Billy Joel Bids Farewell to Shea

Last night Billy Joel helped bid farewell to Shea Stadium, with the last concert at the field (the first being The Beatles historic show 43 years ago); Joel also performed there on Wednesday night, and the entire experience has been filmed for a future documentary.

Joel addressed the crowd Wednesday night, saying, "They're gonna be tearing this place down, but I wanna thank you ... for letting me do the best job in the world." During one song, as the piano man did his thing, highlights of the Mets and Shea's history played on jumbo screens.

Also during Wednesday's set, Joel payed homage to the Fab Four, thanking them for the use of "their room" and playing "A Hard Day's Night," "Please, Please Me" and "She Loves You." The 55,000 fans lucky enough to be in attendance last night, however, got a real life Beatle! The NY Times reports that 3-hours into the performance, Joel let Paul McCartney take the spotlight (full circle!); the mini-Beatlemania set included “I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It Be." McCartney told the audience: “It’s so cool to be back here on the last night. Been here a long time ago — we had a blast that night, and we’re having another one tonight.”

Guests throughout the two nights included Tony Bennett, John Mellencamp, Don Henley, John Mayer, Roger Daltrey, Garth Brooks and Steven Tyler. Members of the military, the NYPD and FDNY also joined Joel to sing the chorus of "Goodnight Saigon." Amongst the sold out crowds were Joel's ex-wife Christie Brinkley and Mayor Bloomberg. Check out some video from the Beatles 1965 concert, and Paul McCartney back at Shea last night.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on July 19, 2008 9:54 AM

Comments [rss]

petergoody

Incredible show last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU0ikMVOAu4

cucarachita

Also, nice, subtle way to drop the "I was backstage" mention.

:)

jeez!

cucarachita

Cucarachita is never bitter about anything, Hawk.

Cucarachita just likes to move on from the past.... That's the way to not become bitter, for one thing!

And there's a difference between saying what I think of two old guys and complaining. You're the grumpy sounding one! I'm not the one telling anyone what to do or what they should like or else be accused of bitterness, buddy.

Anyway, I said I liked BJ when he was young. I'm not married to him, after all. I never promised to still love him when he's 64.

Hawk

Obviously, cucarachita is very bitter because he or she was not at the show last night. I was (backstage) and the show was awesome. That "geezer" Billy Joel puts on one hell of a show. And that "artifact" Paul McCartney, he, too, was awesome.

Next time buy tickets and stop complaining.

redhookreject

I wonder if the microphone stills smells like a beer.

cucarachita

I just find it really really hard to look at those two at their age now. I loved Billy Joel when I was a kid, and still listen to his old songs for a nostalgic thrill now and then. But man, he is hard to stomach as a geezer. He also sounded better when he was younger. (And remember that awful personal ad disguised as journalism about him in the NYTimes magazine? about how all he needed was a girlfriend? pathetic! I never got over it.)

As for Paul, he's just an artifact.

Beh.

ravendaly

I was at the show last night, and it was amazing. Hands down one of the best shows of my life, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to see it. Born and raised here in NY, Billy Joel always was our hometown hero, and he did not disappoint. And Paul McCartney playing at Shea stadium was spectacular... As a Beatles fan, it really was incredible to see a Beatle play again at Shea!

I can go on for awhile, but I won't, I think everyone gets my drift!

jchez

I know that a DVD set is coming out. They should make sure to include the guest appearances from both shows; that was a lot of star power. I'm surprised that Joel's friend and fellow Piano Rocker, Elton John wasn't there.