What a top version of this song. So used to hearing Liberty's drums on this song but slight variations here by Ryhs make it even more interesting. Just a great quality rendition of this song. An absolute classic!
The drummer is Rhys Clark. He played with Billy for 5 or 6 years in the beginning. He was recorded on both Cold Spring Harbor (entire album)and Piano Man (2 or 3 songs).
I'd like to know to who this drummer is...he really nails it. I think it was Ron Tutt on the album but this isn't Tutt or obviously DeVito. Fantastic version! Many sensational songs on the 3 albums prior to the Stranger but you only hear the same tired few.
the guy on drums here is Liberty's predecessor, Rhys Clark. He emigrated here from New Zealand, where he played in a few bands down there in the 60's. Right after coming to the US he first played for Billy on Cold Spring Harbor. He became Billy's touring drummer in '72, and was until '76 when Billy formed his new band.
According to Billy Joel's band history the drummer during that time period would be Jon Small. I could see his face even in one shot to see if it was someone else.
Thanks, I love this performance! I saw Billy the first time in Dec. 1976 at a college in Allentown Pa. Liberty was on drums and Frank Vento on guitar. I see Stegmeyer on bass and Cannata on organ. Anyone know who the drummer and guitar player is? The guitar player looks like David Brown but I could be wrong. Thanks again cool for posting this. It brought back memories. Bob
Wow, that was a great performance! Thx for all the videos you've uploaded, especially all the interviews. Since I was born in 86 i missed out on a lot, so it's great to see videos from the 70s and 80s. :D Thx!
this is one of the best live versions i've ever seen and heard of this song, billy tears up and aces the keyboard on this one, start to finish... would have been great to actually see him live in the 70s! the 80s onward are good but his 70s performances on the keyboard are all astounding!
one of the best live versions of this song ever captured on film or video. billy's piano playing is unrivaled throughout! 5 stars to the one and only Billy Joel.
Love it! Listening to Billy in AZ just doesn't feel right, but his voice always makes me feel like I'm home on LI.
JeannineAnne 1 year ago
What a top version of this song. So used to hearing Liberty's drums on this song but slight variations here by Ryhs make it even more interesting. Just a great quality rendition of this song. An absolute classic!
johnsongs2000 1 year ago
Now that you mention the bass it really seems like it's louder than the last times I listened to this song. It sounds awesome.
hiadhiad 2 years ago
Doug Stegmeyer on Bass
helmsbarn 2 years ago
Just an amazing rendition. The keyboard work was really strong. There's a better vocal edition out there, but this version is one of my favorites.
PutSome5tankOnIt 2 years ago
This was his most expressive time, like the young elton john.
Brilliant !
drjekyll66 2 years ago
The drummer is Rhys Clark. He played with Billy for 5 or 6 years in the beginning. He was recorded on both Cold Spring Harbor (entire album)and Piano Man (2 or 3 songs).
rmott99 2 years ago
yeah!!
soni2644 3 years ago
WOW, that took my breath away. I saw Billy for the 1st time in the Boston Garden during the "Bib Shot" tour years ago. Thanks for posting.
themajorchord 3 years ago
The drummer is Rhys Clark from australia.He played on the cold spring harbor and piano man albums.
Romantrav 3 years ago
Ahh...so long ago. I remember '75. Great song.
entity3sf 3 years ago
what a bad crowd. great peformance though
rushgeddylee 3 years ago
He had such great stuff before 'The Stranger', its just his albums werent produced all that well.
His live performances of his early stuff shows how good his music was early on.
rhk3333 3 years ago
Fucking brilliant.
ciaobellakate 3 years ago
could someone please tell the host to put some clothes on?
Qboy316 3 years ago
If they showed this on VH1 today it would be a dull-scale riot!
bjracing84 3 years ago
I'd like to know to who this drummer is...he really nails it. I think it was Ron Tutt on the album but this isn't Tutt or obviously DeVito. Fantastic version! Many sensational songs on the 3 albums prior to the Stranger but you only hear the same tired few.
bit50s 3 years ago
Rhys Clark was the drummer prior to Liberty. that's him you're watching.
Coldacre 3 years ago
the guy on drums here is Liberty's predecessor, Rhys Clark. He emigrated here from New Zealand, where he played in a few bands down there in the 60's. Right after coming to the US he first played for Billy on Cold Spring Harbor. He became Billy's touring drummer in '72, and was until '76 when Billy formed his new band.
bodkin1 3 years ago
Rhys Clark is the drummer
Romantrav 3 years ago
According to Billy Joel's band history the drummer during that time period would be Jon Small. I could see his face even in one shot to see if it was someone else.
earldrum 3 years ago
I'm not sure on this one either if it was '75 I dont think DeVitto was touring with him yet. My best guess would be Jim Gordon...lol who knows?
moosey3306 3 years ago
AWESOME!
bjracing84 3 years ago
I remember when I was in elementary school, my mom would drive me to school, and I made her play this song every single day on the way to school...
planetnoodle 3 years ago
Can't believe he's only 26 in the video. One hell of a performance. Great to see him at Shea the other week
cjsturgess 3 years ago
horrible house on this one. just shows what a showman he is when that much energy goes out to a dead house...
leary6996 3 years ago
It's a TV show.
Dabednego 3 years ago
Boy does Billy's awesome performance clear your pallet after looking at Helen Ready. I can not wait for the Shea shows in a couple weeks.
rustytrombone1027 3 years ago
A great live performance. If anyone wonders why hes called Piano Man, this should clear it up.
Props2u 3 years ago
Thanks, I love this performance! I saw Billy the first time in Dec. 1976 at a college in Allentown Pa. Liberty was on drums and Frank Vento on guitar. I see Stegmeyer on bass and Cannata on organ. Anyone know who the drummer and guitar player is? The guitar player looks like David Brown but I could be wrong. Thanks again cool for posting this. It brought back memories. Bob
bjoelfn55 3 years ago
Rhys Clark is the drummer and Don Evans is the guitar player. The organist is Johnny Almond.
njslim 2 years ago
Nice!
awsmsean 3 years ago
Wow, that was a great performance! Thx for all the videos you've uploaded, especially all the interviews. Since I was born in 86 i missed out on a lot, so it's great to see videos from the 70s and 80s. :D Thx!
sn0wgirl66 3 years ago
glad you enjoyed, the best of billy's career really came out just prior to 1986 - be sure you check it all out! best regards
coolvideo76 3 years ago
Very good! Thanks for posting.
jpcohen1978 3 years ago
i love every song by billy
chip43 3 years ago
Wow! This is great live!
nightjasmine25 3 years ago
this is one of the best live versions i've ever seen and heard of this song, billy tears up and aces the keyboard on this one, start to finish... would have been great to actually see him live in the 70s! the 80s onward are good but his 70s performances on the keyboard are all astounding!
coolvideo76 3 years ago
one of the best live versions of this song ever captured on film or video. billy's piano playing is unrivaled throughout! 5 stars to the one and only Billy Joel.
wisecritic 3 years ago
genius....thanks for uploading
mynameisyou6 3 years ago