Vanderbilt Student Requests Playing For BILLY JOEL The Music And Song Incredible!

[@jackson4socks]

Billy Joel is cool as fuck

[@KevinJStoll]

+jackson4socks Yes, yes he is.....

[@randallbanks1589]

Probably my favorite all time male singer

[@jondaley7223]

jackson4socks try meeting him he's a pric went to hs with my father in hicksville long island he lives in oysterbay goes to my friends restaurant won't give u a autograph or nuthin ..hicksville high school even kicked him out when he came up on his Harley ... lol

[@jonasvandenbilt8476]

Jon Daley I don't give a sh*t 4 ur ex-perience to me he's a friendly guy.

[@patrickmcdaniel7155]

The moment he puts on the shades I knew it's gonna be cool

[@RockAfella73]

My man Billy.. He can sell out football/baseball stadiums but he will still do a small show for some college students.

[@narnzipan]

That's OUR man Billy..... etc.etc.see above. ;o)

[@bherber]

Only if the college pays enough John. Don't kid yourself. For the arena shows you have to pay A LOT more people that just Billy. You have 50 plus people involved in those shows. For these masterclasses, Billy typically only does colleges that have money, many times ivy league schools.

[@michaelsharp8448]

just to really drive the point home...im a stagehand and for a show like billy there might be 100+ gotta remember the crew that builds the stage and all the lighting and video and audio techs plus hte stadium itself then billy and ihs entire crew...evreyone is getting paid from those tickets which is hwy they are so expensive. a show liek this is hceaper because teh students are the stagehands omst likely...although this is vandy so it w might have been crew one guys thta set the stage and whatnot. ive worked vandy stadium a bunch of times over the years...but just to panit a serious picture...CMAfest last year there were close ot maybe 200 stagehands cumulatively over the preshow days...and the post sohw htere was probably 200+ just on the over night gig...its a massive undertaking...i have some awesome pictures still from cmafest...such an experience and so much fun to work and build.

[@justloveu400]

thx man

[@fortminor85]

This should've been titled: "How to Drown in Pussy" with special guest Billy Joel.

[@alanhelms7448]

+Josh Lopez Man that's funny...and hopefully true!

[@JBrooklyn1985]

+Josh Lopez Gold.

[@jol7486]

+Josh Lopez Brilliant!

[@isaiac165]

+Josh Lopez Perfect title Josh!!! Just PERFECT!!!

[@lonerwiththecamera]

Hahahahahahaha!!!!! Truth....

[@YouInDavid]

I can play this song on Spotify.

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

+YouInDavid I laughed out loud. Cheers, kind sir! ^_^

[@conniecartisano6649]

A once-in-a-lifetime moment. Thank you Billy Joel for saying yes, and giving it to him. Wow! I applaud his courage in standing up to ask for the opportunity.

[@tankmaster1018]

Ive been playing piano for 21 years. I literally almost stood up and applauded when Billie Joel asked what key it was going to be in and that guy responded "What key do you want it in?" Thats fucking TALENT man! I wish I could buy this kid a beer...

[@Jesse-cx4si]

*Billy

[@kjoseph8323]

Time, dedication and preparedness meets opportunity and BAM! Lifetime experience.

[@cowboygym]

K Joseph always be prepared for the unexpected....

[@knpstrr]

The amount of hours the pianist (let alone Billy) must have put in (individually) for that moment to happen...awe inspiring.

[@LambeauLeeeper]

K Joseph WELL SAID SIR!!!

[@dfrancer]

How did he walk off stage with those gigantic balls?

[@markaneuber6578]

Donnie Francis no shit

[@hawnma8083]

Billy Joel is a class act. Musician at his finest and giving Michael an opportunity to display his talent. What a gift. Memorable moment to appreciate two fine musicians. Michael definitely has soul to play the way he does. Any real singer would appreciate. Billy’s voice just gets better with time. Bravo!

[@daleg.9673]

It's great that Billy Joel was even playing a little college auditorium like that in the first place.

[@normanchadwick2817]

+Dale G. Similar venue which I saw him for the first time. Early 70's. What a show he puts on. He is a great entertainer beside a great song writer.

[@Phyde4ux]

+Dale G. Vanderbilt can only be called "a little college auditorium" in the Big Apple.

[@ConspiracyMystic]

MAN! Can you IMAGINE playing piano for Billy Joel!?!?! That's like painting a picture for Divinci!..... Wow!

[@irodragon7184]

no its like being the apprentice of god. And since im not religious i hope i prove my point

[@albertoforza7323]

Yes. oh and tha painters name is written Da Vinci.

[@siaripop7]

Da Vinci was an artist, not a painter. You can find painters anywhere; and people who can spell but don't know when spelling is not as important as how one can make a person feel just by being silent....

[@pauanui8391]

+Conspiracy Mystic well said!

[@dtdlookout]

Conspiracy Mystic very true 👍🏻

[@jpracingph]

When Billy says you got chops, YOU"RE GOOD!

[@gelifry1682]

rightta

[@bherber]

Geli were you replying to me? If so I'd love some detail. Rightta doesn't really mean anything.... lol

[@tomkissinger7713]

Bryan Herber

[@sambrook8116]

*MICHAEL POLLACK* 👍👌

[@orgazmodelahandro1902]

jpracingph I thought he was talking about pork chops

[@emdeechetty1828]

and that's why we practice, kids. You never know.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Emdee Chetty i tell my daughter the same thing.

[@MrCrouton80]

Billy Joel is all class.... All class!! And DUDE, Michael Pollack can play piano!!!

[@bherber]

He was only copying what Billy does live.

[@MrCrouton80]

Still takes some talent...

[@bherber]

Nope, that's wrong Granton. I do this full-time.

[@8ytan]

"what key do you do it in?", "what key do you want it in?"

[@derpkidd3922]

Ben F What a nice profile ye got der... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@willieidle8122]

+John Reynolds Any key you want!

[@Brucev7]

"What Song Do Ya Wanna Hear?"

[@tryithere]

Why? Is it locked?

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Ray Charles used to say the same thing.

[@jasonracer3]

Not many superstars would give a chance like this to someone they have never met. For all Billy Joel knew this guy could have a hard time getting through Chopsticks. But he gave him a chance. Thats all a lot of musicians need is a chance to prove themselves. I have always loved Billy Joel but i like him even more after seeing this.

[@normanchadwick2817]

+Jason S Billy said it about the kid, spoken like a true New Yorker. "You got chops kid"

[@bherber]

@Jason - Well if everybody is pointing to him, then they must know he has something going. Billy went with instinct here. He also had nothing to lose. If the kid sucked, then Billy wouldn't look like an idiot, the kid would. Also they probably could have editing out the segment from the program if it was that bad.

[@alienhuman]

Wrong. The producer knew what he was getting. Call it a set-up if you will.

[@bobbielawski2291]

hey girl

[@xtop23]

I knew he'd be good before I heard it. You don't step up to Billy Joel unless you've got your shit wired. Nicely done Michael.

[@Dlogreen]

damn right... i was thinking that too.

[@tmektl27]

xtop23 good point

[@MidwestDrama]

The kid had some big brass ones. But he sure delivered.

[@docrichie9]

And the amazing thing is .... they never rehearsed that. It was all improv, off-the-cuff. Magical.

[@bherber]

Well he was essentially playing what Billy plays live, so Billy was essentially singing to himself. Not rocket science.

[@littledriver8948]

so cooooool!!!!!!

[@canefan17]

There's an art to accompanying someone though. And Billy was a bit out of his element too, singing without his piano.

[@stumbling]

There's no such thing as rocket science, Bryan, it's called, "rocket engineering". Now stop being a kill joy.

[@bherber]

Richard you clearly haven't listened to much live Billy. He's been doing it the same for years. The kid was copying off the records & Billy was singing to himself. Don't pretend like it's improv. What kind of doctor are you anyway?

[@sanic8221]

1:13 That moment when Billy Joel is helping you with the music sheet and Billy Joel comes and help you with the mic.

[@steviesindahouse4903]

LOL !!!

[@LetTheWritersWrite]

Carlos castañeda aispuro that was hilarious.I didn't even notice.

[@craberger1003]

ahahahahahahah

[@ronaldstrohm4378]

Carlos castañeda aispuro y

[@Zenthral]

XDDDDDDDDDD

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

Wow! This had to be a surreal experience for that young guy. Kudos to Billy Joel for being gracious and having a win/win attitude. Some musicians who are the master of their instruments (at least in their genre) might be a little jealous. Billy subscribes to the abundance theory...sharing the spotlight and celebrating this young man's talent. Very cool.

[@toscodav]

+Patrick Parson Workshop Billy Joel jealous? Of this dork? Please buy a clue. Creating music is exponentially harder than covering it.

[@phill0329]

+That "dork" has 37 published songs, and plays piano at the Carlyle in New York. Probably about $7500 a week. Yeah. A dork.

[@toscodav]

phill0329 Never heard of him. Name one hit song by him?

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

phill0329 Cool! Good to hear he is doing well. Neat to see that he writes as well. I'm not going to respond to the angry know-it-all troll, but what I said about his piano playing talent still stands. I wasn't (of course) referring to writing, I complimented him on his playing, which is top notch (one could make an argument that he outplayed Billy Joel). I won't say that, because they are both excellent. As for the troll, his talent seems to be hateful misplaced criticism and arguing with strangers on the internet. Fun! I advise that we ignore this person...pray for them...move on with our lives. : )

[@BobAbbott]

+toscodav Michael Pollack is the kid's name, and when this video was shot 2 years ago at Vanderbilt, he had already been playing numerous NY clubs and recorded with Billy Joel's saxophonist Richie Cannata. As for a hit, well, this video is one. lol

[@anchorskid]

What a generous opportunity Billy Joel gave this young man! He did not disappoint. Michael, you nailed it!! Terrific job!

[@mattdickey2717]

Talk about pressure!! And the guy nailed it. Very well done my friend.

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some Billy Joel fans would check out my acoustic piano & vocal covers of his brilliant compositions ALLENTOWN and VIENNA on my channel in tribute to the master. Live acoustic with no autotune or tech enhancements. Thanks and peace.

[@skipdow3]

I think when Billy Joel claps at your piano playing ability, you have been acknowledged by one of the very best.

[@lilsuzq32]

"OK!" This rates a 100 on a scale of 10 :)

[@kenhackney]

Absolutely incredible!!! I've seen Billy Joel in an Arena Setting and he's great! Here in a small intimate setting where he is interacting more closely with the audience I don't think even he, judging from his initial invitation to Michael, had any clue what magic was about to unfold. He was initially like "Sure, Why Not?". Watched the timeline. It took Billy less than 10 seconds to realize Michael was for real. Afterwards, he was stunned and truly impressed as he praises "I Love it when that Happens!". I love it when someone captures these rare moments of absolute unexpected magic and is able to share it with the rest of us. I cannot express enough praise to both Billy Joel and Michael Pollack!!!

[@Roco101]

Kenneth R. Hackney I

[@SharonGuitar500]

I'm ridiculously jealous of that guy's talent and courage. And Billy is the coolest, just a simple "ok!", and even asks what key he wants to play in.

[@MrDJCoulton]

Fairly strong opening, but that ending was legendary. Holishit.

[@onedirectionstarr98]

you can see the smile on that kids face it sooo bigg

[@kevini4295]

I've always been a fan of Billy Joel, and his stock just went up even more. It was awesome he allowed that student the opportunity to accompany him. Shows his humility.

[@zyxwut321]

That's an older and wiser Billy Joel doing that. Joel was famous for his inflated ego and temper as a younger artist. He's now more secure with himself and his place in history.

[@coolcat6303]

How many guys get to play on stage in front of their music idol? Very cool stuff! Also, goes to show that Billy is really down to earth & doesn't have a huge ego unlike some other celebs.

[@zyxwut321]

That's the benefit of sticking around for decades and becoming a living legend. Thirty year old Billy Joel would not do anything like this. He's cleaned up from the booze, mellowed out and matured into a much more gracious man. That's wonderful to see since he's one of the greatest artists of the 20th century and he's able to spend the latter part of his life mentoring others and enjoying an extended victory lap.

[@franciscokid123]

I like that Billy Joel didn't bat an eye, and said OK! Very cool.

[@zyxwut321]

He's been doing this for almost 50 years. There's very little he hasn't done, seen or been through on a stage.

[@frankcorlett5950]

Nailed it! Kudos to Billy Joel for being supportive.

[@barnabasjones4501]

Hat's off to Mr. Joel for his gracious humility.. Refreshing 😇

[@btofan]

It's wonderful that Billy Joel has finally found the confidence and peace of mind of who he is that allows him to share the spotlight. This is a memory that Michael Pollock will remember all his life.

[@thedys70]

And what's more - it was recorded for the world to see, and Michael has bragging-rights for the rest of his days.

[@vincentgaglio5106]

just so incredible , such Grace shown to this young man for Billy Joel to agree, and it was so awesome

[@gregvanderlaan]

Michael Pollack... remember that name...

[@anthonyneely8675]

He was PREPARED for his opportunity!

[@howardtreesong4860]

Those who are prepared for the moment win the moment when it comes along.

[@robmusser1144]

First at bat in the big leagues and... Home Run!

[@daviddemar8749]

bravo Michael and kudos to Billy Joel for being gracious enough to let the young man share the spotlight/share the love. perhaps Billy Joel remembered that everyone starts out as a rookie

[@thedys70]

David, how good was the pregnant pause while Billy weighed-up the scenario, and the buzz of anticipation from the audience. That's live music, and theatre, all rolled into one delicious moment.

[@robertdoty1894]

OK. I know the guy on the piano is Michael Pollack...but who's the guy singing?

[@MK-ws4tw]

LOL!

[@billdowney6891]

Robert Doty it's Chilly Boel

[@FrankZen]

I think it's the dude from Breaking Bad...

[@schnued]

Robert Doty q

[@tendervittlesdoobiestein2145]

just a guy trying to make a name for himself

[@mrcadaver1971]

Top Notch Mr. Joel !! thats great letting him play for you ..hope we hear him again sometime he is very good

[@salliethompson938]

A star is born! Good luck to Michael Pollack..... Super star.

[@bluetornadicamusic2010]

Wow! Billy Joel is still an awesome singer after all these years

[@cpt203]

Simply fantastic.....fortune favors the prepared and the bold......

[@fringleshnotz]

Damn... When you offer to play PIANO for Billy Joel, you GOT to deliver! And this kid just did! Way to go, buddy.

[@Rickykeyspiano]

God I'm so jealous of that kid! He Killed it! SO fricken awesome. Proud of that guy! He definitely got laid that day too....just sayin.

[@DavoodZeinali]

LOL!

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Richard Kittelstad Yeah he got laid,...by a dude.

[@valveman12]

john smith You have a problem with Gay people?

[@valveman12]

john smith How's your life going. I bet not too well!

[@valveman12]

john smith Your life is about to get even more difficult.

[@rickmcintosh5787]

Billy Joel, is more than amazing he lives through his heart and being good to people is apart of that. I was lucky enough to be at his 65 birthday celebration in the Garden. Some great friends got tickets, (God I love Disney) so we all flew up there, sat in a private box and listened, maybe the best concert, I've ever been to. The young man from Vanderbilt, played the key amazingly. Great show right here.

[@41point2]

A musician friend of mine said the best compliment he could ever get is to hear someone else play his song. This must have been great for both of them. I enjoyed it too :)

[@biffoscot]

What a class act Billy is, so pleased he gave the Kid a chance. He knocked it out the park. Home run.

[@scottrussell2281]

Still love this all these years later. Just great!

[@jasonlilly9704]

To all the people trashing this guy....the dude has probably studied videos of Billy Joel. And his style of playing is similar because that's how Billy Joel imagined it, wrote it, and played it. If he played it any other way, Billy Joel would have told him to get off the stage. But if you want to trash him, put up a video of you playing "New York State of Mind".

[@Katanalord4Real]

If Billy Joel told me that I was gonna do just fine I'd faint on the spot.

[@tlcp53b49]

Takes something special to impress the Piano Man and that was Special.

[@GoodEggs]

The kid is really good also because he knows not to upstage the singer, so important with accompaniment. If the singer gives you the opportunity to show off you take it, but you don't get TOO fancy that you show up the singer because a great performance is collaborative. A few people who get pulled up on stage don't always get that, and it's always really uncomfortable when that happens.

[@y4ukickmydog]

Well Done Billy....class and generosity in one.

[@douglaswilliams6834]

Holy Shit! Playing piano for Billy Joel, in front of an audience. Balls of steel.

[@brysonszy6306]

recorded with a potato

[@sawmesalami]

3000*

[@BloodofPatriots]

Potato Beta.

[@Executiveinvestments-]

that is just so original.

[@gasser5001]

because it matters....its fucking billy joel....you could use a literal potato to record this and it would STILL sound great.

[@derekmmmm]

On tatermax!!

[@emtb9111]

Absolutely beautiful! It is nice when an artist allows a fan to come on stage with them.

[@paulchisholm3305]

Fabulous 👌

[@maqiaoerda]

0:31 the most smooth "OK" ever

[@JMVuko]

Wonderful. Very gracious.

[@monex5]

Pardon my language, but this is f&^king amazing!!! Wow...

[@raysutton3792]

That was BRILLIANT! HUGE shout out to Billy for allowing this to happen. Total CLASS ACT Mr. Billy Joel! To the pianist, WOW brother, YOU WERE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD! Excellent skills and portrayal of the fine work that Billy has endowed us with throughout his illustrious career! This was AMAZING!

[@msk.johnson5102]

Very impressive.

[@egress1977]

Isn't it great to courage in a young person to grab a dream and for a great entertainer be so generous to grant a chance. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

[@LoveFlatfootin1]

Wonderful duet! Billy Joel's still got it after all these years.

[@JackT702]

I know right. I love him so much.

[@bobbielawski2291]

hey girl. by Billy Joel

[@RomesThe59]

i heard if billy joel farts on you, you become a piano pro

[@tyhnbgtyhnbgt]

I give props to billy joel to let the power go...sure you pay to see billy joel,,, but with out contrast and novelty, 40 years of the same ole shit gets old... I love a good change of scenery

[@ArtMonkforHallofFame]

I watched Billy Joel do this at Columbia University in 1994 or 1995. Pulled up a guy named Tom Kitt. same thing happened. Tom Kitt is now famous by the way as a Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Kitt_(musician))

[@Kim4159]

This continues to give me a good feeling. I play it when I need some in this world of ours! So gracious of Billy and this young man's got SKILLZ!

[@collinjamesguitar]

Literally same. Doing it right now after a bad day!

[@billymurph8125]

BRAVO MY FRIEND YOU NAILED THIS ONE SOME DAY YOUR GRAND KIDS WILL WATCH THIS IN AWWWWW... THX BILLY UR A GREAT GUY !!!!!

[@slimjimmy149]

Talent, confidence, and courage to perform in front of people = chops

[@bherber]

Yes Billy said do it in C, but he came up to the digital piano to program it to -2 half steps using the transpose feature which put it in B flat. The kid still did it in C. The digital piano did the automatic work of transposing. For all you folks who are so mesmerized.

[@SuburbanDon]

Bryan Herber Snob.

[@bherber]

Sorry for knowing what I'm talking about Don... Not sure how that makes me a snob

[@SuburbanDon]

Bryan Herber it's that you come across as Mr superior.

[@bherber]

Not really bud. Was just providing a simple explanation to bring it down to earth for people. Maybe if we were talking about cars instead of pianos, you wouldn't hate me as much. Love, Suburban Bryan

[@msflyingfree7]

Thanks for the explanation =) appreciate it.

[@kbear1004]

That kid will never have to worry about getting a date ever again... lucky.

[@bpabustan]

Real musicians support each other, when senior musicians see up and comers this good, they will be willing to support them.

[@ronnietrosclair7091]

Billy Joel gets better with age. Not too many stars can keep what they had.........BJ has it better than he ever has!!

[@BrianTKessler]

I wonder whatever happened to that guy. He probably did okay in music. Michael Pollack probably did, too.

[@Phil-1]

The stuff that dreams are made of!

[@freespeechforthedumb7886]

The monitor engineer that pops out to move the mic out of the way is wearing an All-Blacks rugby jersey, ka pai e hoa.

[@000ROCY000]

God bless both of you!

[@yankeemadden2328]

Wow awesome,

[@gwzapo]

Awesome! Just totally loved watching this!

[@patriciamcclain2413]

Love It!!!!

[@kevs4670]

Billy is a cool dude

[@Fuzcapp]

Man - you gotta have balls to play Billy Joel at Billy Joel.

[@rhyattgere4833]

Every single part of that was amazing! Billy's graciousness, Michael's balls and ability, Billy's impressed comments after. A true moment to remember. I glad it was caught on video.

[@Qrayon]

It's funny. When Bill Clinton was President he invited Billy Joel to come and jam with him. (You might remember that Clinton played sax.) Billy turned him down because he didn't think it would be a very good jam. So this kid beat out the President of the United States in his quest to play with Billy Joel.

[@JohnnyHartley-x4c]

To give a kid this opportunity to get with him , I agree a class act.

[@OneManParade]

What no autotune? Who does Billy Joel think he is?

[@cliffordhart1592]

wow,!! no wonder this guy is held in such high regard. A true master. The piano guy is most excellent!!!

[@chrishall1923]

how the fuck does any moment in life get better than this!? well done, kid.

[@stinkmeaner1603]

"Guy's got chops!" Who's cooler than Billy Joel?

[@tessiecampomanes6851]

Bravo! This talented student didn’t disappoint Billy Joel and for sure Michael didn’t disappoint the audience! Impromptu performance like this surely is truly admirable. Thank you to both of you. Billy Joel you’re magnificent!

[@yfz01]

I don't usually watch the Voice, but I just so happened to stumble upon it, and this guy was singing. Nailed it.

[@what.....meworry7126]

THAT V O I C E !!!! I agree- where MOST fade over time, Billy's voice had developed greater timber in the lower register and his high notes are effortless. Best to you, Billy!!

[@LeadMunitions]

One of the greatest videos of all time!!

[@MrChrissy1r]

Tears to my eyes,, oh ,, yeh,, the tears, are flowing,,, ,,brilliant, what more can be said??!!

[@mikecondos1672]

How do 49 people not like it?

[@thedys70]

Mike, 227 retards who should have been drowned at birth, who probably think "Married at First Sight" is more entertaining than this...

[@lilmissanya1]

Mike Condos Robert O'Neil Quote " I could bring a dump truck full of money to 10 people's houses - 5 of them would be pissed that their driveway was blocked - Seemed appropriate here

[@barrypoupard7009]

One of the most wonderful things I've ever seen -- and heard - on the internet. Thank you for posting.