Billy Joel, the legendary Piano Man, recently opened up about a surprising insecurity: he doesn’t like the sound of his own voice. Despite decades of success and a catalog of timeless hits, Joel revealed during a recent interview that he’s never been satisfied with his singing.
Struggling With Self-Acceptance
“I always wanted to sing like somebody else — I never liked my own voice,” Joel confessed. “I would go in the studio and I’d do a recording and I’d come back in the control room and listen and go, ‘Oh God, it’s that guy.’ And I’d always be disappointed — no matter how good I thought the writing was, I never liked my own voice.”
To cope with this insecurity, Joel said he often channels vocal styles from artists he admires, including Sting, Ray Charles, and Elvis Costello.
Returning With New Music
Despite his self-criticism, Joel made a triumphant return to music this year with “Turn The Lights Back On,” his first new song in 17 years. The release demonstrates Joel’s continued passion for songwriting and performing, even as he navigates personal doubts about his voice.
A Touring Icon
Billy Joel remains one of the most sought-after live performers. This year, he made history at Madison Square Garden and has no plans of slowing down. He’s gearing up for a New Year’s Eve show at UBS Arena and has already mapped out tour dates for 2024 and 2025.
Special Guests and Collaborations
Several of Joel’s upcoming shows will feature renowned artists Sting and Stevie Nicks as special guests, adding even more excitement for fans. With a lineup of performances in iconic venues, Joel’s tour is set to captivate audiences across the U.S.
Upcoming Tour Dates
12/31 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
01/17 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
02/08 – Indianapolis, IN @ Lucas Oil Stadium %
02/22 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
03/29 – Detroit, MI @ Ford Field ^
04/11 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome %
05/10 – Charlotte, NC @ Bank Of America Stadium %
05/23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Rice-Eccles Stadium %
(% = with Sting, ^ = with Stevie Nicks)
Legacy of Resilience
Billy Joel’s candid admission about his voice underscores the universal struggle of self-doubt, even for those at the pinnacle of success. His ability to persevere and continue creating is a testament to his artistry and enduring connection with fans.
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