There are concerts that feel like nostalgia trips, and then there are concerts that remind you why an artist became legendary in the first place. Billy Joel’s stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on May 19, 2023, was a little bit of both. For over two hours, the Piano Man gave a packed house a masterclass in how to deliver a stadium show: part jukebox singalong, part storytelling session, and part virtuosic performance. By the time the final notes of “You May Be Right” faded into the Tennessee night, the crowd of nearly 50,000 fans knew they’d witnessed something more than a concert — they’d been part of an ongoing dialogue between Joel and his audience, one that’s been building for decades.
The Opening Salvo
Joel wasted no time setting the tone. He launched straight into “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)”, a song that has aged like fine wine, equal parts prophetic and personal. The crowd erupted, already on their feet, voices raised in unison. As the song’s sweeping piano chords filled the stadium, Joel’s presence was commanding yet casual, the kind of charisma that doesn’t need pyrotechnics or flashy production — just a piano, a mic, and his band firing on all cylinders.
That energy carried directly into “My Life,” introduced with a playful nod to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Joel’s knack for weaving in musical quotes — equal parts humor and reverence — became a running theme of the evening. When he slid into the familiar groove of “My Life,” the stadium felt like it was shaking. Fans of every age belted the chorus, a testament to how Joel’s catalog bridges generations.
A Setlist Full of Surprises
One of the joys of a Billy Joel show is the element of surprise. Sure, you know you’re going to hear the hits — he’d never get away without “Piano Man” or “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” But Joel treats his concerts like a living, breathing thing, sometimes reshuffling, sometimes adding deep cuts, and always giving his bandmates moments to shine.
That spontaneity was evident when he rolled out “Vienna,” introduced with a whimsical snippet of “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.” It’s a fan favorite, long underrated but elevated over the years into one of his most beloved songs. Hearing 50,000 people softly sing “Vienna waits for you” felt intimate despite the sheer size of the venue.
From there, he cranked things up with “Zanzibar,” a showcase for his band’s jazz chops. The trumpet solo cut through the Nashville air like a clarion call, reminding everyone that Joel isn’t just a pop hitmaker but a serious musician with deep roots in jazz and fusion.
Playing With the Crowd
Joel also knows how to make the crowd feel like part of the show. Midway through, he offered a choice: “The Longest Time” or “Don’t Ask Me Why.” The audience roared their preference, and “The Longest Time” won the night. Stripped down to doo-wop simplicity, it became a giant choir moment, with fans snapping, swaying, and harmonizing as if they were part of Joel’s band.
There were lighter moments too — the playful Stones tease before “An Innocent Man,” or the soulful nod to Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” ahead of “Shameless.” Each of these little touches kept the crowd guessing and showed Joel’s irreverent sense of humor.
And of course, he gave space for his bandmates to shine. Crystal Taliefero nearly stole the show during “The River of Dreams,” when Joel wove in a fiery interlude of “River Deep, Mountain High.” Her powerhouse vocals raised goosebumps, turning the stadium into a gospel revival. Later, guitarist and vocalist Mike DelGuidice brought operatic gravitas with a stunning rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma.” It was the kind of left-field moment you’d never expect at a rock show, yet Joel’s audience ate it up, standing in awe as DelGuidice hit impossible high notes.
The Heart of the Show
For all the surprises, the emotional anchors of the night came from the classics. “Just the Way You Are” had couples slow dancing in the aisles, holding hands and singing like it was their wedding song all over again. “Allentown” landed with poignancy, its lyrics about working-class struggles resonating as much in 2023 as they did in 1982.
When Joel launched into “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and “Sometimes a Fantasy,” the energy spiked. These weren’t just songs — they were catharsis. The crowd shouted every word back at him, and Joel, visibly enjoying the feedback loop, grinned like a mischievous kid at the piano.
Then came “Only the Good Die Young.” Nissan Stadium turned into one massive Irish pub, the entire audience dancing, clapping, and singing with abandon. Joel, pounding away at the keys, seemed as energized as the fans.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights was “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” Sprawling, dynamic, and emotionally rich, the song has become Joel’s magnum opus on stage. Each section — from the wistful opening to the boisterous middle to the bittersweet coda — was met with thunderous applause. Couples leaned on each other, friends hugged, and for a moment, it felt like every person in that vast stadium was connected.
And then there was “Piano Man.” No matter how many times you’ve heard it, nothing compares to experiencing it live with thousands of other voices joining in. Joel barely needed to sing at all — the audience carried it, every harmonica lick and every line about Davy in the Navy delivered with the conviction of a hymn. By the end, Joel sat back, let the crowd take over, and simply smiled.
The Encore: A Rock & Roll Party
The encore was pure adrenaline. Joel kicked it off with the rapid-fire lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” proving he still has the breath control and swagger to pull it off. Then came the string of rockers: “Uptown Girl” had everyone dancing like it was 1983, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” felt fresh and defiant, and “Big Shot” dripped with sarcasm and bravado.
Finally, “You May Be Right” brought the night to a close — but not before Joel and DelGuidice spiced it up with a roaring interlude of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” It was the perfect exclamation point, blending Joel’s classic rock sensibilities with his band’s virtuosity. The stadium exploded one last time, fists pumping, voices hoarse but unrelenting.
A Night to Remember
Walking out of Nissan Stadium, you could feel the buzz in the air. Fans were still singing, strangers high-fived each other, and couples reminisced about when they first fell in love with Joel’s music. That’s the magic of a Billy Joel concert — it’s not just about the songs, it’s about the memories they carry and the way they bring people together.
At 74, Joel could easily coast on nostalgia, but instead he delivers shows that are alive, vital, and deeply personal. He doesn’t need elaborate staging or trendy gimmicks — just timeless songs, world-class musicians, and his own irrepressible personality. Nashville got all of that and more.
By the time the lights went up, one thing was clear: Billy Joel isn’t just the Piano Man. He’s a living, breathing reminder of what great songwriting, musicianship, and showmanship look like — and he’s still got plenty left to give.