Billy Joel songs

[mstillman]

TL;DR: Does My Life go over with crowds? What other Billy Joel songs work?

We always get a great response for You May Be Right. I've been saying we need to add another Billy Joel song. I suggested Only the Good Die Young, not so much for its "lead bass" part, but it's upbeat, familiar, a good singalong, and I've seen it fill other bands' dance floors.

The band is leaning towards My Life.

To me, this is almost like apples and oranges. ML is a much weaker tune, IMO. I can be OK with it being a lesser hit, but I just don't think it's a grabber. (Old band did Banditos by The Refreshments and people quickly loved it. Dying to do Maria by Blondie.)

I could very well be wrong. If anyone here has gigged My Life, how'd it go over?

Recommendations for danceable BJ tunes would be welcome ('cept I think we'll pass on Uptown Girl until one of us is with a supermodel).

(Wow, Only... just came on my radio station's stream as I type this)

 

[friskinator]

It really depends on what demographic you're playing for. BJ in general is definitely going to appeal to an older crowd.

My cover band used to do Big Shot. It isn't too danceable, but it got a good reaction on some nights, and it's fun to play.

 

[mstillman]

It really depends on what demographic you're playing for. BJ in general is definitely going to appeal to an older crowd.

Our classic rock band typically targets that demo. Still, my kids were CR fans before, and since, kindergarten.

Big Shot wouldn't have occurred to me, thanks.

 

[Depth_Charge]

Haven't gigged any Billy Joel so can't help much on advice. Different songs go over different depending on the band and the crowd. Only way to gauge it is to put it on rotation and see how it plays out a few times. Just gotta be willing to drop it again if it doesn't work.

Has your group considered "It's Still Rock N Roll to Me" ?

 

[portpc]

I played "My Life" for about a year & a half in a cover act, It was a winner!

 

[mstillman]

Has your group considered "It's Still Rock N Roll to Me" ?

Funny, I just mentioned it to my gf this morning. In high school we did kazoo for the sax solo, but keyboard player has a good sax sound.

Thanks

 

[mstillman]

I played "My Life" for about a year & a half in a cover act, It was a winner!

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[cxcxcx]

"Only the Good Die Young" works if you have the instrumentation or a good arrangement.

 

[JMacBass65]

Hmm, tough one here, and I think my answer is "it depends". That is, it depends on your typical audience, as well as your set list. I'm of the opinion that "You May Be Right" is going to go over with a broad "classic rock" (maybe on the lighter side) sort of crowd, whereas "My Life" would appeal more to actual Billy Joel fans. Your suggestion of "Only the Good Die Young" I think kinda splits the difference there, and I think is the better choice. Plus, that bass line!!

 

[bassliner50]

Allentown is my choice.

 

[Crazy_Jake]

I wouldn't over think it - learn the song and try it out at a few shows and see for yourself if it works or not. If it goes over - great keep it ! if not toss it and pick an other song that will work there are lots of options to choose from

 

[GretschWretch]

Have had success with "My Life," "Piano Man," "Just Like a Woman to Me." If you really want to stretch your chops, go with "Travelin' Prayer" or "Uptown Girl."

 

[ELG60]

Back in about 1980, a friend's band used to do The Stranger. Went over fairly well iirc. We Didn't Start The Fire is an active tune but I don't think that it will necessarily get a$$es out of their seats. Piano Man is one of best pieces and would perhaps be a better sing-along. Still Rock and Roll To Me and Angry Young Man might be worthy of consideration.

 

[BassGuyFL]

I play in a Billy Joel tribute band and I would recommend sticking with the hits. We have to juggle a lot between playing the hits and some more obscure/interesting stuff. Also his songs can be pretty tricky lots of weird chord inversions and odd arrangements. Hard to do right and your keys/piano player really needs to be up on it.

 

[filwitheneff]

In the past, I've done "You May Be Right", "Still R&R To Me", and "My Life". All went-over well with the older audiences. Younger audiences won't know the songs. Personally, if your audience demographic is older, I think "My Life" is a great choice.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

We've done My Life to mixed results. Being a 3 pc with no piano it's obviously got a different vibe but even if they don't dance to it people seem to like it more often than not.

 

[Holdsg]

just don't....for any reason....play "Just the Way You Are".....unless you are a yacht rock or wedding band....yeeeeech

 

[Holdsg]

oh, and Billy had one of the best backing bands in history. I put right up there with E-street and the Heartbreakers.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

Piano Man has a good bass line. It will keep you busy for sure, especially when you play between the octaves during the verse.

 

[Ggaa]

Matter of Trust, You May Be Right......