Description: 1976 Billy Joel 'The Piano Man' - First Australian Concert Tour Program - rare Billy Joel embarked on his first Australian concert tour in 1976, following the success of his breakthrough hit “Piano Man” (released in 1973) and other growing hits from his albums Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles. Contents - 16-page program- Spot-colour front and back cover- Black-and-white pages - long-form bio on Billy - Black-and-white portraits and promo shots - Various Ads Notes - The program measures approximately 30.5cm x 20cm (12” by 8.00").- Matte paper- Please see pictures of the front, back, and all pages inside the program. ConditionVery Good. It's an excellent, solid copy. Cover shows some handling wear. Small crease on top right cover corner. No tears, folds, foxing, or creasing on pages.The spine and staple binding are in excellent condition. The program is complete with no missing pages.Pages are bright, vivid and clean, rarely handled The condition will delight a discerning collector. Context of the 1976 TourThe tour was part of his promotion for the 1976 album “Turnstiles.” Although “Piano Man” (the song and album) had introduced him to a broader audience, it was with Turnstiles that Billy Joel began to gain significant momentum as a performer and songwriter. He had already built a reputation for his storytelling style and ability to fuse pop, rock, and classical influences. 1976 was a pivotal year for Billy Joel because he had just returned to New York after living in Los Angeles. This greatly influenced the themes of Turnstiles, an album reflecting his nostalgia and appreciation for his hometown. It includes songs like “New York State of Mind,” which has since become one of his classics, and “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.” Tour HighlightsJoel’s concerts during the 1976 Australian tour featured a mix of songs from his earlier albums (Piano Man, Streetlife Serenade) and tracks from Turnstiles. Some of the essential tracks performed included:•“Piano Man” – his signature song that propelled him to fame.•“Say Goodbye to Hollywood” – a famous track from Turnstiles.•“New York State of Mind” – a ballad showcasing his love for New York City.•“Captain Jack” is a powerful narrative song that has become a fan favourite.•“James” – a more reflective and mellow track from Turnstiles. By this time, Billy Joel was gaining international recognition, and Australia was one of the key markets where his music was well received. The 1976 Australian tour helped establish Joel as a significant international performer. Dynamic piano playing, powerful vocals, and engaging stage presence characterised his live performances. LegacyBilly Joel’s first Australian tour in 1976 laid the groundwork for his strong relationship with Australian audiences, which he would revisit with subsequent tours. His ability to connect with fans through his storytelling, relatable lyrics, and impressive musicianship made him a lasting favourite in Australia and worldwide. EditorA.B. McDonald This rare Billy Joel program from his first Australian tour would make an excellent collectible for any fan, collector or Australian music enthusiast. Please see my other listings: I currently have various Australian Concert programs listed for auction. These programs make fascinating archival material for historians, academics, and enthusiasts of the Australian music industry. Shipping: The item will be shipped express with signature-on-delivery, backed with cardboard, and placed in a plastic sleeve for protection before shipping. Worldwide express shipping is available. Tracking will always be provided after the item is posted. Please let me know if you have any questions about this item.
Price: 102.5 AUD
Location: Byron Bay, NSW
End Time: 2024-11-10T07:33:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 23.76 AUD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Autographed: No
Type: Program
Era: 1970s
Original/Reproduction: Original
