Billy Joel
Engineer Brian Ruggles
Shea Stadium hosted its last concert on July 18, featuring hometown favorite Billy Joel with guest appearances by Tony Bennett, John Mayer, John Mellencamp and Don Henley. Sir Paul McCartney (who played at the stadium’s first concert with The Beatles on August 15, 1965), helped Joel close the show by accompanying the headliner on piano with a surprise version of “Let It Be.” Joel’s tour, including this show, used gear supplied by Clair Showco; the crew comprised longtime front-of-house engineer Brian Ruggles and production manager Bobby Thrasher (working with the artist for 33 and 27 years, respectively), as well as monitor engineer Mike Pirich. Soundcraft Vista 5 SRs were seen at both FOH and monitors. Also spec’d were Crown Macro-Tech 3600VZ amplifiers and Clair Showco’s custom JBL-loaded S4 loudspeakers.
