Photo: Mazur/WireImage It's always a blast to rap with Billy Joel. He's funny as hell, and doesn't give a shit about speaking his mind.
The last time we'd caught up with Billy was at Shea Stadium last July, moments before he took the stage for the opener of his sold-out two-night stand there, in which he welcomed guests like Tony Bennett, Don Henley, John Mayer and Paul McCartney.
This morning we spoke to Billy for an upcoming Q+A in the magazine. In just a couple weeks, on March 2nd, in Jacksonville, he'll kick off another long run of shows with his old buddy, Elton John. Billy has just returned to his pad in Miami after a trek out west to play a gig at the MGM in Vegas, and a private concert in Palm Springs. Most big performers play those corporate shows for big bucks, but nobody ever talks about them -- except for Mr. Joel.
"We did a gig in Vegas and we did some stupid casino gig in Palm Springs for one of the high rollers there," he says. "These private gigs are like doing a bar mitzvah. They're not fun because they're for private audiences, not paying audiences. They're not your audience. They don't know your stuff. They're there just to say they were there. I feel like a slut when I do them, but you get paid like a really good call girl. When I walk offstage, it's like the walk of shame."
Yes! Billy Joel compared himself to a call girl!
And we also wanted you to hear what he had to say about McCartney's last minute appearance at Shea, which closed the second show. (A DVD of the Shea shows is slated for release in November.)
"When I had reached out to Paul before the gigs, he'd said he had a scheduling conflict, that he had visitation with his daughter right around that time, and I understood that," says Billy. "So nobody expected him. Then he called me on the day of the second show, that afternoon, and said, 'Billy, it's Paul.' And I'm thinking, 'Paul? Paul? Paul Reiser?' And he said, [imitating a Liverpudlian] 'McCartney... Look, I'd love to come to the show tonight, but I've got a flight that's landing late and I'll have to go through customs and immigration and drive down from the airport and I don't think it's gonna work.' And I said, 'Well, thanks for thinking about us.'
"About two-thirds of the way through the show I was onstage and I got a message: 'The Eagle Has Landed.' But we still didn't think he was gonna make it because we were getting close to the end of the show. And then right at the last moment, right before our last song, someone came running up and told me he was up there. Somehow, he had his Hofner bass with him, and he just walked onstage. We were all speechless. He comes over and says, 'What do you want to do?' And I said, 'How about, "I Saw Her Standing There,"' and he goes, 'Great!' So we play 'I Saw Her Standing There" and then we leave, and we're standing by the side of the stage and the crowd wanted another song, of course. So he goes, 'What do you want to do?' And I said, 'How about "She Loves You?"' And he gave me this look like, 'Oh, I don't know that one,' which really meant, 'I don't like that one.' And I said, 'Well, what do you want to do?'
"He goes, 'Well, let's do "Let it Be." That seems to be a good closer.' I said, 'Perfect.' So he sang the song and I just sat at the piano like a lump on a log watching Paul McCartney play at Shea Stadium. It was such a poetic moment. We were all stunned."
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.
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West Coast Goddess | April 1, 2009 1:59 PM
Wish I had the money to make Billy MY slut!!
R Dritz. | March 22, 2009 2:05 AM
Wow...people need to relax. I've read everyones posts as of late - there at the concert or not...people need to get a LIFE.
"Im not gonna buy your records"
"You're fat fat fat bald drunk, etc etc"
Really...does anyone think that a man who is almost 60 years old here...who has sold out Shea, Yankee, and Giants Stadium...had countless number one hits..STILL selling out venues..really gives a shit?
This bad publicity won't touch him. He is (obviously) above it all. Has walked away and look at everyone...still pissed off.
You're missing the point. He is a music artist and VALUES his fans and crowds. He DOESN'T VALUE or respect those at the concert that don't know his music. There are so many fans young and old that DON'T have a lot of money. Some families are losing jobs! Billy Joel knows this...
He is just saying it's a disrespect that he was contracted to do a concert JUST for his name and his music to draw in crowds.
Calm down. Look at what's important in your life Mr. ACBCI and everyone else. He has nothing against your tribe. Relax and move on with your lives.
Palm Springs Full- Time | March 21, 2009 8:16 PM
What a sad and cruel person you are Mr. Piano Man. And you are a Father.... Shame shame. The local tribes have been an asset to this community and have been gracious and generous to local governments and citizens. People should really OPEN their minds and stop all the negativity. The Agua Caliente's have worked very hard for many years and I'm sure they are grateful for the support from their community.
Howard | March 19, 2009 3:50 PM
My mother was at said show. She doesn't know your music at all, but she knows music and the piano in particular. She loved the show, but is now disgusted by your words. You could have made a fan and sold some records, but no not you "because you had to be a big shot, didn't cha...you had to open up your mouth"
As for me, I always have wanted to see you, but after this I will not be shelling out hundreds of dollars to see someone who is so disrespectful to others.
BD Man | March 15, 2009 11:17 AM
Having been at the concert I have to say that Billy Joel is correct, many of the people there were not real fans and were only there to be seen. I saw many get up 3, 4, 5 times and come back with drinks, they were disrespectful and rude to the Piano Man, not to mention the real fans that were there, not to mention the real fans that were there. BTW, what was up with security, there was some drunk woman who stumbled in half way through the concert spilling her drink on people and just kept moving up closer and closer till she was in the front row and they did not remove her.
Len | March 14, 2009 6:38 PM
Casinos were created by the stinking mob. Maybe Joel has mob connections. Welcome to the music BUISNESS. .which stinks. ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Chunky | March 13, 2009 7:37 PM
My understanding is that Mr.Joel gives private gig money to charity. Good ol Billy Joel, always pissing someone off. We love ya Billy!!
kalel | March 13, 2009 11:07 AM
No respect...that's what I've come to associate the local tribes in the area. They walk around like they are better than everyone else. I know exactly what BJ is talking about. You ignorant, fat, useless bastards only come to the shows to let everyone else see you have the best seats, always ignore the performer, only worried about stuffing your already bloated guts with candy and soda. What a joke. And you employees sweating your jobs out, the ass kissing comments of support are'nt going to help you keep your jobs. They could give a shit about you and your problems. I hope all the casinos go broke. I personally give nothing to the casinos, and take whatever I can get for free. The only good thing they have to offer is at Fantasy Springs..."The Rock Yard". Free music with great cover bands. Of course they only do this with the hope that they're going to get some action from the music lovers..not me though.
David Fendick | March 11, 2009 11:14 PM
I think Billy Joel was absolutly correct in his assesment of The Show, perhaps we should have never hired him in the first place. It was my idea and I guess i made a big mistake.
NDN Lady | March 10, 2009 2:18 PM
Mr. Joel's comments are extremely offensive to all Native Americans. If he had done a private show for Donald Trump, would he have told Rolling Stone that he felt like a call girl? I think not. The fact that he opened up a beautiful new Native casino, though, is whoring himself? I hope that he never ever gets another gig in one of our Native casinos!
I recall when Journey opened up an Indian resort-casino in Arizona--they were gracious to a fault, loved the facility and I also noticed that Neil Schon also sported some major Native bling. A class act and a far better example than Billy Joel. You've just lost a fan, sir...
Team Member | March 10, 2009 1:14 PM
I want to say that Mr. Joel is the biggest PIG I have ever known. How dare you! Where is the gratitude Mr. Joel. You are an idiot and I hope that all Indian Gaming Casinos BAN you for life. Your music is not that good. I will pray for your soul.
An irritated team member of the ACBCI (who are wonderful caring people)
roger | March 10, 2009 11:02 AM
I really hope somebody reads these comments to that fat fuck has-been.
Fuck you BJ. You are correct. You are a fat fucking has-been dollar-sucking whore that hasn't had a hit since....gawd, even I forgot.
I used to be a fan since you started out. Not anymore. That tribe put a lot into the opening of their venture and really "reached for the stars" when they booked you. A fat lot of thanks you have shown with your commentary.
Hey, I'll see you down the road when you're playing those class C rooms, along with Loverboy, Styx and Journey.
PS Fuck you!
desertscot | March 9, 2009 10:15 PM
We've been to Billy's concerts over the past 25 years, paying top dollar for decent seats, and were THRILLED to be invited to the grand opening of "The Show" at the Agua Caliente Resort & Spa. Well, the auditorium was magnificent, the seats awesome, lighting outstanding, the sound was crystal clear, you could hear every cracked note he sang, (but that was overlooked for the magic of the night). If you think your a whore for being paid to sing to ANY audience...give back the money and clear your conscience.
Desert Resident | March 9, 2009 5:11 PM
Your ego appears to have gotten so inflated that your feet have left the ground and you are no longer in touch with the integrity one should have in your position. You are paid exceedingly well to perform, however, if you do not realize the power in your words, you may become a thing of the past with little respect left from your fans and untimately unable to fill up any venue that will even consider booking you in the future.
Jimbo | March 9, 2009 4:02 PM
Yeah, and Billy...who put the gun to your head and forced you to do the show at the Casino. You're only a slut if you take the money, have no respect for the folks you're about to screw, and then whine about it after you cash the check.
Frederic Delarue | March 9, 2009 3:14 PM
Yeah Billy, you indeed walked the 'Walk of shame' by degrading/reducing yourself to your egoistic state of being. However you seemed to have had no problem signing the $1 M to perform in Rancho Mirage Casino.
This statement is so out-of-touch, during this economy crisis!!!
Lots of Peace in your heart.
Jimmy | March 9, 2009 1:50 PM
Hey Billy, I agree with you. Single finger salute to all of you fat pocket sluts that book a private show and not allow any of the "Real Fans" to even purchase tickets. As for all of you RM and other city folk, you know who you are, please go back to your native northern cities and countries and stay there. Your type is not needed here. When you are in our beautiful town, please respect the local full-time residents. Your vulgar display of money may buy you an evening of good times, but it won’t buy you happiness. The fun never ends as long as you’re buying. Billy, I’m glad that you got paid fat for the gig, but please come out again and play for us, some real fans!
Cheers
Jimmy
Snarky | March 9, 2009 1:48 PM
Bend over the piano Call Guy.
John Doe | March 9, 2009 3:27 AM
Billy, I agree with you 100% !! You are a slut! A big fat bald greedy slut! The only gig you will ever play in this valley will be your return engagement to Betty Ford.
Judy, Palm Springs | March 9, 2009 12:32 AM
I worked for Billy Joel at his gig in the RESPECTED Palm Springs casino. I also work as a pit boss at the casino since it opened in 2001. Billy Joel was the opening act for the new state of the art event center and was paid very well. When I met his group I felt priviledged to have worked for some very nice and well organized people. I'm saddened that he is trying to publicly degrade the tribe that has given many millions of dollars back to the commuity and state as well as provided thousands of jobs in our community. I'm happy to say the acts since that time have been more gracious about their gigs in the desert!
david | March 8, 2009 9:41 PM
Now I know why Christy brinkley left his fat A**.
X LONG TIME FAN... | March 8, 2009 9:19 PM
BILLY.........SIMPLY PUT, YOU ARE AN ASS !! NO WONDER CHRISTINA LEFT YOU!
Billy Bahser | March 8, 2009 4:37 AM
Were you wasted when you signed the contract? This was a grand opening, not some private gig for a high roller. This was an event that people put their blood sweat and tears into pulling off. Through your comments, you have slapped all of those people in the face. You are a whore. A no class whore who has lost many fans in the Coachella Valley.
Rancho Mirage | March 7, 2009 11:02 PM
Bad memories Mr. Joel? Maybe it was your rehab memories in RM. I, along with a lot of other fans, was thrilled to see you. After reading your comments though, don't rely on any more 'private audiences'. I don't think you will be invited.
Palm Springs | March 6, 2009 9:59 PM
Well SHOVE OFF Billy and stay out there on the East Coast. We don't need to give our hard earned cash to some fat balding ungrateful has-been. Maybe your New York State of Minders won't mind paying you to insult them. WHAT A WANKER!
Paul | February 23, 2009 4:54 AM
stupid casino gig??? why he did it if is was stupid casino gig? Sometimes I don't understand Billy ...
Same thing when he did the high rollers gig at the Borgata in Atlantic City. He calls it stupid, but I bet the bank account loves those private shows!!
cynical and false...
Da Grinch | February 19, 2009 12:09 PM
Great post, Austin. Lots of fun to read. More like this!!!
Captain Ob(li)vious | February 19, 2009 10:45 AM
Great article. Billy Joel is the man.
Marty | February 18, 2009 10:10 PM
I like the fact he's honest enough to admit to whoring himself out for big bucks. God knows I would, but nobody's asking!
Spunky Lasorda | February 18, 2009 6:12 PM
Billy is a call girl dude