In the early days of 2022, the legendary musician Billy Joel released a single titled ‘Turn the Lights Back On.’ This move sparked a wave of excitement among his fanbase who were eagerly waiting to see if this would lead to his first studio album since the launch of ‘River of Dreams’ in 1993. However, when confronted with this question by the popular entertainment publication, Variety, Joel’s response was skeptical, saying, ‘Who even makes albums these days?’ His UK fans, for the time being, are satisfying their craving for his music with a solitary concert at Cardiff Stadium.
Recognized for his superior songwriting abilities and unmatched musicianship, Joel’s greatest accomplishments can proudly stand side by side with some of the music industry’s timeless classics. He made the decision to quit producing albums in 1993, not due to dwindling creativity or passion, but as a result of a self-imposed high standard. He once elucidated, ‘I stopped because I couldn’t meet the high bar I had set for myself.’
An anecdote from Joel’s conversations with Sir Elton John further embodies his unwavering authenticity. Elton often prodded Joel about making more albums, to which Joel humorously retorted, ‘shouldn’t you be making fewer albums?’ This back-and-forth neatly encapsulates his candid sense of self-awareness.
Joel’s career after 1993 has been marked by a prowess for live performances rather than studio recordings. Known for his dedication to fellow musicians and his insistence on enjoyment in the process of making music, his mantra goes, ‘if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.’ His body of work, characterized by its blend of romantic and sardonic elements never fails to resonate with listeners.
From the striking energy of ‘My Life’ to the grand narratives of ‘Scenes From an Italian Restaurant’ and ‘Vienna’, Joel creates music that captivates audiences. His last notable song, ‘Famous Last Words’, was a part of the ‘Storm Front’ album in 1993, with prophetic lyrics about his own journey in the landscape of music.
In the winter of 1990, Joel gave an interview for the Irish publication, Hot Press. I was 28 at the time, experiencing my first taste of America, while sitting in a dispassionate Detroit arena where Joel was to perform after a disappointing result at the Grammys the previous evening. Joel’s global hit, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’, had been up for three awards but had gone home empty-handed.
Not long after, I found myself sat across from Billy Joel in a quiet hotel bar, a moment of pure astonishment. Suddenly, our scheduled interview seemed hours away. Greeting me with a simple ‘Siddown,’ Joel explained how he made it to the bar faster than me – by having a quick change in a police escorted van, right after his performance.
Throughout the conversation, Joel showcased his quick wit and grounded nature, even when discussing grave matters. When the topic of the Grammys came up again, he brushed off the defeat and described the trophy as nothing more than a knock-off that could be procured for a mere 20 dollars. He jovially exclaimed, ‘It doesn’t make you a better songwriter.’
Joel’s demeanor became particularly animated when discussing his track, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’, which he laughingly referred to as a ‘laundry list.’ This was initially conceived as a rap song, causing a surprised Billy to mock the concept. The night wore on and as the drinks flowed, the bar began to fill up with the musician’s band and crew.
One particularly engaging character was Rocco, a childhood friend from Joel’s native town of Hicksville. Famed for his brawn, Rocco functioned as a vehement buffer against the onslaught of the recording company’s relentless demands. Billy joked about how Rocco could create the most ludicrous of excuses to keep the record company away.
Back at the time, Joel was wedded to supermodel Christie Brinkley. During our conversation, he’d periodically excuse himself to catch up with his wife who was away in Hawaii. Joel described Hawaii as an ideal escape and jokingly mentioned the impossibility of having a marital dispute in such a paradise.
Returning to his seat, Joel sported a dapper suit and a snug curl-top haircut, a reflection of his Italian and Jewish heritage. This mixed cultural identity shone bright in his humor that was rooted in self-depreciation and allowed him to laugh at the absurd contrast of his upbringing.
The following morning still carried signs of the previous night’s drinks. My pounding headache was abruptly interrupted by Billy’s tour manager rushing towards me, accusing me of ruining his star’s voice. The continuous shows and late-night merriment had taken a toll on Billy’s vocals.
Later that day, even amidst his raspy voice and the delay, Joel still managed to fumble through what was to be our scheduled interview. He could only laugh grimly at his condition and resigned himself to the fact that he had to perform three more shows in an exhausted state.
To this date, fans reminisce about his timeless body of work and his authenticity, regardless of the hiatus from album production. Whether we may have a future album to look forward to remains uncertain. Meanwhile, his loyal fanbase continues to revel in the magic of his melodies.
The legendary Billy Joel is scheduled to enthrall the audience at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, tonight with his soulful delivery. As fans pour in, yearning for a taste of his riveting performances, the atmosphere promises to reverberate with faint echoes of nostalgia and aplomb.