The Billy Joel Story – The Space @ Surgeons Hall

A fantastic night of live music from artist Angus Munro, who channels the life and music of the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel.

This is a brand new show for the Night Owl franchise, delivered in their winning docu-style formula, and works particularly well with the animated Munro filling in the blanks and projecting video and playing audio clips from Joel’s back story. There may have been a bit of roughness around the edges in some areas, but what saves this is the level of goofy, likeable humour that Munro brings, he actually reminds me a little of Jim Carey. There is also the superb musicianship of the Night Owl band, who are as usual fantastic and note perfect.

Don’t expect a full concert with a grand piano, this is no more than a morsel, a quick flick through the back catalogue of Joel, but a very tasty one, in less than an hour, we hear a lot of the classics. A real highlight is Scenes From An Italian Restaurant with Munro also playing some amazing Sax breaks. It makes me seriously wonder if Munro started as a saxophonist and later turned singer?

There is no doubting that Munro is a consummate entertainer. This may take a few runs to get to the polished final solution, but there is plenty here to enjoy, and if you are a BJ fan you will not want to miss this one.

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 14^th August 2023

North West End UK Rating: