“It has been about four years since I have been here, and I ain’t got nothing new for you,” said Billy Joel to his chuckling, sold-out audience on Thursday, August 8. “Same old shit.”
While it may have been four years since Joel played in Denver, the performance was the first ever for the legendary icon at Coors Field. The venue is becoming a haven for classic rock legends to expand the size of their audience, and recent performances include The Eagles, Journey and Jimmy Buffett. “We used to play this little club in Boulder called The Good Earth, and I had no idea I would one day playing a baseball stadium,” Joel continued.
Before the jokes and music began, mostly rainless clouds hung over the large park as the masses were herded to their seats. The lack of opener for the show asserted importance in getting settled promptly. At 8:30 p.m., Joel strutted on to the stage, guitar in hand to kick off the evening with “A Matter of Trust.” Next up, the musician took his talents to the piano to continue on with “Pressure.”
“Denver!” Joel exclaimed, “We’re a mile high, aren’t we?” The reference prompted a cover of The Eagles’ “Rocky Mountain Way,” as the piano rotated from side to side, exposing each angle of the artist.
“I’ve had more non-hits than hits, and sometimes it is more fun to play the non-hits,” Joel explained. “I will say two songs off of the 1977 album The Stranger, and you will decide by cheering.” The crowd then voted on the two given options, “Just The Way You Are” and “Vienna,” the latter of which was the clear winner. Continuing on with his comedic routine, Joel indulged the audience in the story of the inspiration behind writing “The Ballad of Billy the Kid,” while also encouraging them to count the historical inaccuracies within the lyrical story.
Joel mentioned to the crowd that his high school music teacher who pushed him into starting a music career was in attendance, and dedicated a rendition of “New York State of Mind” to him. From there, Joel took on “I Go To Extremes” — a special track, not only because he claims to not play too often anymore — but also because the five-time Grammy winner used his rear end to play on his famous piano.
“She’s Always a Woman” and “Only the Good Die Young” succeeded in getting the fans to belt the lyrics along with their leader. “In the Middle of the Night” presented another ode to The Eagles by rocking into their “Take it Easy” halfway through, before coming back to finish the original track. Joel rounded out the set by strapping on his harmonica — indicating, of course, that it was time for “Piano Man.” The musician then thanked Denver and took in his crowd before retreating backstage.
After a beat, Joel returned with his guitar for an encore, beginning with “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” He then gave up all instruments but his voice for “Uptown Girl,” during which he danced and swung his microphone seductively. Returning to the piano, Joel finished out his last moments of stage time with “Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “Big Shot,” the latter of which included a quick ode to Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” In the end, Joel gave the audience every bit of his discography they could have asked for, even if it was the “same old shit.”
Loved the concert hated our seats at Coors Field. We paid $180 for tickets on the field but couldn’t see anything!! The stage wasn’t high enough to see over people. Very disappointed!
Thank you for writing this up! Billy Joel became my favorite singer way too late in my life but at least I got wise at all. This was my first time seeing him and it was perfection. Leading with all those “non-hits” made me so happy and to have the best of his best for last – it was all just so magical to me. And thanks to you I have a decent grasp of the night because it’s a blur that left me in a daze, this helps bring it back.
Thank you, Molly! I’m so glad you had a nice time.
And Nessun Dorma! I didn’t see that coming, and it was delightful.
We were way high in the back directly behind home plate so had a great view and great sound. But the seats in that place are so small with such little legroom that it really takes away from the concert. Billy and the band were spectacular. Being an old guy I have been a fan of his from the beginning. It was terrific.
If RTD didn’t decide to cancel the E train with thousands of people on the platform the evening would’ve ended better.
I wish BJoel will cone back to Melbourne Australia one more time. Missed him at MSG in January as the dates in NYC did not coincide. Keep it up Billy!!! Still a fan.