Billy Joel banked on his recent success when he wrote and recorded the 1980 album Glass Houses. The songs were much more streamlined and guitar-driven than his previous two platinum-selling releases, and arranged to be played in arenas and coliseums rather than theaters and colleges. 

But, just as the record’s New Wave leanings drew ire from the critics, the Glass Houses tour received mixed reactions. Almost every pundit who applauded Joel’s songwriting and his band’s energy was met by another who felt the songs were hollow and the shows lackluster.

Of course, many of the songs are still concert staples today. And, Billy still sells out the world’s largest and most celebrated venues 45 years after their release. 

That makes it even harder to believe Billy’s 8 plus-month, worldwide tour from 1980 to 1981 could have been his last run at the superstar level. 
Join us, as we explore the dates, setlists, and reviews of Billy Joel’s Glass Houses tour.

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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