Connect with us

Music

An Unforgettable Night with Billy Joel

Published

on

New York’s Most Famous Piano Man Brings a Night of Timeless Classics and a Taste of The Big Apple to South Florida – Photos and Review of the Billy Joel Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL

The venerable Billy Joel delivered a mesmerizing performance last night at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, captivating the audience with a nearly two-hour set that celebrated his enduring legacy of more than half a century of musical greatness. Without an opening act, Billy Joel filled the intimate venue to the brim for a sold out performance, a feat that only the kind of showmanship and artistry that have defined his illustrious career can accomplish.

 

The chilly evening kicked off with “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)”, an appropriate nod to South Florida audiences and a dynamic start that set the tone for the night. Joel transitioned seamlessly into “Pressure” and “The Entertainer”, showcasing his lyrical wit and complex piano arrangements as his skillful backing band expertly provided the musical pocket for him to shine. In between songs, Billy spoke to the fans and recounted tales about the history of his music, and even revealed that the crowd and him were now neighbors, as he was officially also a South Florida resident. Fans were treated to heartfelt renditions of “Vienna” and “Zanzibar”, while “Don’t Ask Me Why” and “My Life” sparkled with their playful melodies and Joel’s trademark humor.

The timeless ballad “New York State of Mind” brought a wave of nostalgia to the crowd (many of them NY transplants themselves), with Joel’s rich vocals and soulful piano drawing thunderous applause as the tune finished. “Allentown” and “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” followed, delivering blue-collar anthems with unrelenting energy, and as the set progressed, Joel performed fan favorites like “Only the Good Die Young” and “Sometimes a Fantasy”, keeping the audience on their feet. I was also very impressed by the show’s production, with giant LED panels above the stage, fantastic lighting that added layers of depth to the songs, and of course, Billy Joel’s trademark spinning piano.

One of the evening’s most stirring moments came when the show’s emotional centerpiece “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and the universally beloved “Piano Man” closed the main set, uniting the audience in a massive singalong. The encore was a high-energy medley of Billy Joel’s greatest hits, including “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Uptown Girl”, and “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, and Joel’s wit was evident again during “Big Shot” and show closer “You May Be Right”.

 

Billy Joel’s performance at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood was nothing short of magical and a testament to his status as one of music’s greatest living legends. His ability to connect with audiences, seamlessly blend genres, and deliver powerhouse performances remains unmatched, leaving fans with a night they’ll never forget. If you missed out on this incredible performance, you’re in luck, as Billy Joel is set to return to the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on January 17, 2025, and tickets and more info can be found here!

Gleb Barabanov is South Florida Insider's Vice President, Graphic Designer and Webmaster, as well as a Photographer and Writer covering events all over the world. Originally born in Odessa, Ukraine, Gleb now calls the sunny Florida area home, where he attended Full Sail University and received a Bachelors of Arts in Film Production. Gleb is obsessed with music, cameras, guitars, and his Shiba Inu, Yoshi

Music

Welcome to Rockville 2025

Published

on

Welcome to Rockville 2025 Delivers A Monumental Weekend Filled with Incredible Rock & Historic Reunions at the Daytona International Speedway – Review of the Welcome to Rockville 2025 Festival in Daytona Beach, FL

(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Joywave Brings an Ocean of Euphoria to South Florida

Published

on

Joywave Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Electro-Flavored Indie Rock Magic – Photos and Review of the Joywave Concert at the Culture Room in Ft Lauderdale, FL

(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Dierks Bentley’s New Chapter, Same Country Soul

Published

on

By

Bourbon, Brotherhood, and the Broken Roads That Lead Us Home: Dierks Bentley on Country Music’s Heartbeat.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Fitz and the Tantrums Put On A Riot

Published

on

Fitz and the Tantrums Bring a Cheerful Indie Spirit to South Florida With an Electrifying Performance – Photos and Article on the Fitz and the Tantrums Concert at the Revolution Live in Ft Lauderdale, FL

(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

From Soul to Country—Teddy Swims Does It All

Published

on

One Cowboy Hat, 50 Million Fans, and a Voice That Shook the Room—Teddy Swims Took Over Florida.
(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Sessanta’s Musical Alchemy is Back, Bigger and Better

Published

on

Maynard’s 60th Birthday Celebration is Back for Round Two With an Incredible One-of-a-Kind Show – Photos and Review of the “Sessanta 2.0” : Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL

(more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Dark Matter, Bright Night for Pearl Jam

Published

on

By

Vedder Days Are Here Again: Pearl Jam Blends Heart, Hits, and Humanity in a Night to Remember. (more…)

Continue Reading

Music

Melvins and Napalm Death Are Back With A Vengeance

Published

on

The Savage Imperial Death March Blitzkreigs Its Way Through South Florida – Photos and Feature on The Melvins and Napalm Death Concert at the Culture Room in Ft Lauderdale, FL

(more…)

Continue Reading

Trending