Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header
| Entertainment
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
Entertainment
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Film
Music
People
Television
Arts
Industry
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Environment
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header
Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:56pm EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
By Erik Pedersen
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - On the surface, it always has seemed like a natural pairing: two of the rock era's most successful acts -- piano-based or otherwise -- dispensing hit after hit after hit.
But look a little deeper and the contrasts between Elton John and Billy Joel far outweigh the similarities. And their latest Face 2 Face arena show Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center again hammered home those differences, even as the packed house cheered the pop feast.
The most obvious is the performing styles. Both men still have a command of their instrument, but their manic stage days are behind them. And that's fine; John turned 62 last Wednesday, and Joel hits 60 in May.
But latter-day John is all about the music, mostly sitting stoically at his piano; Joel's still about the show, his eighty-eight on a rotator so that every in-the-round patron got a good look. John prefers a quiet dignity onstage, only occasionally addressing the audience; Joel is demonstrative, offering some rimshot-worthy shtick.
Basically, John plays to the crowd; Joel feeds off it. So while Sir Elton will never cede the catalog crown, in his stage battle with the kid from Long Island, the latter continues to win the Face 2 Faceoffs.
John's voice for years was one of the most distinctive in rock. He sounded fine Saturday and still can sing with power, but that instantly recognizable bite is gone. He was at his best during the many slow songs, when his pipes weren't forced to keep pace with the music; "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," for example, was a kitten compared to its beastly original.
So John's solo set was heavy with ballads, which certainly isn't a bad thing. Those irresistible sing-along choruses wrap around often moving verses on topics of joy or pain, cryptic or barefaced, while he piles on the marvelous melodies. Highlights included the mournful "Daniel" and a superbly elongated "Rocket Man."
Joel happily dispensed his hits and nonhits with aplomb and a winning joviality. He introduced "Zanzibar" by saying: "This is what they called an 'album cut,'" emphasizing the quote marks with his fingers. "I don't know if you remember 'albums.'"
Joel's portion included a couple of gratuitous nods to the tour stop; "The River of Dreams" was broken up by non sequitur verse of "California Girls," and earlier, while performing with John, "My Life" opened with a few bars of "California Here I Come." But his good humor was infectious. A video screen flashed quick images during "We Didn't Start the Fire"; when he got to the line "England has a new queen," there's was a picture of Sir Elton. Zing!
John's chart success and critical acceptance have put him closer to the pop stratosphere of his countrymen the Beatles, while Joel has labored in the mode of fellow New Yorker Neil Diamond: a hitmaker with a passionate following who couldn't win over the critics. But their shared show renders itself critic-proof by virtue of its sheer value for the money, especially today. Consider this: The crowd got almost three dozen songs -- including 16 top 10 singles and four No. 1s (17 and five if you count "Candle in the Wind"), only one of them post-'80s and many delivered note-for-note -- over an intermissionless three hours and 20 minutes. And still, it was easy to lament what they didn't play.
Never has that key line from Joel's "Piano Man," which closed the show as a piano duet with John, been so apropos: It's them they were coming to see to forget about life for a while.
(Editing by Dean Goodman at Reuters)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
Also On Reuters
Commentary: Have we turned the corner?
Video
Video: Can beer withstand the economic downturn?
Slideshow
Slideshow: Highlights from the NCAA tournament
More Entertainment News
TV drama "ER" draws last breath after 15 years
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption
| Video
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
Metallica sidelining bass player at rock induction
More Entertainment News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Obama to Automakers: It's My Way or the Highway
Miss Universe says had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo
U.S. unveils Orion spacecraft to take crew to Mars
Fox News' Bill O'Reilly boycotting Sean Penn films
NASA in Colbert conundrum over Space Station
WRAPUP 1-Record drop in home prices keeps US consumers glum
Obama team drops "war on terror" rhetoric
U.S. recession easing but no bottom yet
GM sees bankruptcy risk | Video
UPDATE 5-Pistachios recalled in U.S. due to salmonella risk
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Loincloths hot among Japan woman
Illusionist floats in mid-air
Taliban claim Lahore raid
Madonna in Malawi court
Bike with ten-cornered wheels
Pizza vending machine
Beer still recession proof?
Obama hits the brakes on autos
And Finally Village for Sale
Business Update: Wall St. slumps
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
Reuters Deals
The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators
Knowledge to Act
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Interactive TV |
Labs |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Wednesday, 1 April 2009 Iran, in gesture to U.S., promises help on drugs
| International
|
Netanyahu names government, offers Palestinians peace
| International
|
Children traumatized by Mexico drug war killings
| International
|
300 African migrants feared drowned off Libya
| International
|
Venezuela opposition leader in hiding
| International
|
Israeli warplanes bombed Sudan convoy: report
| International
|
Pope orders probe of scandal-plagued religious order
| International
|
Facebook CFO to leave company
| Technology
|
Tech spending may fall more in '09 than post-dotcom
| Technology
|
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption
| Entertainment
|
Global box office hits record $28.1 billion in '08
| Entertainment
|
Bolt, Simpsons top Genesis Awards
| Entertainment
|
Thai PM threatens action against protests
North Korea missile consistent with satellite: U.S.
| International
|
Israel's Netanyahu vows to seek peace with Arabs
More than 200 feared dead in migrant shipwreck off Libya
US-TECH Summary
Global recession pushing millions into poverty
French workers hold managers at Caterpillar
Israel parliament approves Netanyahu govt
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Khodorkovsky wants Putin testimony at trial
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers
New Israeli foreign minister, in his own words
US home prices 'in record freefall'
France threatens G20 walk out
Computer experts brace for "Conficker" worm
Afghan unrest kills mayor, 30 militants
US consumer confidence flat amid weak economy
Analysis: Weekend uprising shows Iraqi tensions
Hitachi executive indicted in LCD price-fixing scheme
France threatens walkout before G20 summit
Iran, US officials meet at Afghan conference: Clinton
Former New Zealand PM Clark confirmed in top U.N. post
| International
|
HP exploring using Android software in computers
Netanyahu ready for peace with Palestinians
Netanyahu to be sworn in as Israel's new premier
IBM to enter "cloud computing" software market
Netanyahu says peace possible with Palestinians
Obama offers tough love to US car giants
HP considering Android for netbooks: report
Iran, US find common cause on Afghanistan
Highlights of draft bill to curb global warming
MySpace adding Citysearch local night life reviews
AFP, Getty Images agree video deal
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Sony cuts price of PlayStation 2, not PS3
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm
| Technology
|
US reporters 'face up to 10 years' jail' in NKorea
HP says pondering Google's Android
| Technology
|
Philippine Red Cross wants proof hostages alive
U.S. senators move to end Cuba travel ban
North Korea missile seen consistent with satellite
US to seek seat on UN Human Rights Council
US lawmakers urge web services to confront Vietnam
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,263
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers
| Technology
|
'World's best job' seekers for Australian island
US strides toward opening door to Cuba travel
Talking in color: imaging helps social skills
| Technology
|
Expert: NKorea has several nuclear warheads
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Pakistani Taliban threaten strike on Washington
Senate panel okays nominees for Iraq, Afghanistan
Khmer Rouge prison chief pleads for forgiveness
IBM to enter cloud computing software market
| Technology
|
US asking that North Korea release Americans
Beijing rejects China spy ring report as 'lies'
13 killed in clash with Muslim rebels: military
"Bolt," "Simpsons" top Genesis Awards
South Korea March exports support recovery talk
Chinese President Hu leaves for G20 summit
NZ dollar drops, debt rallies on RBNZ statement
Tropics are a boon for baby girls
Korea Hot Stocks
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets
Japan's business confidence hits record low
FX gets TV rights for DreamWorks animated films
Seoul shares open higher led by banking issues
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
TV drama ER draws last breath after 15 years
| Entertainment
|
Indonesia's singing serial killer eyes pop stardom
NZ cenbank warns high wholesale rates unwarranted
Actor from 'Angel' dies at 33 of heart disease
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets
| Entertainment
|
Hitachi executive charged in LCD price-fixing case
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label
Japanese PM dismissed German warnings: FT
Steve Martin to make Grand Ole Opry debut
Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header
| Entertainment
|
Sony cuts PlayStation 2 price to $100
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
| Entertainment
|
Cura follows Alagna in both `Cav' and `Pag' at Met
Metallica sidelining bass player at rock induction
| Entertainment
|
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label
| Entertainment
|
Facebook chief financial officer exits firm
Facebook CFO to leave company
Afghanistan commanders expect spike in violence
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan, 12 dead
| International
|
Iran pledges Afghan help in new gesture to U.S.
| International
|
World wants Palestinian state, Peres tells Netanyahu
| International
|
Raul Alfonsin, hero of Argentine democracy, dies
| International
|
ECB to cut rates, explore 'non-standard' policies
China detains man compiling list of quake victims
| International
|
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Thai government seeks talks with Thaksin to end siege
| International
|
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Mexican businessmen flee to US to avoid crime
Cuba has made no plans for spike in US visitors
Obama envoy visits Sudan amid pressure on Beshir
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm
| Technology
|
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry
| Technology
|
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry
| Technology
|
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
| Technology
|
ER draws last breath after 15 years
| Entertainment
|
Postal Service launching Simpsons stamps
| Entertainment
|
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Chinese official calls for heightened security
Pakistan: Suspected US missile kills 12 militants
Disney doubles up on 3-D Toy Story
| Entertainment
|
Mumbai attacks lawyer stands firm
Khmer Rouge defendant seeks change of detention
Trio of actors ready for Clash of the Titans
| Entertainment
|
Defence seeks release of Khmer Rouge prison chief
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan
Embattled Thai PM offers talks with Thaksin
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Strong earthquake hits Papua New Guinea coast
Taiwan's TMC to team up with Elpida of Japan
Top jobs go empty in deadly Chinese mining center
China to extend foreign bank investment periods
S.Korean won rises on recovery talk; GM cuts gains
Banks, auto issues send Seoul shares up 2.3 pct
ADB expands trade financing program to $1B
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Trio of actors ready for "Clash of the Titans"
SCENARIOS-NZ central bank options on bond market ructions
Dialysis patients go cruising
S.Korea March CPI up 3.9 pct y/y, matches forecast
Disney doubles up on 3-D "Toy Story
Recession bites but pampered pooches relax
Atwood's latest study in human frailty
`Idol' judges distracted by Iraheta's funky outfit
2 more celebrities kicked off ABC's 'Dancing'
U.S. says to turn to U.N. if NKorea launches missile
| International
|
Kandahar attack kills 13: Afghan govt
Obama, Medvedev to reset ties with arms pact
| International
|
Iraq blames neighbors for water shortage
Palestinians urge U.S. to insist Israel honours deal
France and Germany 'demand regulation at G20'
'Suspected US strike kills up to 12 in Pakistan'
60 years on, NATO in crisis over Afghan war
| International
|
New round of Palestinian unity talks starts in Cairo
Monthly U.S. death toll in Iraq lowest since beginning of war
| International
|
Taliban attack Afghan council, 13 dead
Sudan's Bashir defies ICC warrant with Saudi trip
| International
|
Libya finds 100 bodies of drowned migrants
| International
|
Helicopter carrying 16 crashes into North Sea
| International
|
Analysis: Dems punt hard choices on Obama budget
General: Afghan-Pakistan insurgents get stronger
World must 'pick up the pace' on crisis: Obama
US to join UN rights body that Bush rejected
IBM to enter cloud computing software market
| Technology
|
G20 nations must focus on 'common ground': Obama
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Canadian hitman pleads guilty to 27 murders
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies
Dreaded 'conficker' worm set to infect PCs
Silicon Graphics files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies
| Technology
|
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
| Technology
|
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Obama accepts invitation to China
China vows safer quake zone schools within 3 years
Japan, SKorea agree to raise NKorea test at UN
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption
| Entertainment
|
17 die in militant attack on Afghan gov't building
Correction: China Google Music story
China says no cover-up in disease outbreak
China restoring France contacts after Tibet spat
China military still under Communist Party control
Sarkozy to meet Hu as France and China mend fences
India exports slide for fifth straight month
Sri Lanka says flood of people leave war zone
India's exports plunge 21.7 pct in February
Seoul court injunctions over FX options a concern-ISDA
Taiwan dollar firms on stocks, c.bank caps rise
Pakistan says meets IMF asset targets comfortably
Japan domestic auto sales hit 38-year-low
In trying times, trend is lower-budget TV shows
Chinese stocks hit 7-month high on recovery hopes
NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started
China manufacturing down again in March: index
Woo-hoo! The Simpsons to appear on postage stamps
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Richard Chamberlain celebrates his 75th on stage
SKorea's March inflation rate slows to 3.9 pct
Strong 6.1 quake hits Indonesia: seismologists
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights