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:
Prelude / Angry Young Man
My Life
Piano Man
Don't Ask Me Why
Allentown
Goodnight Saigon
Pressure
Leave A Tender Moment Alone
An Innocent Man
The Longest Time
This Night
Just The Way You Are
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Sometimes A Fantasy
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
Uptown Girl
Big Shot
Tell Her About It
You May Be Right
Only The Good Die Young
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing
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