• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • NEWS+OPINIONS
    • NEWS TO US
    • COLUMNS
      • APPARENT HORIZON
      • DEAR READER
      • Close
    • LONGFORM FEATURES
    • OPINIONS
    • EDITORIAL
    • Close
  • ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
    • FILM
    • MUSIC
    • COMEDY
    • PERFORMING ARTS
    • VISUAL ARTS
    • Close
  • DINING+DRINKING
    • EATS
    • SIPS
    • Close
  • LIFESTYLE
    • CANNABIS
      • TALKING JOINTS MEMO
      • Close
    • WELLNESS
    • GTFO
    • Close
  • STUFF TO DO
  • TICKETS
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT
    • MASTHEAD
    • ADVERTISE
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • Close
  • BECOME A MEMBER

Dig Bos

The Dig - Boston's Only Newspaper

CURRENT STREET EDITION

DIG 23.05 – 4/8/21

REVIEW: BILLY JOEL @ FENWAY PARK, THU 7/16

Written by NINA CORCORAN Posted July 22, 2015 Filed Under: MUSIC, Reviews

Billy Joel 1

Billy Joel has always been an interesting curiosity.

 

“The Piano Man,” a moniker he reportedly has never really cared for, has been a radio staple since the 1970’s, when he was a giant on FM. This is a guy who despite sitting behind a piano was a bonafide rock star in the tradition of Jerry Lee Lewis and, eventually Elton John (who Joel would later tour with before Elton called him out for disappointments in their partnership), who married a super model, once pushed a piano off-stage during a fit of rage in Russia and along the way sold more records than Michael Jackson.

 

Now, at age 66, the Bronx-native with an astounding 33 “Top 40” hits – including, remarkably, “Top Ten” entries in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s – returned to kick off Fenway Park’s concert season with a sell-out for the second consecutive year. This despite, as he admitted before introducing “The Entertainer” (“A record that didn’t sell shit”) not having been on the charts in over twenty years. For all his chart success, Joel has never enjoyed the critical hosanna’s afforded many of his lesser-selling peers, yet on the Fenway stage one thing was abundantly clear.

 

When it comes to the praises of critics or the vagaries of being hip, this man really doesn’t give a shit.

 

Which was just one factor that led to such an enjoyably entertaining show. Joel leads an absolutely knockout band that seems perhaps strengthened by his ongoing Madison Square Garden “residency” – Joel plays the New York City landmark once a month and has said he’ll continue to do so as long as there is demand – able to swing in whatever direction their leader points.

 

Balls out rock n’ roll? How about the undeniable opening salvo’s of “Big Shot” followed by “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)?” Tuneful sentimentality? “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” and “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” both did the trick with references to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, hence drawing a hearty response from a Boston summertime crowd. And for the older aficionado, perhaps a little do wop? “The Longest Time” fits the bill.

 

And that was all within the first ten songs of the night. Hell, he even through in a quick run through “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” for good measure!

 

While the hits just kept coming, equally impressive was Joel’s modesty in delivering them. While his singing was strong and his band tight his banter was humble enough that it was easy to imagine his song introductions working as successfully in a hotel lounge – ironically the setting where his signature “Piano Man” was inspired – as they did in a sold-out sports stadium.

 

This was not to say that anything about this huge spectacle was underplayed. The helicopter effects that introduced “Goodnight Saigon” were outdone only by the cadres of servicemen flanking Joel on either side and joining in on the song’s chorus. The universal fan recognition of “My Life” was prefaced by Joel admitting he’d married for the fourth time and admonishing a fan critic: “If all I did was listen to you I’d still be washing dishes at Nick’s Luncheonette.”

 

Sure, “Keeping The Faith” veered dangerously close to an AARP sing-along, but following closely with the rocking “Sometimes A Fantasy” punched things back up quickly. “Don’t Ask Me Why” gave Joel a chance to do a little Latin-inspired piano workout that fit the song terrifically while “We Didn’t Start The Fire” gave him a chance to stretch his legs, literally, as he stepped out from behind the piano and went to guitar. If “In The Middle Of The Night” threatened to get a little schmaltzy, he remedied that quickly by inserting a bit of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer In The City” in the midst of it. Perfect call in the perfect setting at the perfect time. This is a man who knows what sells.

 

Once Joel cruised into the home stretch, it was a tribute to the songwriter’s catalog that even a casual fan could immediately think of songs he was hoping to hear, and if it was predictable the devotees wouldn’t have it any other way. “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” was greeted like a favorite relative’s arrival at a wedding, and sax man, Mark Rivera, a force all evening, absolutely killed it. The simple act of donning a harmonica for “Piano Man” drew wild applause before Joel sang it without a trace of boredom for such an established warhorse.

 

By the time he concluded with his classic “Only The Good Die Young”, a tale of teenage frustration whose target, “Virginia”, could be a first cousin to Bruce Springsteen’s “Rosalita”, Joel had, in the true spirit of the venue, touched all the bases. And, on this night at least, one critic was in his corner.

NINA CORCORAN
More from author
  • NINA CORCORAN
    https://digboston.com/author/nina-corcoran/
    WHEEL OF TUNES: JULIA HOLTER
  • NINA CORCORAN
    https://digboston.com/author/nina-corcoran/
    WHEEL OF TUNES: PANDA BEAR
  • NINA CORCORAN
    https://digboston.com/author/nina-corcoran/
    WHEEL OF TUNES: HOP ALONG
  • NINA CORCORAN
    https://digboston.com/author/nina-corcoran/
    THE BEST LOCAL EPS OF 2018

Filed Under: MUSIC, Reviews Tagged With: Billy Joel, Boston, Dig, DigBoston, fenway park, live, review

WHAT’S NEW

PICS & RECAP: JUSTICE 4 DUANTE WRIGHT JUSTICE 4 ALL EMERGENCY RALLY 

PICS & RECAP: JUSTICE 4 DUANTE WRIGHT JUSTICE 4 ALL EMERGENCY RALLY 

A SHORT DOC ABOUT HOW DIGBOSTON WEATHERED A PANDEMIC YEAR

A SHORT DOC ABOUT HOW DIGBOSTON WEATHERED A PANDEMIC YEAR

FULL PARKING ENFORCEMENT RETURNS TO BOSTON, BLUEBIKES STILL AVAIL FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS

FULL PARKING ENFORCEMENT RETURNS TO BOSTON, BLUEBIKES STILL AVAIL FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS

EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY FOR DAUNTE WRIGHT

EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY FOR DAUNTE WRIGHT

POLITICIANS GET IN LINE TO CALL FOR BOSTON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY

POLITICIANS GET IN LINE TO CALL FOR BOSTON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY

PARENTS RELEASE AN ANALYSIS OF BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDRAISING INEQUITIES

PARENTS RELEASE AN ANALYSIS OF BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDRAISING INEQUITIES

Primary Sidebar

HEMPIRE FREEDOM PACK 25% OFF

FEATURED EVENT

Most Popular

  • VACCINE EQUITY NOW! COALITION ASKS BAKER TO ALLOCATE 20% OF NEW DOSES TO HARD HIT COMMUNITIES by SHIRA LAUCHAROEN
  • rally to protest discrimination and crimes against Asian and Pacific islanders during Stop Asian Hate rally on Boston Common in Boston PICS & RECAP: “STOP ASIAN HATE BOSTON” RALLY ON THE COMMON by KEIKO HIROMI
  • IF YOU’RE SURPRISED THE BPD CODDLED AN ACCUSED MOLESTER COP, YOU’RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION by CHRIS FARAONE
  • A FAREWELL TRIBUTE (OF SORTS) TO MARTY WALSH by DIG STAFF
  • THE MYSTERY OF CHEZ TORTONI by CHRISTOPHER EHLERS

READ CURRENT MEMBER EDITION

DIG Member 2.1 – March 2021

READ CURRENT STREET ISSUE

DIG 23.05 – 4/8/21

Footer

digbos

digbos
“My administration is doubling down on our work “My administration is doubling down on our work to stand up the #Boston Office of #Police Accountability and Transparency.” https://digboston.com/politicians-get-in-line-to-call-for-boston-police-accountability/ #politics #Massachusetts
This week is your last chance to hit up Mooby’s This week is your last chance to hit up Mooby’s in #Boston … https://digboston.com/moobys-boston-how-kevin-smith-has-brought-his-pick-up-experience-to-10-cities-during-the-pandemic/ #fan #popup #fun #restaurant #movie #Massachusetts #snoochieboochies
The group is asking that polices address the dispa The group is asking that polices address the disparities the #data has revealed. https://digboston.com/parents-release-an-analysis-of-boston-public-school-fundraising-inequities/ #education #school #public #study #fundraising #racism #Boston #Massachusetts
“We’re not going to survive for 20 more years “We’re not going to survive for 20 more years if we don’t do this [move to a bigger space].” https://digboston.com/how-juliet-hit-a-100k-kickstarter-goal-in-4-days/ #restaurant #business #food #crowdfund #SomervilleMA #coronavirus #COVID19
EDITORIAL: DIGBOSTON SEEKS CLIMATE IDEAS FOR MAYOR EDITORIAL: DIGBOSTON SEEKS CLIMATE IDEAS FOR MAYOR KIM JANEY. Environmental organizations and individual activists invited to submit opinion articles for publication. https://digboston.com/editorial-digboston-seeks-climate-ideas-for-mayor-kim-janey/ #politics @boston_mayor #environment #globalwarming #climate #activist #callforsubmissions #policy #Boston #Massachusetts
“Most are some of my favorite bars or local clas “Most are some of my favorite bars or local classics that I’ve learned to love in my time living in the city. Others just have a great facade that I know would make a great drawing.” https://digboston.com/drawn-but-not-forgotten-local-artist-sketches-beloved-boston-restaurants/ #art #artist #sketch #drawing #Boston #Massachusetts #bar #restaurant
Despite #pandemic hurdles, Mass #music instructors Despite #pandemic hurdles, Mass #music instructors hit new high notes. “My #teaching has gone to another level.” https://digboston.com/the-medium-is-the-maestro/ #education #Massachusetts #coronavirus #COVID19
From the podcast to the book, Wayne Federman chron From the podcast to the book, Wayne Federman chronicles the business of joke-telling. https://digboston.com/the-history-of-stand-up-from-mark-twain-to-dave-chappelle/ #comedy #history #book #interview #Boston #Massachusetts
“I’m calling on some of you to drop by a local “I’m calling on some of you to drop by a local field office and hear what people have to say.” https://digboston.com/dear-reader-the-political-season-is-upon-us-embrace-it/ #politics #commentary #election #Massachusetts
“I think most people agree that we want our publ “I think most people agree that we want our public dollars to go to those companies that are not cutting corners.” https://digboston.com/bill-seeks-to-penalize-contractors-for-unsafe-conditions/ #politics #legislation #construction #safety #labor #Massachusetts
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Social Buttons

DigBoston facebook DigBoston Twitter DigBoston Instagram

Masthead

About

Submissions

Advertise

Privacy Policy

Customer Service

Distribution

About Us

DigBoston is a one-stop nexus for everything worth doing or knowing in the Boston area. It's an alt-weekly, it's a website, it's an e-mail blast, it's a twitter account, it's that cool party that you were at last night ... hey, you're reading it, so it's gotta be good. For advertising inquiries: [email protected] To reach Editorial: [email protected] For internship opportunities: [email protected]