Billy Joel Reveals Unseen 1979 Concert Footage of ‘The Stranger’
Music legend Billy Joel surprised his loyal fans with a delightful Christmas present on December 24th. Joel shared a previously unseen video of himself performing “The Stranger” in 1979, inviting fans to watch the clip on YouTube.
The performance took place at The Summit in Houston, Texas, on November 25, 1979, during the late 1970s. In the video, Joel passionately sang the moving lyrics of the song, asking thought-provoking questions like, “Why were you so surprised/ That you never saw the stranger?/ Did you ever let your lover see/ The stranger in yourself?”
Fans were quick to express their admiration for the iconic singer-songwriter after watching the newly released clip. One fan gushed, “His live performances are always a delight, each one unique and impactful.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one fan exclaiming, “The piano man forever!” and another adding, “Every song of his is timeless, I never tire of listening to them.”
Many fans took the opportunity to wish Joel a happy holiday season and express gratitude for sharing the video. Some fans marveled at Joel’s consistent greatness, commenting, “He is phenomenal every night! A true master of his craft.” Another fan simply declared him “The best in the business.”
“The Stranger” was a track on Joel’s album of the same name, released on September 29, 1977. This album marked a turning point in Joel’s career, reaching the second spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and featuring several hit singles, including “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “Only the Good Die Young.”
Although not released as singles initially, songs like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” a lengthy and beloved track on the album, have also become fan favorites over the years.
The video release delighted fans and showcased Joel’s enduring talent and his ability to captivate audiences decades after the original performance. It was a heartwarming gesture from the Grammy-winning artist to his devoted fan base, making Christmas 2025 extra special for fans of the iconic musician.