Billy Joel is a regular at Madison Square Garden in New York. But in an attempt to pay tribute to the victims of last week’s shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, he pulled out an old chestnut that’s certainly not a regular part of his act.
“We’re gonna do a song I haven’t done in, I don’t know, 25 years or something. We may screw this up, but at least you know we’re not on tape,” Joel told the crowd at his show Friday night before launching into “You’re Only Human” for the first time since 1987. Per Rolling Stone, Joel dedicated the entire performance to the victims of what he referred to as the “senseless massacre” that left 49 dead last Sunday morning.
“We’re no strangers to terrorism and mayhem and grief, maybe here in New York more than any other city in America. Us guys have been to Orlando many times, and we will be back there again, and I just want to dedicate tonight’s concert to the people of Orlando, especially the families and friends and the loved ones of the victims of this senseless massacre, you’re with us and we’re with you.”
Joel joined a list of musicians, including Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Taylor Swift and Beyonce, among others, to honor the victims of the attack. “You’re Only Human” appeared on Joel’s record Greatest Hits Vol. I & II, which was released in 1985.
(via Rolling Stone)
