Remember When Garth Brooks Rocked the House With Billy Joel?
Garth Brooks is a huge Billy Joel fan, and he surprised fans and made one of his own musical dreams come true when he made an unannounced appearance with the pop icon during a concert at New York's Shea Stadium.
Joel performed two sold-out nights at the legendary venue in 2008, marking the last live performances to take place at Shea Stadium before it was torn down to make way for Citi Field. He was joined by a number of all-star guests, including Steven Tyler, Roger Daltrey, Tony Bennett, John Mellencamp, Paul McCartney and more. Brooks' surprise appearance took place on July 18, 2008, when he joined the Piano Man for "Shameless."
In the video above, Brooks takes the stage clad in a Mets jersey, giving Joel — who is seated at the piano — a hug as he beams. He acknowledges the massive audience with a wave before taking his position at the center stage mic, delivering the song in a uniquely soulful style that hints strongly at his pop and rock influences. Joel smiles as he joins in on background harmony vocals on his own song, then takes the second verse for himself as Brooks leans against his piano, giving him an encouraging nod before joining in for a vocal trade-off at the end.
Joel wrote and recorded the song for his Storm Front album in 1989, and Brooks covered it for his 1991 album, Ropin' the Wind. Brooks' version — which featured background vocals from his future wife, Trisha Yearwood — reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. His appearance with Joel was captured as part of Joel's Live at Shea Stadium CD and DVD, which were released in 2011.
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