Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast

This week, we are joined by Dan Orlando of the Lords of 52nd Street.

Dan catches us up on what’s new with the Lords, shares stories from his work and performance at this year’s Carnegie Hall tribute to Billy Joel, and takes us behind the scenes of his own musical journey.

We also talk about Dan’s brand-new single, “Back’s Against the Wall,” and the inspiration behind his latest release as he continues to forge his own path as a musician and performer.

https://www.danorlandojr.com

https://www.lordsof52ndst.com

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The conversation continues on Glass Houses – A Billy Joel Podcast with Frank Simms, Peter Hewlett, and George Simms, three of the voices who helped define Billy Joel’s live sound throughout the 1980s.

In Part Two, we go even deeper into their memories of working with Billy, from the music and the performances to the personalities, backstage moments, and unforgettable experiences that came with being part of Billy Joel’s band.

Frank, Peter, and George share the stories that only people who were there could tell, offering a rare glimpse into what life was really like behind the scenes during one of the most exciting periods of Billy’s career.

And in a special breaking news segment, we bring you the latest announcement about the Billy Joel Turnstiles 50th Anniversary Box Set, newly announced and scheduled for release December 11, 2026. We take a look at what’s been revealed so far, what to expect, and what this means for Billy Joel's legacy and future possible releases.

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For the first time on Glass Houses – A Billy Joel Podcast, we bring together all three of Billy Joel’s 1980s backing vocalists: Frank Simms, Peter Hewlett, and George Simms.

Together, they were part of the unmistakable sound of some of Billy Joel’s biggest years, performing on stage. In this special two-part conversation, Frank, Peter, and George take us behind the scenes to share stories from their time working with Billy .

In Part One, we get to know the three singers and hear how each found their way into Billy Joel’s world, what it was like stepping onto the stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, and the memories that have stayed with them decades later.

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

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In this episode of Glass Houses – A Billy Joel Podcast, Michael is flying solo and heading back to Michigan to resurrect our playlist series with a musical trip through the 1990s and 2000s.

Before following his path into the music business, Michael was inspired by the incredible bands and artists coming out of Michigan during this era. From alternative rock and power pop to singer songwriters and local favorites, these are the songs that helped shape his musical journey and left a lasting impression along the way.

So turn it up and join Michael for Playlist #9, featuring:

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

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This week on Glass Houses – A Billy Joel Podcast, Michael and Jack each count down their Top 10 Billy Joel bridges.

From dramatic musical turns and moments that completely change the emotional direction of a song to sharp pin points emphasizing the theme, we dig into the sections that often get overlooked but can be some of the most memorable parts of Billy’s catalog. Along the way, we revisit some familiar favorites, make a case for a few less obvious choices, and take a closer look at how Billy uses a bridge to elevate a song.

Which bridges have stayed with you long after the song ends? See which ones made our lists, listen for the moments you may have never thought of as a “bridge,” and decide which Billy Joel songs make the strongest case for the top spot.

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

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This week on Glass Houses – A Billy Joel Podcast, Jack and Michael each count down their Top 10 Billy Joel piano intros.

From the obvious classics to a few deeper cuts, we compare lists, debate what makes a great opening, and inevitably disagree on a few rankings along the way. We also talk about why Billy's intros are such a defining part of his songwriting and which ones have stood the test of time.

How does your list compare? Listen along, see where our rankings line up with yours, and let us know which Billy Joel piano intros make your own Top 10.

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

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For more than three decades, David Rosenthal has been an integral part of Billy Joel's live band as keyboardist and musical director. In this episode of Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast, David joins us to discuss his remarkable career, from his early days touring and recording with artists like Rainbow, Cyndi Lauper, and others, to joining Billy Joel's band in 1993.

We talk about how David became part of the band, how his role has evolved over more than 33 years, and the ways advances in keyboard and live performance technology have changed both his approach and the band's live show.

It's an in depth conversation with one of Billy Joel's longest serving band members that fans won't want to miss.

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

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In this episode, we're taking a closer look at four songs that made the journey from Billy Joel's 1976 album Turnstiles to his 1981 live album Songs in the Attic. Why did Billy choose to revisit these particular tracks, and what changed between their original studio recordings and their live performances?

We'll compare the arrangements, instrumentation, vocals, energy, and production of each song, exploring how years of touring transformed them from promising studio recordings into fan-favorite live performances.

Whether you prefer the intimate feel of Turnstiles or the electrifying versions on Songs in the Attic, this episode celebrates the evolution of four standout songs and examines why Billy Joel felt they deserved a second chance in the spotlight.

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

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It's time for another installment of our Concert Classic series! This episode, we're heading to the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Billy Joel's January 14, 1990 performance during the mammoth Storm Front Tour. One of six shows Billy played at the legendary venue on this tour, this concert captures an exciting new chapter in his career as he hit the road in support of his then-new album, Storm Front.

We take a deep dive into the show, breaking down the setlist, standout performances, and the energy of a band that was undergoing significant changes. The Storm Front era introduced several new musicians to Billy's touring lineup, and we discuss how those additions helped shape the sound and feel of this tour.

Joining us this week is friend of the podcast and Jack's bandmate, Matt DiMarino, who sits in for Jack as we explore this memorable night in Philadelphia and what makes it a true Concert Classic.

⁠Listen to & watch the concert here courtesy of Activer Music⁠.

The Band:

Billy Joel - Piano, Keyboards, Vocals

Liberty DeVitto - Drums

David Brown - Lead Guitar

Mark Rivera - Saxophone, Percussion, Guitar, Vocals

Schuyler Deale - Bass

Crystal Taliefero - Percussion, Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals

Jeff Jacobs - Keyboards, Vocals

Mindy Jostyn - Rhythm Guitar, Percussion, Vocals

Setlist:

1. Storm Front

2. Allentown

3. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)

4. Prelude / Angry Young Man

5. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

6. The Downeaster "Alexa"

7. Goodnight Saigon

8. I Go To Extremes

9. Pressure

10. Leningrad

11. An Innocent Man

12. Big Man On Mulberry Street

13. Shameless

14. We Didn't Start The Fire

15. Shout

16. Uptown Girl

17. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me

18. You May Be Right

19. Only The Good Die Young

Encore 1:

20. A Matter Of Trust

21 Big Shot

Encore 2:

22. Keeping The Faith

23. Piano Man

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

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The 1970s is the decade when Steven Spielberg and George Lucas created the modern blockbuster with Jaws and Star Wars. Directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola stretched the limits of narrative and visual and storytelling for mainstream moviegoers. Off-beat and unconventional films from Harold and Maude to Midnight Cowboy grew into cult classics and celebrated cinematic landmarks.

In this Side Quest episode, Jack talks with filmmaker, author, and teacher Peter Hanson about the innovations and cultural impacts of '70s cinema, the conditions that led to this renaissance, and the underlying ideas about creativity and storytelling that fuel great movies. 

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices