This past Saturday, Billy Joel made his debut at the newly opened Intuit Dome, just outside Los Angeles. The Piano Man’s monumental performance was elevated by drop-ins from none other than guitar virtuoso John Mayer and rock legend Axl Rose.
Joel’s set was moving along smoothly when he paused about midway through to introduce a special guest. “This is a great guitarist,” he said to the crowd. “I admire this guy’s chops. He’s got this fluid technique, he’s great. Please welcome, John Mayer!” The audience erupted as Mayer took the stage, guitar in hand, ready to join Joel for a performance of “This Is the Time”, a nostalgic favorite from Joel’s 1986 album, The Bridge.
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Billy Joel With John Mayer – “This Is The Time” – 10/12/24
[Video: Silent T]
Mayer’s fluid playing and smooth style perfectly complemented Joel’s piano work, reigniting a collaboration that had previously been captured on Live at Shea Stadium. But the surprises didn’t stop there.
Just a few songs later, Joel once again turned to the audience to introduce another legend. Following a brief but suspenseful buildup, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose stepped onto the stage. Joel and Rose had shared the spotlight before, most recently at the final show of Joel’s historic Madison Square Garden residency.
Together, they tore into a raucous rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Live And Let Die”, a track that has long been a staple of Guns N’ Roses’ live shows since it appeared on the band’s 1991 release Use Your Illusion I.
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Billy Joel With Axl Rose – “Live And Let Die” (Paul McCartney) – 10/12/24
[Video: Silent T]
As if Mayer and Rose weren’t enough to make the night special, Joel’s nine-year-old daughter, Della Rose Joel, made a heartwarming appearance toward the end of the set, joining her father onstage for an emotional rendition of “My Life”.
Billy Joel With Della Rose Joel – “My Life” – 10/12/24
[Video: Silent T]
Joel’s upcoming performances include shows with Sting in Texas and Las Vegas. For a full list of dates and tickets, head here.