Billy Joel Page 2

More additions have been announced for Bonnaroo 2015 as the June event draws ever closer. D'angelo & The Vanguard, Kacey Musgraves and Songhoy Blues join an already stellar line-up for this 10-stage bonanza, while the full late night sets are also announced.

Adding to a line-up headlined by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Billy Joel and London Grammy winners Mumford And Sons are soul collective D'angelo & The Vanguard, young country star Kacey Musgraves and Mali four-piece Songhoy Blues. As usual, the epic festival - which is set to play host to a massive 85,000 music lovers - presents one of the world's most diverse line-ups as it prepares to hit Manchester, Tennessee this summer from June 11th to 14th.

Continue reading: Bonnaroo 2015: More Thrills Added To The Summer Line-up

Billy Joel is on track to set a record for the most lives performances by any artist or act at the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, when he plays his forthcoming 65th show scheduled for summer 2015.

Joel's record-breaking show will take place on July 1st, 2015

The concert, set for July 1st, will see the legendary singer break his fellow musician Elton John's longstanding record, and fans can purchase tickets for the historic show this coming Saturday (Nov 29th).

Continue reading: Billy Joel Will Break Madison Square Garden Record For Most Performances

Billy Joel is set to break the record for most performances by any artist at legendary venue Madison Square Garden, with his upcoming 65th show on July 1st 2015.

Madison Square Garden veteran Billy Joel

The show will see the 'New York State Of Mind' singer break the record set by fellow piano aficionado Elton John. The record breaking performance will be part of Joel's 19 date residency at the famous New York venue.

Continue reading: 'Piano Man' Billy Joel Set To Break Madison Square Garden Record

Billy Joel has long been regarded as one of music’s finest songwriters but it will soon be all more official as he receives the prestigious Gershwin Prize from the US Library of Congress. Praising Joel as "a storyteller of the highest order”, the Library of Congress’s James H Billington said there was “an intimacy to his songwriting that bridges the gap between the listener and the worlds he shares through music.” During his near 50 year career Joel has written more perfect songs than we could ever possibly list. Still, in celebration of his most recent accolade, we’ve picked five of our favourite songs from the piano man, all which prove he certainly belongs among the greatest songwriters of all time.

The piano man, Billy Joel

1. New York State of Mind

Continue reading: Gershwinner: Our Top 5 Billy Joel Songs

Billy Joel has added the Gershwin Prize for Popular song to his long list of accolades. The 65 year old is being recognised by US Library of Congress, which honours individuals for their lifetime achievement in popular music. He will receive the prize in Washington DC in November and be honoured in a series of events.

Billy Joel performs at the MGM Grand in 2014 (Getty/Ethan Miller)

Calling Joel a “storyteller of the highest order,” Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said in a statement that, “There is an intimacy to his songwriting that bridges the gap between the listener and the worlds he shares through music. When you listen to a Billy Joel song, you know about the people and the place and what happened there.”

Continue reading: Billy Joel Becomes Sixth Recipient Of The Gershwin Prize For Popular Song

In a frankly unusual live collaboration, singer-songwriter Billy Joel was joined on-stage by AC/DC's Brian Johnson at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening (March 21, 2014). The pair rocked a version of the band's classic single 'You Shook Me All Night Long'.

Billy Joel Performing in Florida

Joel - who was playing to a packed arena of his own fans - introduced Johnson about halfway through the set, citing AC/DC as one of the best bands he'd see live. The MSG crowd erupted during the few seconds of the rock anthem, reports the Associated Press.

Continue reading: Billy Joel And AC/DC. 'You Shook Me All Night Long'. It Happened.

Christie Brinkley, the American model and actress, has appeared in a swimsuit on the cover of PEOPLE magazine at the age of 60, and she looks fantastic! 

Christie Brinkley has appeared on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.

Brinkley was best known throughout the 80s for appearing on the covers of numerous magazines and cosmetics advertising. She continued to appear in magazines but expanded her interests as she matured and had children. She has illustrated, including the front cover of her ex-husband Billy Joel's album, River of Dreams; made numerous guest or cameo appearances of popular television shows; campaigned for human and animal rights; and been presented with numerous awards for her charity work. 

Continue reading: Christie Brinkley: "Every Birthday Is A Cause For Celebration"

American music icon Billy Joel is being honored on Sunday (Dec 8th) at the John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

The 64 year-old is having the award bestowed upon him for the impact he has made on American culture through the arts.

Joel, who has produced huge hits such as 'Just the Way You Are,' 'Uptown Girl' and 'Allentown,' will be presented with the Kennedy Center Honor by President Barack Obama.

Continue reading: Billy Joel Receives Honor From Kennedy Center For Impact On American Culture

American singer Billy Joel will be the first music act to secure a residency at New York's entertainment epicentre, Madison Square garden.

The regular slot will make the 64 year-old the arena's first ever music franchise, only sports teams have had a regular future at MSG.

These teams are the New York Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and Liberty (WNBA).

Continue reading: Billy Joel Announces Monthly Residency At The World's Most Famous Arena: Madison Square Garden

Kristen Stewart managed to earn half a million dollars in only 15 minutes, and if that wasn't impressive enough, the money she made was donated straight to charity. The Twilight star caught the attention of an unnamed Middle Eastern Prince, who was so taken with the actress that he forked out the huge sum for just 15 minutes of her time.

Just $500K can buy you 15 minutes with Kristen Stewart

According to film producer Harvey Weinstein, Kristen was helping to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy when Weinstein was approached about spending some one-on-one time with Kristen by the mysterious, ultra-rich Middle Eastern monarch. Initially dismissing the requests, Kristen soon caught wind of what was happening and was actually willing to meet with the high-paying Prince, leading Weinstein to broker a deal to arrange the meet-up. Sounds seedy doesn't it?

Continue reading: Kristen Stewart Earns $500,000 For Charity After Spending 15 Minutes Alone With Middle Eastern Prince

Billie Joel’s depression following the 9/11 attacks is to blame for his substance abuse and multiple driving mishaps. In an interview with the New York Times Joel finally opens up about his trips to rehab and why they never worked – apparently he doesn’t believe in them at all. According to the interview, the root of all his problems was really a combination of stress over the 9/11 attacks and the coinciding end of a relationship.

But more importantly, in the interview Joel talks about his legacy as a musician and as a performer. Despite being 64 now, the rocker doesn’t feel too old for the business – not by a long shot. In fact, he claimed that at the 12-12-12 Sandy Relief benefit last year, he almost felt like a youngster compared to some of the other performers.

“It was funny, because backstage at the 12-12-12 concert, nobody is a spring chicken anymore. Here comes Keith, and Keith is from the time of King Tut. Then there’s Pete Townshend and Mick and McCartney. Rocking-chair rockers. Bon Jovi is next door to me, and then Bruce is down the hall, and we kind of felt like the youngsters. But everybody is still doing it much older than I thought we would ever be.”

Continue reading: There's Not Much Sex, Drugs And Rock 'n' Roll In My Life, Says Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s daughter Alexa Ray has been the victim of a deranged stalker, who has threatened the singer with more than 60 Facebook messages, containing elements of “pedophilia, sadistic-sexual behavior, violent physical assaults and murder.” Joel was so concerned about the stalker that he hired Paul McCartney’s private detective, to hunt down Sheryl Finley, 40 – the perpetrator of the oppressive behavior.

New York Post reports that 27 year-old Alexa was scared to leave the house, after the Minnesota woman stalked her and sent messages over a period of several months. A source told the Post that Alexa’s mother, Christie Brinkley, was also fearful for her daughter’s life. “Her mother, Christie Brinkley, was terrified that someone would harm her baby,” the source revealed. “Billy Joel was worried but focused.” According to the report, Billy hired a bodyguard to protect Alexa and also got in touch with old pal McCartney, who put him in touch with a Europe-based private security firm – not bound by the same legal restrictions as the police.

The stalker was tracked down in Austin, Minnesota, where she told law enforcement that the alleged rape and murder threats were not actions she wanted to carry out “during this life.” Finley had previously spent time in a mental institution in 2010. She reportedly remained optimistic that Alexa would not “object to meeting with her.” 

Continue reading: Billy Joel's Daughter At Centre Of Stalking Scandal - Billy Calls On Paul McCartney For Help

It must have been some moment for piano student Michael Pollack, as he got to join legend Billy Joel on stage during one of the star’s public appearances.

InsideVandy, the website for Vanderbilt University where Pollack studies, reports that it was a hosting a Q+A with the singer and that Pollack was in attendance. During the Q+A he told Joel that New York State Of Mind was a favorite song of his and asked if he’d possibly be able to play it with him. As Pollack recalls "I walked up, we spoke about the arrangement for about 15 seconds — he just went through what he wanted me to play — and then from there, it was just … foggy. It's hard to remember. I just started playing. I had practiced it a little bit thinking maybe I'd get the chance to go up … I kind of lost myself playing. Then afterward he said to me … he said that I was great, where are you from … and I said, 'I'm a Long Islander just like you.' He was like, 'Cool.' Then I walked off, and that was it … It was probably the greatest moment of my life, up to date."

Continue reading: Piano Student Shares Stage With Billy Joel

Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney are amongst the artists to have songs inducted into the Grammy Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Dylan has ‘the Times They Are A Changin’’ up for the honour and Macca has ‘Band on the Run’ on the list.

In a statement from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, reported by the Sacramento Bee, Neil Portnow said “With the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame celebrating 40 years, it's especially important to note that these entries continue the tradition of inducting a wide variety of recordings that have inspired and influenced both fans and music makers for generations. Memorable for being both culturally and historically significant, we are proud to add them to our growing catalog of outstanding recordings that have become part of our musical, social and cultural history.”

One stipulation of being entered onto the list is that the song must have been recorded at least 25 years ago and have had lasting significance. Also on the list of inductees are Whitney Houston and Elton John’s self-titled albums, Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man,’ recordings by James Brown, Richard Pryor and Little Richard, amongst others. Next year’s Grammy awards will be broadcast on February 10, 2013 at 8pm ET/PT on the CBS Network, they are amongst the most highly regarded awards in the music industry. This years awards were marked with a tribute to the late Whitney Houston, who died just the day before the ceremony. 

Continue reading: Bob Dylan And Paul McCartney Songs Among Grammy Hall Of Fame List

Since 1973, the Grammys have been inducting particular recordings that have stood the test of time into their hall of fame. The list doesn't only include music and one of the most famous hall of famers in there is Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech. The institution have just released a few of the artists and tracks that will be included in the hall of fame for 2013 on their home website.

Included in the list are James Brown, Bob Dylan, Carlos Gardel, Buck Owens, Richard Pryor, Little Richard, Paul McCartney & The Wings, and Billy Joel. Neil Portnow, the President and CEO of the Recording Academy spoke of next year's importance. "With the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame celebrating 40 years, it's especially important to note that these entries continue the tradition of inducting a wide variety of recordings that have inspired and influenced both fans and music makers for generations," he said. "Memorable for being both culturally and historically significant, we are proud to add them to our growing catalog of outstanding recordings that have become part of our musical, social, and cultural history."

There are a couple of tracks in this years list of 27 entrants that are surprising, if only that it's take 40 years for them to make the cut. Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York' will be in the hall of fame as of next year, though surely its iconographic status had already more proven its worth. AC/DC's 'Back in Black' also appears in the list. Perhaps to pay tribute to a great figure in music, Whitney Houston's self titled album will also be inducted, marking the further great achievements and talents from all over the world, and rounding off a great 40 years of the Grammy hall of fame. 

How many of us have heard of the Internet Radio Fairness Act, and if we do know it, how many of us really understand what it's trying to do? The Electronic Frontier Foundation has explained it and its benefits and all in all it sounds like a really good idea- however, perhaps it's because we don't fully understand all parts of the article that it seems so good.

Assuming they know what the Internet Radio Fairness Act is doing for them, or against them, 125 musical artists have all signed their name to an open letter opposing the act because it would take away some of their royalties. According to Reuters, they'd be losing out on 85% or royalties for using the songs by these artists, who include Rihanna, Billy Joe, Ludacris, Blondie, Collbie Callait, and CeeLo Green, to name but a few. Responding to their fears and criticism, Tim Westergren, one of the founders of Pandora, a prime internet radio streaming website, explained the great possibilities that may come to fruition if the bill is passed: "Passage of the IRFA will mean more jobs in a sustainable industry, more choices for listeners, and more opportunities and revenue for working artists and their record labels. When the digital music sector is allowed to grow and innovate, everybody wins." Likewise, a spokesperson for the fairness act said: "[w]e respect the artists' concerns and are willing to work with them through the legislative process to create a healthy, sustainable, growing Internet radio business that benefits them as well as labels, distributors and consumers." 

Both sides of the argument seem to thin their way will be a happily-ever-after situation. We guess perhaps not.

The Dave Matthews Band have pledged to donate $1 million to help those affected by Superstorm Sandy. Fox News have reported that the band, originally from Charlottesville, Virginia made the announcement today (Wednesday November 14, 2012) on their website, revealing that the opening date of their winter tour will be a benefit show and all ticket and merchandise sales will go to the Bama Works Sandy Relief Fund, which was established at the Community Foundation of New York.

When the storm hit the East Coast of the USA just over two weeks, it caused devastation and widespread damage. There were power outages in New Jersey and New York and the clean-up operation continues to try to get communities back to their former state. The band’s show at the Izod Center in New Jersey on November 30, will benefit the Bama Works fund.

The Dave Matthews Band aren’t the only high profile artist to help with the relief effort following the storm. NBC hosted hosted a telethon concert, featuring some of the world’s best-love musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and Sting. Christina Aguilera performed a moving rendition of her hit song ‘Beautiful,’ which became one of the highlights of the concert.

The stars came out to raise money for the reconstruction of areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy last week, and fewer seemed more committed to the cause than Bruce Springsteen, a New Jersey native who saw his home neighbourhood devastated in the storms.

Springsteen was among a host of New Jersey locals including Jon Bon Jovi and the E Street Band, whilst Long Islander Billy Joel, Bronx native Mary J. Blige, Bostonian Steven Tyler and Staten Island’s Christina Aguilera also lent a hand for the hour long televised show titled ‘Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together’. It was Springsteen who took the day though, closing the showing and singing with closed eyes and gritted teeth. "God bless New York and God bless the Jersey Shore” he called out at the end of his short performance, with it looking like he’d could’ve gone on for many many more songs if the network had allowed him to.

Other highlights of the event saw Jon Bon Jovi perform a solemn, tributary ‘Prayer’ to his home town. Many of the performances were punctuated with video segments, and footage of the wreckage that came from the storm. It has to be said, though, that despite the undoubted cost of damages, the east coast of the US got off lightly compared to the Caribbean, where 69 people lost their lives.

A Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together Telethon was held last night in the hopes of bringing relief to the millions affected when Hurricane Sandy ripped through the East Coast of America.

NBC aired a commercial-free telethon last night (Nov 2) live from storm-ravaged Staten Island, with Matt Lauer helming the celeb fest that urged viewers across America to pledge what they could and help the millions suffering from the storm.

Christina Aguilera got things started, entering a dark stage and delivering a powerful, stripped down version of ‘Beautiful.’ After the Staten Island native’s performance, a rolling montage of just some of the destruction was played, ending with a still of the once bustling Jersey Shore, after which Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi gave acoustic performances of ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’ and ‘Living on a Prayer’ with guitarist Bob Bandiera and Lorenza Ponce on the violin.

Continue reading: Stars Show Support For Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together Telethon