Billy Joel played the final concert at Shea Stadium on Friday night, and my wife and I were lucky enough to get tickets. (Thanks again, Bob & Suzanne, for the truly wonderful birthday present!)I've seen Billy before, back when he still recorded new albums, but this was a special night and there was really no comparison to the previous concert. The show didn't start on time. He explained from his piano seat that they wanted to let everyone get into the stadium ("We all know the parking sucks," he joked.) But we learned later the real reason for the delay.
The night was electric with his hits and he also dug into his back catalog for songs that don't get much airplay but are still fun, exciting songs. Of course, he refused to play "Just the Way You Are," which he derides as a wedding song — and let's face it, he's right. And before too long it became obvious that "Piano Man" would be among the last songs played. It's his signature song, after all.
In between the first and the last songs was a night full of entertainment, both visual and aural. I truly got a sense of the amazing clarity of high-def television as the screens on which the images of Joel and the other musicians played seemed to be in 3-D. You could see every bead of sweat on Billy's balding pate.
Tony Bennett reprised his performance from Wednesday night on "New York State of Mind." He's really cemented his place among rock fans as the successor to Frank Sinatra, by which I mean an old crooner who can still connect with those of a younger generation. Speaking about generations, Roger Daltrey also came on stage to sing "My Generation" and swing his specially equipped microphone once more. In keeping with the legacy of The Who, Joel smashed a guitar on stage, a la Pete Townshend.
The other special guests were Steven Tyler, who sang "Walk This Way," and Garth Brooks — decked out in a Mets cap and jersey (he played with the team during spring training, 2000) — who sang the Joel-written song "Shameless" that he had a hit with.
Throughout the night, the significance of the venue was never lost. Indeed, with Citi Field towering behind the stage in Shea's center field, it was impossible to not be aware that this night was in part about celebrating the wonderful history of music at Shea Stadium, which began with the Beatles. During "Zanzibar," images of famous Mets games played on the screens.
So it wasn't surprising — indeed, Maureen and I kinda expected it — when Billy Joel reintroduced Sir Paul McCartney to Shea. The old Beatle sang "I Saw Her Standing There," which also could have been as much about the stadiums as it was a remembrance of songs past. The Beatles played Shea in 1965, which I believe was the first time a rock band had played a sports stadium.
Of course, only Piano Man could follow that, and Billy Joel — who had been looking exhausted for at least an hour at that point — allowed the fans to help him sing his song. Maureen and I made our way out as the final notes played, so we didn't actually witness Paul's return for "Let It Be," but I wouldn't be surprised to find the show presented as a DVD in time for Christmas. I'm sure I'll see it then.
So, thanks Billy, thanks Paul, and thanks to the other 55,000 people who shared in such a wonderful night. Even that annoying couple a row over from us who must have been on ecstacy or something.
And thanks again, Bob and Suzanne. This is one birthday present I'll never forget!
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