Had the opportunity to interview Joel about 7 years ago for my “Seven Events” book. Good interview. He & Keith Emerson were the only 2 of maybe 100 rockers I interviewed who did not cite the Beatles as their reason for getting into rock.
You are so lucky. I was very saddened by Mr. Speedy's suicide. He was a huge influence. I keep his Concerto and a number of other pieces in my repertoire.
What was he like in person? He seemed like a down to earth bloke who loved motorcycles and might be unflappingly polite away from his onstage persona.
[Joel} & Keith Emerson were the only 2 of maybe 100 rockers I interviewed who did not cite the Beatles as their reason for getting into rock. —
There are videos of Billy Joel introducing The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” where he talks about them being a big reason for him getting into rock and roll.