FIRST TIME HEARING Billy Joel Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (Live) | REACTION

[@shawnburkhart3463]

Piano Man may be his biggest song but this is his masterpiece if you ask me. Just a genius going to work and telling us a story

[@johnthegreek5836]

I agree with you completely

[@lynne8346]

I heard Billy Joel on an interview say this is his favorite song he ever wrote

[@loadedorygun]

Yeah piano man the album is good but the song itself is lame. This from the stranger is much more creative and the stranger album might be his best.

[@Jayscollo]

I love Piano Man but Scenes From an Italian Restaurant is def my fav Billy Joel song, it a beautiful mix of everything I love about his music rolled into a masterpiece of storytelling! I was lucky enough to see him live 2 times! The 1st time was in NY At Madison Square Garden and durning this song the sax was mind blowing loud I turned around and there he was playing in the aisle right in front of me. A moment I will always remember.

[@jamiepasquariello2652]

​@@loadedorygunit's definitely not lame. It paints a picture of that bar, and the characters were real

[@dkxkee]

If this is your first Billy Joel, strap yourself in. He has about 60 worthy of a reaction. Pull up a list and just throw a dart. Anything it lands on will be a banger.

[@rickwelch8464]

Best way to say it.

[@nyrocks5580]

Yep, that is no exaggeration. Dozens of songs I could always listen to. Plus, he wrote his own lyrics AND music.

[@TrashWerewolf]

If you weren't impressed enough with the performance already, at some point about halfway through the performance you'll see Billy shaking his left hand while playing. That's because he was still recovering from a BROKEN THUMB and was still playing a full concert!! Total badass!!!

[@norme10]

The sax guy is Mark Rivera. This was about the time he took over as Billy's full time horn guy.

[@seanscanlon9067]

I remember having this concert from 1982 on VHS when Mark was the newbie in the band, so it seems funny now that he is the only one who still is in the band today and the current longest serving member.

[@marieaug9322]

Hes as entertaining as Tinas horn guy. Wonderful

[@par500dragon7]

Billy Joel is an incredibly gifted songwriter. He's classically trained on the piano, and uses that knowledge in his compositions. Every song is a story, with poetry for lyrics.

[@angelark2011]

I totally agree. I have been a billy joel fan for over 30 years.

[@par500dragon7]

@@angelark2011 ... he was a huge part of my growing up years. I was really into singer/songwriters like Billy, Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Diamond and others. (I'm old!)

[@judydubiel]

First time hearing BILLY JOEL 😮!! You’ll love EVERYTHING he does … he’s amazing

[@MN_Cozy]

AMEN!!❤

[@danivansuperstar]

Billy is just too good for the rest of us "regular" musicians on earth. This is one of Billy's masterpieces, because he doesn't just have one masterpiece, but maybe, just maybe this is the top. It's the tempo changes, the chord progressions, the vocal, and Mark Rivera on the sax. OMG. Not only is Mark Riv an amazing player, but he's a wonderful showman, too. Still tours with Billy, as far as I know, as of a few years back at least. Billy is just ... well ... the best songwriter of my time, at least for me. Thanks for reacting to the great Billy Joel.

[@AudioVile]

Great artist, KILLER album. I have always had a sweet spot for Billy Joel. This is a great example of musical storytelling.

[@robertpearson8798]

I usually think that it’s better to listen to the studio version of a song first but this is a rare example of the exception to that rule. This live version kicks butt.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

It's so hard for me to imagine not knowing who Billy Joel is and hearing this song for the first time (since he's been part of the backdrop of my whole life). It must be mind blowing to experience for the first time.

[@marybolletta1106]

I agree! We grew up with him I thought ,oh boy is he gonna be blown away if this is his first listen.

[@alishagrossman4080]

Welcome to the Billy Joel rabbit hole! He’s a genius! ❤

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Great song, and even better performance. Thank you for doing this version. The studio version is great, but this particular performance really shows off Billy's talent.

[@firstnamelastname6193]

Hearing someone say they have never listened to a Billy Joel song is the equivalent of hearing someone say they have never breathed air.

[@dklabratful]

Even more astonishing, Billy played this amazing performance with a broken thumb. You can see it’s taped up and he shakes his hand to ease it a couple of times. An absolute genius.

[@Nick_Barone]

Bruhhhhh!!!!! Go down this rabbit hole…

[@jamishops]

Richie Cannata left the band in 1981. Mark Rivera replaced him and that is who you see here. Mark is a great player and has amazing energy onstage. He still plays with Billy to this day. Mark has also toured with Foreigner, Daryl Hall and is the musical director for Rngo Starr. The drummer is Liberty Devitto. Liberty and Billy parted ways in 2006 after 30 years of playing together. Thanks for the great reaction. Billy will never disappoint. Enjoy The Stranger it is one of the best albums out there.

[@nickrizzi4927]

Mark is great at so many things. Richie is too. Two great talents and Billy knows it! Broke my heart over Liberty, cause love both. Happy New year.

[@jamesdamico9284]

Broke my heart also. Would love to see them play together even just one more time

[@AudioVile]

Man, I enjoyed your reaction ALMOST as much as the performance!! Of course, I've heard this many times (studio and this live version, which is the best!), so I was more interested in your reaction. You SO obviously loved this that I was smiling watching you!! Did this have some amazing energy or WHAT????

[@benjammin7729]

I’m so glad you found Billy Joel bro!

[@katherinebosse5706]

Can’t believe you are doing 2 of the best albums..ever…this week-end, Abby Road and the Stranger! Throw on Tea for the Tillerman and the Travelling Willburys (part 1) and you’ve got music for the ages..for sure! All I can say is, you are in for a treat…so Enjoy!!

[@nickrizzi4927]

Billy has been quoted to say he plays piano as a percussion instrument. Billy is platinum and that band is hidden gold. Great reaction!!

[@paulbiz8708]

It amazes me people are still discovering Billy Joel’s music. I’m so happy that the younger generation is enjoying the piano man.

[@blkrhino7961]

"What just happened?" I've heard this song a million times and I still can't answer that question.

[@skyblue9515]

You just watched & listened to a legend😊

[@jodij6280]

Agree. The rabbit hole is deep.

[@againandagainau]

The myth is that Joel is really a musical Jedi and this performance is actually like him using the force like a Luke Skywalker projection of himself on stage playing piano while the real Billy is flying down a highway somewhere on his chopper.

[@sallyhallada]

We’d dance to The Bee Gees at the clubs and hang out with friends listening to Billy Joel - I Loved Those Days - we were spoiled rotten!! Saw him the first time he played MSG in 1978 - this song still gives me chills!!

[@anastasiabeaverhausen2647]

the good old days... stay groovy

[@gregcobb4066]

Chills watching you react

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

Back in the late 70's /early 80's, my 2 older brothers would play stickball in the street in front of our house with their friends, while this song and the rest of the songs on this album would play on their 8-track player. I would sit on the curb as their little sister, and watch them, while this song played. To this day, at almost 50 years old, I cannot hear this song or any others from this album and not picture this scene in front of our house. ❤

[@seanscanlon9067]

Years later on Billy's An Innocent Man album from 1983, the final track is called Keeping the Faith and includes the verse: Learned stickball as a formal education Lost a lot of fights but it taught me how to lose ok Oh, I heard about sex but not enough I found you could dance and still look tough anyway Oh, yes I did

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

@@seanscanlon9067 Ha! Good call!! 👍🏻

[@gingers.5933]

Next up, the live version of "New York State of Mind" (from Old Grey Whistle Test). You will not be disappointed,

[@lindastinehart2112]

Billy Joel always has the best and his band also Brilliant ❤

[@SCharlesDennicon]

Sheer talent + unparalleled energy + 80's positive attitude = this.

[@dracarys2015]

I was 10 years old in 1983. My parents bought my first concert ticket and it was Billy Joel. I remember thinking this is so lame, my parents bought this ticket to this dorks concert. I enjoyed myself far more than I should have at 11 years old and thought he was pretty cool. Now that I am 50 and have enjoyed and explored his music for so many years, I realize that Billy Joel is the GOAT. His lyrics, his timing, his musical presence...all absolutely unmatched by anyone, period full stop. The man does it all. Every type of music and genre, he kills it. Enjoy this Rabbit Hole. Goodnight Saigon, Allentown, We Didn't Start the Fire, It's All About Soul. I could go on and on but you will understand when you listen. This was a treat! Thank you!

[@anastasiabeaverhausen2647]

I love your comment and had the exact reaction in reverse. Same years same ages, but i'm the one who took my parents to a billy Joel concert. They were instant fans. Billy Joel Forever!

[@shred3005]

The Stranger album was the very first album I owned on vinyl back in the day. I was a teenager and have fond memories. Love this song - a whole life story in it. The studio version is better musically if you’re happy to live without live visuals

[@barbraseville8984]

Your joy and astonishment by this epic work has made my day! Subscribed!

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

This and "GOODNIGHT SAIGON" are my favorite songs of Billy Joel ❤

[@maryhuhnke4706]

Marc Rivera is your Saxophone player and Yes the drummer is Liberty Devito. The several "switch ups" are often compared to Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@carolinasbeauty]

This isn't simply a song/story...it's an experience! Saw Billy in concert the first time in '78 (in NC) and fell in love with him!

[@rogethedogde]

Almost every song from the 1977 "The Stranger" album is worth listening to. Another great album is the 1983 album titled "An Innocent Man" with great songs like "Uptown Girl", "The Longest Time", "Keeping the Faith" and of course "An Innocent Man". Good luck with this rabbit hole.

[@lizgray5750]

I loved Billy from the first time I heard him in the 70’s

[@kevinwalsh9788]

" We Didn't Start the Fire " is also impactful but you can't go wrong with any of Billy 's Brilliant Song Writing.

[@mitchelllindgren1215]

Oh man - you opened up the Billy Joel catalog. There is a reason his greatest hits is a double album! I bought his first album when it came out and I was hooked. The best song writer, piano player, performer ever. Enjoy this journey. It’s amazing.

[@shelbykatherine0712]

I just saw Billy Joel in concert last week and it was an AMAZING experience. It was something that has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. Even in his 70s, he is an incredible performer.

[@michaelboucher1272]

I can't tell you more cause I told you already.... This was my favorite song from the album The Stranger. The whole album was great and was my first intro to Billy Joel and I was hooked. Many great songs followed and it was good to hear this song again. You should watch him do Goodnight Saigon live with Vietnam vets on stage singing with him. A great tribute to a band of brothers in war and what they experienced. Check it out

[@scm0717]

I remember seeing him in concert a few times and he would bring out local vets to sing the chorus in Goodnight Saigon. I'm getting chills thinking about it. What a song.

[@realitybytez]

the stranger was my favorite billy joel album, and yes - this was my favorite song on the album. this was an outstanding live performance.

[@charlieh3998]

This is music

[@scm0717]

This is your first reaction? WOW! This is a great song to get started with, but PIANO MAN is his song and the one you need to react to next. Another really good early one is Captain Jack. Billy toured with Elton John in the 90's for a little bit. The concert was called dueling pianos. EXCELLENT concert! Billy Joel is from Long Island, like I am. Lots of Italian Restaurants and I know the area he's singing about. Billy was a nut at his concerts. I love that they opened the red wine and toasted each other while Billy started the song. Love this video.

[@laurakali6522]

Perfect song about nostalgia.

[@rebeccalipps23]

I lived in a little apartment, during college & there was a small Italian restaurant down the street that I frequented at least once a week. Mama worked in the kitchen, but would always serve me my lasagne with half red & half white sauce. Such good food & not very expensive. They also owned the laundromat across the street. Mama would try to give me quarters for my laundry taped to my leftovers box, but I wouldn't take them. Laundry & dinner for two nights

[@angielofton6372]

The sax player was Mark Rivera, his musical director. Yes, that was Liberty DeVito on the drums. Richie toured with Billy early on but doesn’t anymore.

[@dagmar.6954]

Billy Joel is a great singer songwriter & composer from the 70's-90's. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has so many hits over the years. "Piano Man" is a great storytelling song. The whole "Stranger" album is great & one of my favorites. It has the songs "Just The Way You Are", "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Only The Good Die Young", "She's Always A Woman" etc.

[@lorioday8528]

Finally!!

[@steveullrich7737]

A masterpiece of storytelling to music.

[@charlesyateschalfant]

One of the greatest pop songs ever written.

[@beverlybrown2673]

Billy is right up there with Paul Simon, Dylan and a few others when it comes to writing lyrics and music, then playing, arranging and producing that music. He's also a pretty good vocalist with great stage presence. That's why he still sells out MSG at 74.

[@pat_in_va8605]

The concert to end all shows that I went to was when Billy Joel and Elton John toured together. The piano playing alone was to die for from those two wonderful musicians, then their bands just topped it off for concert greatness.

[@diannklotzbier7447]

YES! I saw it too in Indianapolis, IN.

[@kendralandry7855]

Piano Man and New York State of Mind are my faves!

[@iainsmith2434]

You will find Richie played on the album as did the rest of the band in this performance, but the sax player is Mark Rivera, this looks like 1981 he is still there in 2023.

[@johnlove7224]

Thank God I lived, daily, with music from the 70s, 80’s, and early 90’s!!!!

[@davidspring5013]

in an interveiw Billy said this was his favorite song and sincw hw had hundreds, thats saying something good start but this is the entrance to the rabbit hole!

[@coachjdc]

Welcome to the Piano Man

[@paulrt3]

Billy Joel (Born in the Bronx but grew up in Long Island), is a great performer and song writer. He has released some 14 albums from 1971 to 1993. Some of his biggest hits throughout his career are: "Piano Man", "The River of Dreams", "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", "Honesty", "Just the Way You Are", "Only the Good Die Young", and many more.

[@thomasripley1548]

Loved billy and Elton together in concert doing each others songs....

[@LisaThomas-xz3ki]

Now you understand why us old folks say we had THE best music.

[@sherry640]

Billy Joel is one of the OG “legends” of music. So much amazing music from him to even know where to start. Man could play his hits for hours & hours & never play any of them twice. Enjoy it all. It is a wonderful journey down a very deep rabbit hole.

[@reborndaughter445]

Billy's greatest performance IMHO. I actually watch this all the time because I enjoy it so much. Billy has said that this is his fave song and loves to perform it. Um, ya Billy, we get that. He has an excellent library. So glad you loved it!

[@robertkern9911]

This was my request and I actually worked this show as stagehand Worked both the Nassau Coliseum and Jones Beach Theater for 40 years on and off

[@barryhickman6911]

I LOVE how this song goes full circle about the couple! AMAZING song!

[@cmholmes1067]

Billy Joel is awesome and this is probably my favorite song by him!

[@jamierobson8825]

I was obsessed with this song & this album when it first came out! Such a killer track - plays like a medley of a few songs, all of them great. The sax & clarinet is top notch, and Billy just killing the piano, as usual. Great reaction, man!

[@annamariadelillo2916]

What a great song, isn't it?!! Billy Joel is so talented and I love watching him play the piano. He has so much fun! You really need to watch the live version of New York State of Mind (from Old Grey Whistle Test). He was so young, his hair is longer and he's smoking and wearing sunglasses as he starts to play the piano. Billy Joel has a HUGE catalog of songs - you'll love all of them!!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great songwriter and performer. Tons of really great songs.

[@yinzer]

He's so great live.

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

Gosh this brings back memories! Late 70's!

[@janeramirez8767]

Billy Joel is one of the greatest lyricists of his time. Please treat us (and yourself) to more!

[@Noelle0026]

Vienna is also a great song off this album

[@williamschrom1584]

Billy Joel, the consummate pianist! The epitome of the piano man!

[@lisahaverluk4037]

You won't be disappointed....his music is so different 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@edwardcrews2952]

Hitmaker and legend. Thank you for opening this door of great music

[@beadybaby]

One of the best songs, any time, by anyone. Also, glass houses is one of my favorite albums ever, even more than the stranger, which is this song is on. The nylon curtain is also fucking fabulous.

[@Pixelologist]

Richie Cannata was Billy's sax player for a lot of years. It hurt when he left the band but his successor, Mark Rivera (who we see in this live performance) quickly established himself as a favorite.

[@chris...9497]

Notice Billy Joel is shaking his left hand while his singing allows him a break from playing piano. Notice as well that his left thumb has something white on it. He had recently been in a motorcycle accident, where he broke his thumb. He's playing a concert performance with A BROKEN THUMB. BEAUTIFULLY.

[@charliestilton1680]

Genius. Just freaking genius.

[@meganstarling390]

One word needed... Genius.

[@Movidude74]

It will be part of the whole album coverage, but I wish that Vienna would have its own reaction on Main. My favorite Billy Joel song.

[@nedrini1055]

Quite a rabbit hole, you are about to go down. Billy Joel is one of the greatest artists of my generation.

[@lrsrosebud]

Great song! Great reaction! This is a great rabbit hole to go down, you won’t regret it! I got to see him in concert back in the mid eighties, it was awesome!

[@jenbyrne1683]

When my mom married my step-dad i was about 8 years old. He was in the Navy and moved us to San Diego. We were so happy. We didn't have a lot. We drove around in a little convertible singing along to our favorite album. The Stranger. Every song brings back wonderful memories of starting over. My step-dad ( who was the best dad ever ) passed a few years ago. I miss him dearly, and when i do i pop on this album and I'm taken back. There are so many songs Billy Joel has that brings me back but this album makes me laugh and cry and it means so much to me

[@rustyknyffe88]

SUPER performance and Billy Joel is so underrated as an artist. EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lindamaclellan4899]

Hi Salvo! Thanks so much for reacting to Billy Joel whose huge catalog of songs have been a part of my life for almost 50 years. As others have recommended, "Piano Man" might be a good song for your next reaction. I always prefer the live performance when it comes to this MASTER storyteller, poet, composer, musician, and vocalist! He is a legend who is still going strong...saw him pre-pandemic at one of his sold-out concerts in NYC...PERFECTION! In the future, you might enjoy any of the live performances he did with his good friend ELTON JOHN (you just reacted to ELTON) while they went on tour together. Their live performances at Madison Square Garden will blow your mind! TWO GENIUSES having the time of their lives!!

[@robertkern9911]

If you go through Billys discography you will discover he can sing most any genre This song is like a Beatles song in the way it changes Others will remind you of others he grew up listening to and again this song has special meaning to those of us Growing up on LI in the 60s and especially those from Levittown

[@suzanneprock7286]

I love Billy Joel, he was one of my favorites. I saw him twice in the 70's then saw him again when he toured with Elton John in 1996, they were great together.

[@dandub2121]

LOVE Billy. This is actually one of my favorite songs by him. Seen him many times in concert. Always amazing. ❤ Billy is one of the best storytellers ever and most of his songs are like that. Please listen to more. He has some amazing songs !!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Probably the best writer and arranger in the history of rock/folk music. It's just insane how good that song is, just on arrangement alone. Then the performance kicks in...

[@Pushindazees]

First time hearing Billy Joel????? I thought everyone had at least heard PIANO MAN. Like Sweet Caroline from Neil Diamond and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody it has to be one of the top sing-along songs in the world!

[@jodij6280]

Ahh, Neil Diamond. ~sigh~ He was my favorite artist back in the day. Then I found Styx and Pink Floyd. lol!

[@jessplays32]

One thing you need to know is Billy is a story teller. I love his storytelling.

[@barbarino2000]

Elton John and Billy Joel have toured together for many years. The two best singer songwriter piano men of our time.

[@carriesmith742]

This album came out the year I was born! My mom was a huge fan of Billy Joel, Chicago, Phil Collins and Air Supply. I picked up her influences. My brother's favorite song was "Keepin' the Faith" and my mom's was "She's Always A Woman"

[@joelliebler5690]

This was the album that made Billy a national and international superstar! Every song with the exception of one tune are unforgettable Hall of Fane worthy on their own. This song just tops them all!This was not a hit single just the tune that fans and radio disc jockeys loved and played on the radio all the time. It tells the story of New York people with the heart and soul of reality!Matk Rivera who plays the sax in concert is multitalented and fantastic in concert!

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

I love Billy, and how he ends this song with the sax is so perfect.

[@wordgiesworld5483]

I’ve been a Billy Joel fan since Glass Houses. I love his writing, vocal styling, energy, his band…the total package. My youngest daughter is 19 now, and of course into Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and all the current pop stars. A few years ago I come home and this song is playing through her Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom. At a volume I typically listen to music. She gets out of the bathroom and I’m like “hey…when did you start listening to good music?” “This is the best album I’ve ever heard”. She still listens to the current stuff, but at least she appreciates greatness. Cheers!

[@debbiechang5781]

You have just witnessed musical genius at its best. Billy Joel is an American treasure. Singer/poet/composer/lyricist/world class pianist and generally amazingly creative. It doesn’t get much better. Great reaction 🌺✌️

[@dianecostanza]

There’s a reason Billy is called the Piano Man. The Stranger album was our whole childhood back in 77 on Long Island. Everyone I knew could sh every song on the album.

[@FeaturingRob]

So many of the greatest songs of the 1970s and 1980s were by Billy Joel. A born storyteller with a gift of words and classical piano training. There is an incredibly deep dive of amazing tunes ahead of you! - Piano Man - Honesty - It's Still Rock And Roll To Me - New York State Of Mind - My Life - River Of Dreams - Goodnight Saigon - Summer, Highland Falls| - Baby Grand (duet with Ray Charles) These are some of my favorites! Have fun, dude!!!

[@jodij6280]

Movin' Out and Only The Good Die Young are mine.