Billy Joel Presents Tributes To Jeff Beck At Madison Square Garden

Billy Joel took a few opportunities at his concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday to honor Jeff Beck following the innovative guitarist's sudden death. Joel led his band through two songs Beck frequently covered and spoke about how much he appreciated Jeff’s music.

“He was a musician who I always loved, he was the best,” Billy Joel told the audience towards the middle of his latest monthly show at The Garden. “Jeff Beck just passed away recently,” Joel added. “I couldn’t let the night go by without doing something by Jeff. This is a recording he did with Rod Stewart called ‘People Get Ready.'” The Piano Man then teamed with his band for their debut performance of The Impressions song written by Curtis Mayfield. Beck released his take on “People Get Ready” featuring Rod Stewart on vocals in 1985 on his Flash album.

Watch Billy Joel’s soulful rendition of “People Get Ready” via fan-shot footage below:

The 73-year-old musician delivered a career-spanning performance at The Garden featuring such hits as “My Life,” “Just The Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Story),” “Piano Man” and more. Friday’s show continued Billy Joel’s monthly residency at MSG, which began back in January of 2014. The December concert was postponed due to illness and will be played on June 2.

Billy Joel’s daughter, Alexa Ray Joel accompanied her father on “New York State Of Mind” within the main set and “Big Shot” as part of the encore. Joel and his band ended the night with an impromptu cover of Alabama State Troupers’ “Going Down.” The Jeff Beck Group recorded the song for their eponymous 1972 studio album. “We should’ve rehearsed it,” Joel exclaimed as the ensemble struggled with the start of “Going Down.” However, the group recovered to complete the song and concert.

View “You May Be Right” and “Going Down” from Saturday’s show below: