And So it Goes" is a favorite of Billy Joel himself.

[@raysdronevideos8151]

My favorite song of his.

[@fs55261]

Billy Joel is just the most beautiful musician in the world, and it's really tough that he had to deal with this stuff. But, I'm so happy that he always picks himself up and keeps going. It's an honour that he is still here with us today 🤩🥰

[@waynej2608]

It's about the Long Island bark. 😎 👍

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

@@waynej2608 ah have wondered if he knew Harry Chapin. Likely, they'd at least met.

[@louiesmom007]

He's human. With all its guts and gore, beauty, self realization, and everything in between.

[@jonspengler5891]

😂

[@louiesmom007]

@@jonspengler5891 ???

[@hoozerob]

He actually has one of the BEST voices in pop music.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"actually"

[@Loc_Nguyen52]

No doubt

[@ianpovey2577]

👍💯

[@CM-dy6fo]

Umm.. no

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@@CM-dy6fo Ummm

[@SS-ki6ie]

I’ve always admired Billy Joel, his music and his innate drive to relentlessly improve the quality of his music and his life. His music helped me through some tough times in my own journey and struggle to be a better person. I had no idea the extent and seriousness of his own struggles. My respect for Billy Joel has grown as a result of learning the depth and breadth of his challenges. I am a forever fan.

[@cathynewyork7918]

I didn't know about his history either, but my respect for him is less now that I know.

[@ianoz1]

From anyone's perspective, other than his own, crafting the perfect 3 or 4 minute song that utterly captures a mood, a time, a memory... and becomes forever linked to it in our life... is a divine gift that Billy has in spades and I, like so many others, am grateful he shared his gift with us.

[@patrickwoods2213]

One of my favorite songwriters ever. Complete legend and genius. You don't get to where he's at by being mediocre. I don't know too many people who can write a rocker like "We didn't start the Fire" and a tear jerker like "Leningrad" all in the same album on that level. Billy Joel = True talent.

[@fslayer1290]

I love Billy Joel’s music. I’ve been a fan of his since my childhood in the 80s and still love to belt out Piano Man and Matter Of Trust. 🥰

[@toniquinn9270]

I want Billy Joel to know how much of a fan my husband and I are of his music. We saw him at Wrigley Field and it was a great experience for us. We are totally blind and we were given assistance and we had great seats. I must admit I think it was one of the best concerts that I have ever had the pleasure to see thank you for the music Billy we love you.

[@themexican7384]

what a gorgeous man. inside and out. truly an icon. thank you for making my early years as a mother wonderful. i loved dancing and singing with my husband and children to your songs. you are exceptional. the epitome of what a good man is. thank you

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

He was married to Christine Brinkley.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

I always thought that Billy Joel was one of the greatest songwriters and musicians of his generation (mine too). I was more into"hard rock" of the 1970s (Deep Purple, Steppenwolf, Aerosmith , etc) but I always listened when Joel was on the radio. Thanks for the upload, this is another great job, as usual.

[@MrSunDevil23]

The guy made some really good music. He had a troubled life but still did his best to make the most of it. I wish him all the best going forward with whatever the future holds for him .

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

A lot of people have lived troubled lives.

[@stephanvillavicencio5679]

i appreciate Billy's inspiration, to inspire us to live life to the fullest, and to Love ❤

[@EvanBlaze-fq5eg]

After the Easter Parade many years ago in NYC, I was looking in a jewelry store window on 5th Avenue and Billy Joel walked up to me, said hello and smiled. It was the greatest Easter I ever had.

[@janetives5470]

Wow!

[@patriciasoebagio1035]

I love the Piano Man all the more, now. Just the way he is. He's made of some tough (& tender) stuff. Wishing you & yours all the best, Billy Joel

[@bobbarnaby3298]

It seems that from the ashes of their lives, the greatest artists that suffered so much from their own self-destruction, and through their own sufferings, find the poignant words found in the verses in their songs that touch our hearts right to the core. Songs that stick to our souls and give us strength to continue on in life.... thanks Billy... many of us out here know your pain.. thank you for guiding us along our way...lol

[@solitairestarr5516]

He is one of just a handful of musicians I always have loaded on my car CD player - I first saw him live in the early 1980s, it was an incredible show at quite an intimate venue. I am sorry for his struggles; pain and substance abuse often go hand in hand with such creativity! A very memorable career and lots of beautiful ladies!

[@michaelvaladez3012]

Been a Billy Joel fan since a kid back in the early 80s.Tell Her About It was the first track I ever heard when I discovered him Have all his albums to this day.Thank you for all your music Billy,It'll Always Be Rock And Roll To Me 👍!

[@jennypeasland9586]

I've been a Billy Joel fan for as long as I can remember and l love his songs. They are all very different but it still has his signature on it. I think he's a great performer and despite all the talk about him being a drinker etc. I still love his music.

[@RandyR]

I enjoy Billy and his music. He has made it through the rough times and came out a superstar!

[@CaravanSeraiGypsy]

He has been my favourite since I was a little girl, twirling to his songs with my mum.. so many memories, the emotions his music brings me makes it hard to listen to him at times.. ❤

[@dinobelli6360]

One of the most underrated songwriters. So many great songs. He’s never included in conversations about the greatest pop songwriters of all time, but he’s up there with the best in my opinion.

[@pauldudley8837]

My late grade school years and high school years are filled with Billy Joel's music. When my older brother married his wife in 1980 he sang two Billy Joel songs to her, "I Love You Just the Way You Are" and "My Life" (as a joke.)

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

When I was in high school, the radio stations would play a lot of Billy Joel songs. They would play about four songs per each Billy Joel album. Most singers had to settle for the radio stations playing just one of their songs per album.

[@leafbelly]

Wow! All of that and I'm still not empty inside.

[@oceanbnd]

I love his music and always will. His music brightened my soul and to this day still does.

[@johnmaki3046]

A GREAT TALENT!

[@valteor]

true for me too! 👍

[@AnthonyDiCarlo-ys3kk]

I saw him at the Omni in Atlanta on my 18th birthday in 1978. Great show. He was a one of the most energetic performers I ever saw.

[@edwardmathews9041]

It is no surprise that he doesn't write anymore, he has so many unique tunes already. His creativity is amazing! If they don't like him, they can go on with their own life and leave him alone! His music will live on forever!

[@peterscottodonnell7290]

I love you Billy Joel,thank you for the 1980s music.Your the best.love from Australia.

[@leese.23]

I've been fortunate enough to see Billy Joel in concert three times and one of them was the tour that he did with Elton John which was called Piano men and it was all wonderful the audience loved him he filled stadiums no problem.

[@billyjoel5416]

Thank you for your beautiful words you shared , you make me feel pleasure of how happy and so much joy i gives you with my musics !! where are you streaming from.,?

[@karphin1]

I’m a huge fan of Billy Joel. His songs have so much humanity….that song, Second Wind, touched me, that he would write that, and I’m guessing he saved a few lives with that song. I listen to a “best of” collection, love it. Also love Piano Man. Touches me every time.

[@KeystoneFinancialAcademy]

One of the most gifted songwriters and performers of his generation, and an absolute, undisputed legend. His critics, nothing more than musical trolls and leeches have been forgotten in the dustbins of history, while Billy Joel's music will live on forever.

[@schtuff.8207]

he also won a grammy for best male vocalist, and even last year at MSG he could still sing the high notes in An Innocent Man... SO THERE

[@245194LAC]

Sheer guts, determination and talent. He never gave up when a lot of us would have walked away from all of the garbage that came his way. Talent? Yes. But that backbone of his was carbon steel. But for all of the wars that he fought over the years, I wonder what scars have been left behind and how do those memories affect him when he sits down with his morning coffee? Quite a man.

[@doorguru168888]

I ran into him walking around at a bike show in Diana, Florida. Not many others were around and he was by himself. I couldn't believe it ! I said "Billy Joel ?!" He smiled. He let me give him a hug. It happened so fast. I wish I would have got a selfie. I have always been a fan. A great performer and a great down to earth American.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

He stayed in a B&b where we stayed in blue hill Maine when was there to get his boat built. Most cool. They came through the living room and he had a phone on his belt at a time we didn’t hv Portable phones

[@rhiannonrede]

Hate Billy Joel? Ah hell to the no. Billy's a national treasure.

[@HardRockMiner]

When I clicked this video I was empty inside. I can only go up from here.

[@Tbone51]

Absolutely love his music.

[@hyltonswemmer4824]

will always love all his music - older & newer.............he's the type of Guy who has seen all the lows and all the highs life has to offer so when he speaks let's use our ears........

[@brandonayong5823]

I definitely wish we can still have him for the longest time

[@Manuel-so7mz]

My Life

[@riccardoangeli802]

Per me Piano Man il più brillante songwriter e performer ... Da giovane un talento portentoso ... Unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio

[@grafhilgenhurst9717]

Billy Joel will always be a part of the New York City that I lived in in the late 1980s. Truly a New York kind of guy, in a good way!

[@Robertbrucelockhart]

I thought he was real square when I was young. Now I really appreciate his enormous gift.

[@ironconrad4981]

Thank-you Billy Joel for sharing your gift with us for so many years. I, for one, would love to experience your gift again if you choose. I wish you peace and joy. (PS: You can understand a man by his critics. Those that don't get your expressions of life don't get it. It is unfortunate for them.)

[@janecalandriello8528]

He 's lovable and turned out great in the Long Run!!!

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

My good friend got me into Billy Joel when we were teens. I loved it ever since. He’s one of my favorite singers! At the age of 21, I still enjoy his songs!

[@paulmartin2166]

I love his work. Always have.

[@bryanschmidt7336]

And So It Goes is one of the best songs ever.

[@bigjoe8240]

I’ve always liked Billy Joel and always will. I’ve enjoyed his songs and music for over 40 years now. Keep on rocking Billy .

[@emkkahn]

Seen him twice in concert. Once in the early 1980's and then in the early 2010's... Very different person/entertainer! But then so am I a very different fan. But he still played "Piano Man" to us old foggies to make us dance and sing along...LOL!

[@BrBill]

Billy, from a fellow Bill, let me say that your songs and their internal observations on what you/we do ... got me through high school and college years. Your musical voice has a been a force in my life and many others. You'll never read this, but if you do, thank you for all of it.

[@mainerockflour3462]

Billy Joel's music helped me through the pit falls of adolescence and then adulthood. Life isn't perfect. However, I knew that I wasn't alone. Thank you💖. As for Billy's critics: GO POUND SAND.... Know one will remember you losers as having done anything worthwhile or meaningful. My former Father-in-Law used to tell me: There is one spot on a leopard that you can't change, and that is the one under its tail.😅

[@Vizslamum54321]

I saw him repeatedly growing up and several times since his installation at MSG. He’s just as tremendous as he ever was and his music still resonates today. Billy, we love you! You’re a national treasure, and a musical legend♥️🥰♥️

[@sallytedesco2192]

Billy is amazing. So talented. He's given his fans so much. He's paid a price for his down times but thankfully he's come out on top. I've red two biographies. I hope he has joy, love, and peace for the rest of his days on earth. God bless you, Billy

[@sammy5674]

My dad loved his music. Rest pops il see you one day 😢❤

[@jimhill4725]

Billy Joel will forever be one of my greatest inspirations.

[@freshdugi]

How does this leave me empty inside? It only shows that he is a flawed human, just like all of us.

[@chrissygreig2277]

I love the Piano Man, I love his talent, vision, passion and music which I suspect were born from his rich and eclectic life experiences. 🌹😎🍕🍷🎹

[@davidgaugamela9801]

Before watching this: Billy Joel was one of my favorite all-time pop musicians. He was talented, in command of his craft, and had a unique style. I am interested to hear what this channel has to say that will make me feel empty inside.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Yeah...I kept waiting for that too..... weird.

[@marywells1197]

Billy Joel is so talented! I grew up listening to his music and I love it! I have listened to "Piano Man" so many times that I know all of the lyrics by heart!

[@eamonngaynor5762]

Nobody has a ' perfect"life much has stemmed from personal pain and as a result success prevails billy Joel's music is more than therapeutic if is a miracle message and only those who listen to it will benefit

[@labelle31tobler56]

I love Billy Joel! I think he writes great lyrics and music! I still listen to my cd’s of his music. Rock on Billy Joel!❤🥰🆒

[@billyjoel5416]

Thanks for your love and support all through this times, it’s been a wonderful feeling praying for my fans around the world. Though I rarely comment here on my KZbin pages, I was attracted by the emotions in your comment. I’ll like we get along and stay in touch. Where are you streaming from.🎶🌹

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

She's only 15 fake Joel.

[@wendyhannan2454]

He said, he wasn’t as good as he could be. Really, he’s absolutely brilliant, he’s a great entertainer. I’ve always loved Billy, he’s songs, and music are the best. 🎵

[@keithaoshea567]

As my friend and musician Peter Theodore said, " Billy Joel is a "Treasure." We love you and thanks for the music.

[@cassienorman6275]

Billy Joel lived/lives such a private life that I had no idea of these many struggles Joel endured. God bless him. I love him and his music.

[@cw2256]

What I have found so interesting about Billy Joel's music is that he wrote about events and people he really knew..He is such a great story teller.....thinking about how difficult it is to write a song (or a poem), it's pretty amazing how he has consistently come up with brilliant music AND lyrics. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is genius. Love his music and could listen to him play piano all day!!

[@MaryPinkHair]

hahaha I would take my entire family to see Billy Joel concert.... can't say that about every performer. I love all of his songs and the way he performs them is amazing. He is a classy person. I like, "You Maybe be Right," and "My Life." Two amazing and fun songs I could listen to over and over.

[@TaraMolohon-lb1zn]

He is really talented and I love his voice. Thank you Billy for your voice and I hope you have a wonderful future ahead. You truly rock!!! ❣️🤓

[@gregrosen9616]

I'm with Billy Joel all the way, whatever his choices. He's my hero and I could listen to "The Stranger" and "52nd Street" on a loop forever. I would love to have a drink with him and just talk about music. He's been an important part of my life at 60.

[@gizmoduck1771]

My absolute favorite singer/song writer... God bless Billy Joel...

[@ragingriccor9999]

From learning about Billy.Joel’s situation growing up, I see more depth in the songs Vienna and Rosalinda’s Eyes. They were already 2 of my favorite Billy Joel songs. Now they’re even more valuable.

[@lindamcd1217]

Love Rosa Linda's Eyes also.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

His vocals are woefully underrated.

[@sheripoole489]

Billy is an amazing artist. It is tragic that he has been used and discarded by many. I hope you are at peace on your back nine of life, Billy.

[@adama739]

I've always been a Billy Joel fan. The first album I ever owned was The Stranger. I was 13. I'm 58 now. He is so diverse in his music. It's usually easy to tell it is him by his voice, but he has exhibited so many different styles. With so many band every song is the same. John Fogarty actually got sued for his new song(at the time) sounding too much like his older music. Almost every song he covers is his original music. I think he rarely performs a cover song. He did cover Back In The USSR when he toured the USSR in 1987. Those poor people were absolutely starved for Rock and Roll. They had none under Communism. Billy gave them an awesome show. I'm glad I watched this. It makes him more "real" to me. I'm a recovering alky, so I get that. And as far as his early struggles and suicide attempts, I get that too. From the things I know of the man, including reserving the first few rows of his concerts that he gives away to his devoted fans, instead of letting them go for exorbitant prices, shows me he has love for the common folks. Kudos to the Piano Man.

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

My first Billy Joel was The Stranger album. It plays like a greatest hits album. On the back of the album, in small print, it read, "All words and music written by Billy Joel." When a singer writes all their own songs, it makes the singer look very intelligent.

[@TimmsMJ]

All the sadness in his life, yet he maintains an upbeat attitude. That has to be admired. I love his feelgood music. I do hope the rest of his life is good for him.

[@upstate315er2]

I just saw him 12/19/23 at a sold out MSG…. Christmas time in NYC…. That night I’ll never forget. I’ve never experienced that feeling before about an event and I’m almost 40. Dude is an absolute beloved icon and the whole band was absolutely amazing. Thanks Billy

[@dillondelhoney714]

He's my favorite musician of all time. I love most of his songs .

[@thefool2007]

One of the best musicians and entertainers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Love his work. It’s the music of my life.

[@susanmolnar9606]

His song Angry Young Man is so very prophetic. One greatly written song. Sung with so much passion. Aces BJoel!

[@billybud9557]

One of the 5 Great American Songwriters....capturing one phase of Americana. Well done, Billy

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Don't you mean 6?

[@howtodoitdude1662]

I like how accurately his career is explained.

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

Figuratively thinking, it could never be done-takes a lifetime or more. But now, with AI comin in sTronG, almost NO ONE's gonna ever truly 'get it'. ( Y? No? lol

[@dgcmusi]

The man is a musical Giant..

[@catkeys6911]

A GREAT song writer, musician, and pride of Long Island. -Fellow Long Islander.

[@fredskolnick1183]

Billy Joel in my opinion....is one of the Pop Greats! Billy, pay no attention to the critics!

[@robstramy6982]

He will go down as one of the best entertainers ever. What makes him unique is his ability to know when it's time to quit. Unlike Springsteen, he stopped writing but keeps on playing. He made my early teens bearable. God bless him. I put Segar in the same category as Billy Joel, just not as prolific.

[@frankboff1260]

All I remember about him is that he dumped his wife, Christie Brinkley, because according to him she was ‘too old’. Today she still looks stunning and more importantly happy. I’ve never listened to his stuff again.

[@amyisrael7718]

She dumped him because he was always touring (to pay off the mess Kathryn Weber left for him) and one of his bandmates told her he was cheating, (he says no) and last but not least she wanted to move to the West Coast, while we all know he’s a New Yorker and wanted to stay

[@chevalsauer]

Massive talent, I've enjoyed his music over the years especially in my youth. Its just sad that todays society is so mean, cruel and un-trustworthy, as I've heard countless examples of people - trusted professionals ripping off their clients... So much dis-trust and stealing in the world today - not many with personal standards of honesty and integrity!!!

[@DanielBoonelight]

you might even say, honesty.... is such a lonely word.....

[@alecball68]

Billy you know who you are be there for you people respect you keep it real thanks