Billy Joel, the Piano Man himself, has always been more about melodies than politics, but when he does speak up, you’d better believe it carries weight. In the newly released second part of HBO’s documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer steps into the political fray with pointed criticism of former President Donald Trump’s response to the infamous 2017 Charlottesville rally.
For Joel, who rarely brings politics into his performances, this moment marked a turning point, and for fans of classic rock who appreciate when artists stand for something, it’s a powerful reminder of rock’s radical roots.
The Charlottesville rally, which organized white nationalists and saw tragic violence, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Trump’s controversial assertion that there were “very fine people on both sides” struck a dissonant chord across the nation.
That was the moment Joel says he couldn’t stay silent any longer. As an American Jew and the son of a Holocaust survivor, the symbolism hit close to home, so much so that he made an uncharacteristic political statement during a Madison Square Garden show by wearing a yellow Star of David on his coat, echoing the badge forced upon Jews during the Nazi era.
For classic rock artists fans, this news goes beyond just another artist voicing an opinion, it’s emblematic of how even rock legends who typically steer clear of politics can be moved to act when history echoes with painful familiarity. It’s also a testament to Billy Joel’s enduring relevance. He may not shred a Stratocaster, but his voice, both musical and moral, still carries serious resonance in today’s cultural conversations.
Whether you grew up spinning The Stranger on vinyl or you caught his residency at the Garden in your adult years, Joel’s choice to spotlight this moment in the documentary gives fans yet another reason to admire the man behind the music. Rock has always been about rebellion, truth, and heart—and this, right here, is a stirring example of all three.
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