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The friendly confines rocked

Elton John & Billy Joel
Wrigley Field
Chicago, IL
July 21, 2009

Elton John

Elton John fan

Billy Joel

Story and photos by Sharon VanKanegan

As two grand pianos emerged on stage - an enthusiastic crowd stood to their feet awaiting two of the greatest musical melody makers in the world. First, Billy Joel, dressed in suit & tie, followed by the royal entrance of Sir Elton John. Wearing a black tuxedo with tails and, of course, a purple satin shirt along with a painted mermaid dancing on his back. The friendly confines rocked for about 3 1/2 hours. These are the sounds you might hear if the Cubs ever win the World Series again. The opening number "Your Song" followed by "Just The Way You Are," "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and "My Life" rocked the crowd and these two mega stars never missed a beat while they tinkered away on their respective pianos.

Finishing "My Life," Billy Joel and his piano exited the stage. Spotlight now on Sir Elton John, as he took over and banged out entertainment that would be remembered for a long time. He began with" Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," followed by "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting," "Levon," "Candle In The Wind," "Madman Across The Water," "Tiny Dancer," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Daniel," "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)," "Philadelphia Freedom" and "I'm Still Standing." His natural penchant for beautiful melodies have more than stood the test of time. In fact, you appreciate these great songs even more as age turns them mellower like a fine wine. This legend looked and sounded fabulous, he left the excited crowd with a spirited version "Crocodile Rock."

He then made way for the always terrific Billy Joel, who strolled out and gave us an incredible rendition of "Angry Young Man," followed by "I'm Moving Out." As his piano rotated on stage, he sang his hit songs, "My Kind of Town" and then continued with "Allentown," "Zanzibar," "She's Always A Woman To Me," "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" and "In The Middle Of The Night."

The always talented and entertaining Billy Joel was gracious enough and allowed a member of the road crew, who hails from Chicago, to sing a rendition of "Highway To Hell," with Billy Joel as his more than able backup singer and guitar player.

Joining Billy again was Sir Elton John. From there, the evening just kept getting better. They belted out " Goodbye Norma Jean," "We Didn't Start The Fire" and "Only The Good Die Young." "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," "Uptown Girl," "The Bitch Is Back," "You May Be Right" and "Benny and the Jets". The evening ended with the Billy's incredible hit, "Piano Man," As the evening concluded, what took place tonight would be very hard to top. These two talented and ageless men brought such excitement to the City of Chicago and its dedicated fans that only the miracle of the Cubs and White Sox meeting in a world series could overshadow their performance.