Everybody has a dream (OK, no more song title puns), and Michael Pollock’s was to play a song with his idol, Billy Joel. So, when the Piano Man recently visited his college, Vanderbilt University, for a Q&A, he knew he had to say goodbye to his shyness (that was only a half reference) and ask Joel if he could perform “New York State of Mind” with him. Luckily, Joel isn’t an asshole and said yes. In Pollock’s own words:
And then he thought for a little — he took a second — and then he just said “Okay.” Which wasn’t quite convincing, but it was good enough. 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.” (Via)
Ugh, he’s such a big shot now.
(Via)
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What a cool thing for Billy Joel to do.
Videos like this make me want to take up the piano again.
The not awesome part of this story is that I wasn’t the guy who got to play with Billy Joel.
Why do music snobs hate the Piano Man so much?
I don’t think of myself as a “music snob,” though I’m sure I could be described as such in the same way I’ve actually been called a “beer snob.” I actually like a wide variety of things in both categories, but I’m pretty opinionated about the individual examples, no matter their pedigree. So I don’t drink Bud or Pabst or whatever, it’s not some dismissal or condemnation of “cheap beer” in general. I drink Molson XXX all the time when I’m home. I don’t have to drink a locally sourced microbrew every time I have a sip. It’s fun to try to do so, especially when you’re in a place you haven’t spent much time in before, but, honestly, I’ve had plenty of those microbrews that were worse than certain brands you can get off the shelf at any grocery store or gas station in the country.
That was sort of a long detour, I guess. I, personally, am not a fan of the music of Billy Joel, though I’m not repulsed by it, either. If I’m in one of those weird situations where I’m scanning through unfamiliar radio stations, I’ll actually stop on a Joel song if it’s the second time around the dial. But the initial rejection is just sort of a gut reaction. And I can’t figure out why. Musically, he’s generally original, not simplistic nor overly complicated, and catchy without being too poppy. Lyrically, well, I love the earnest sarcasm of “Angry Young Man.” I can’t think of any good reason to not like his music, but I just don’t.
I’m a long-haired, thirty-year-old college student with a proclivity to black metal, who also has a favorite composer and a Harry Nilsson collection. But, if my experience in beer is any indication, I am actually a snob because I like Pink Floyd, but not Yes, and so: just no fucking idea.
Billy Joel will tell you why: It’s his singing. He doesn’t like the sound of his own voice.
His songwriting skills and his piano playing are masterful.
But he thinks he’s a terrible singer and has said so often.
Billy Joel pictured with his best friend. Man, I love that guy