They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game At Shea

It's finally here! The much anticipated release of Billy Joel: Live At Shea Stadium has finally come! The best part? You can enjoy it in Blu-ray. And may I say: it is spectacular. Oh, the clarity! The sweat on Billy's forehead can be seen in individual beads. Enough about the clarity (it speaks for itself) this review is about the music! The amazing music. This concert at the iconic Shea Stadium in New York City, built in 1964 and home to the New York Mets, is packed with brilliant songs and more guest artists than you can poke a baseball bat at. The location has hosted some of the world's greatest acts including the Beatles, The Who, The Clash and the Boss himself Bruce Springsteen.

The packed stadium shows you that Joel is simply an icon. The Piano Man is still as popular as ever. Billy opens with his classic "Angry Young Man" and "My Life" combo. I am always inspired and amazed by Joel's amazing skills in "Angry Young Man". The whole crew is there too; Crystal, Mark, Tommy and Carl, the Trumpenator. Joel plays to his NY crowd with an amazing rendition of "Summer Highland Falls" (Turnstiles), then proceeds into the usual "Everybody Loves You Now" (Cold Spring Harbour). I love that this concert is not about the hits; it's about the brilliant, often understated songs that separate the true, die-hard Billy fans from the rest. One word; "Zanzibar". It is amazing, in particular Carl's (The Trumpenator) brilliant, skillful trumpet solo.

Next, you're in for a treat. "New York State of Mind" with Tony Bennett! The duet is brilliant, with Tony's great voice and icon status. Even Mark is starstruck, mouthing to the band after his beautiful Saxophone solo: it's Tony Bennett! The crowd then enjoys amazing live renditions of Allentown (The Nylon Curtain) and The Ballad of Billy the Kid (with a full string ensemble, absolutely brilliant!).

During "She's Always A Woman" (The Stranger), a lucky woman in the audience is proposed to and Billy remarks, "Are you gonna marry him? Get a pre-nup!", then requests she show us the ring after the song. A brilliant, moving and beautiful rendition of Goodnight Saigon follows, which includes serving marines to sing with Billy. Miami 2017 follows, where Billy substitutes a line for "They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game at Shea" for the crowd. Two more guest stars leave the crowd cheering for more. Country star, Garth Brooks performs a great version of "Shameless" and the amazing John Mayer plays guitar in "This is the Time". A favourite of mine, "Keeping the Faith" follows in true Billy style.

The next rendition of a song that was in no way a hit, has changed my view of it forever. I always listened to "Captain Jack" (Piano Man) in passing, but never gave it much thought. But the epic performance, live is just amazing. The energy in the chorus has the audience putting their whole body into their dancing and had me utterly captivated. My words do not do it justice, you have to see it, hear it!

Live versions always give something more than their studio counterparts and this is true for the live versions of some classic Billy. "Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" and "The River of Dreams/ Hard Day's Night" (The addition of Hard Day's Night is inspired! It just makes it lively and iconic!), "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Storm Front; my favourite! Includes "Then they built Shea" in the list of events) and "You May Be Right" (Glass Houses). Then he plays two of my favourites from The Stranger, "Only the Good Die Young" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant". I love these classics, the sound, the fact that the crowd knows every word; it's just brilliant. The skill that Joel has taken a lifetime to master is evident in both songs and never fails to blow me away (what else do I have to say!).

The final guest star is announced, and it's a winner. PAUL McCARTNEY!!! He performs the lively and catchy "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It Be" as the finale. He is iconic, brilliant and Billy's influence for his music. The crowd cheers at their luck. Before the finale, the classic Piano Man is played (always amazing) with a bit of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and the crowd, like true New Yorkers, know every word.

The concert is a true pleasure to watch and made me wish that I was there, cheering with the rest of the die-hard Billy fans. For all you Billy fans, you will not be disappointed by this absolutely brilliant concert that reignites some of Billy Joel's best songs! Enjoy.

Dannielle xoxo