Billy Joel

In August 1987, Billy Joel performed at the SKK Arena in Leningrad, a pivotal moment during his career as the first American artist to hold a major concert in the Soviet Union. This performance came just after the release of his album "The Bridge" in 1986, which marked a significant point in his evolution as a musician, blending elements of pop and rock with deeper lyrical content. The concert featured a dynamic setlist, including beloved hits and his famous rendition of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." This era was particularly notable for Joel, as it reflected a time when he was solidifying his global presence while navigating the complex political landscape of the late Cold War. The live recording not only showcases his showmanship but also underscores the cultural exchange happening at that moment in history.

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