John and Joel:  Big Shots on the Big Stage

By Merle Steinmann
Contributing Writer

Over 20,000 appreciative fans were treated to a fantastic evening by Sir Elton John and Billy Joel last Saturday. After a short wait, we were treated to four hours of great music—music that transcends generations, cultures, styles and tastes.

The suspense was worthwhile. John and Joel were each and both a powerful presence when they walked on stage. They were greeted by thunderous applause and complete adoration, and fortunately, they didn’t have a no-name opener taking time from the headliners. John and Joel individually addressed and acknowledged the crowd, the bands and each other. The loving way they addressed the audience and each other set the tone for the evening.

They began by playing and singing each other’s songs, trading lines and riffs. They immediately had the crowd on their feet, cheering. They let the band shine. They let the audience shine. They were exceptional about their interaction with the audience. They seemed to imply: this is about you.

After a few numbers, Joel and his musicians left the stage, leaving Sir Elton John to entertain, and that he did. The grand pianos raised and lowered into the stage on cue, as well as drum trap sets and the other musical equipment specific to each entertainer. During solos, Billy Joel faced everyone at times—a technical wizardry, fun to watch, as his piano was able to rotate full-circle.

It is admirable that these men are so secure in themselves and their music that they play the other’s music and style. They are comfortable to let the other be the lead as well as allowing their sidemen to take center stage and show their tremendous talents. John and Joel encouraged their individual bands, who played perfectly off each other, to showcase their abilities. And show they did—from lead and rhythm guitars, bass guitars, drums, percussion instruments of all kinds, soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets and flugelhorns (Joel introduced this instrument and musician as something of which the audience should take note).

Joel and John were more or less tied to their pianos (other than for Sir Elton’s standing and emulating Jerry Lee Lewis) and Joel’s rocking on his chair, which appeared to almost tip over. Joel carried the same boldness into the routine when, after playing guitar on a song, he took center stage with just the microphone. His abilities there had the crowd wondering if he might not drop it during the spinning and throwing. But he didn’t. He just entertained.

There was something for everyone in the repertoire. This writer’s favorites included “Your Song,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “My Life,” “Yellow Brick Road,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Movin’ Out,” “Allentown,” “Zanzibar” and of course, “Piano Man.” Joel strapped on his harmonica for the last number, and the two of them played “Piano Man.”

It was heart-warming to see fans of youth, silver hair and all skin-colors. We can only wish that our world could function the same way—that we could all work, love, cheer and clap our hands together for the fun and accomplishments that are achievable.

The artists covered more than thirty years of music. It was clear that they enjoyed playing and performing. They played together and swapped verses on each other’s songs. They both had their fans (The front row expectedly held a group of girls wearing highly-adorned sunglasses). It was a beautiful beginning, and it ended the same way. They spoke to the crowd. The crowd loved them. It was an evening to be remembered, and it will be.

Questions and comments: merlesteinmann@gmail