EP 065 - Concert Classics: Live in London, 1984

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast

By 1984, Billy Joel was known for changing styles from album to album. What’s less recognized was how often he changed voices. And, one night that year in England, those voices were all on display.

Close listening to any Billy Joel record reveals a variety of tones, accents, and affectations in the singing. Add to that the many impressions he’s done over the years in interviews and concerts.

Many of them were on display, and front and center, when BIlly and the band took the stage at Wembley Arena in June of 1984. Deep into the An Innocent Man tour, the concert was simulcast on radio and television in Europe.

As a result of it being broadcast, the mix is often more dry and a little muted with the singing more prominent than usual. At the same time, Billy seemed to be leaning into the many different vocal affectations more often than usual.

The concert itself is a great performance, with the band augmented by a horn section and a guest star and a baby on the way. But in particular, it’s an excellent showcase for Billy’s so-called rubber voice.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel at Wembley Arena in 1984.

Date: June 8, 1984
City/Country: London, England
Venue: Wembley Arena

The band:

• Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Guitar
• Liberty DeVitto - Drums
• Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals
• David Brown - Lead Guitar
• Russell Javors - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
• Mark Rivera - Saxophone, Percussion, Vocals
• David Lebolt - Keyboards
• Peter Hewlett - Vocals
• Frank Simms - Vocals

The Affordables

• Larry Etkin, Glen Stulpin, Bob Livingood - Horns

The Setlist:

1. Prelude / Angry Young Man
2. My Life
3. Piano Man
4. Don't Ask Me Why
5. Allentown
6. Goodnight Saigon
7. Pressure
8. Leave A Tender Moment Alone
9. An Innocent Man
10. The Longest Time
11. This Night
12. Just The Way You Are
13. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
14. Sometimes A Fantasy
15. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
16. Uptown Girl
17. Big Shot
18. Tell Her About It
19. You May Be Right
20. Only The Good Die Young

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing