On October 30, Mike DelGuidice and the Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot performed a gloriously entertaining show at The Paramount in Huntington, where they saluted the veterans. Digital Journal has the recap.
Joe DeJesu
Joe DeJesu served as his opening act, where he was able to warm up the stage with his stunning cover renditions, and compelling original music. His rich, resonant voice was reminiscent of Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty meets Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe, and that ought to be taken as a major compliment. Later on, DeJesu played acoustic guitar and provided harmony vocals for Big Shot where he was just as impressive.
General Needs
Paramount and TD Bank recognized General Needs, which serves homeless veterans with dignity. It is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that supports homeless veterans and veterans in need on Long Island with basic living needs. A neat video was displayed on the giant televised screen, which showcased the remarkable work that General Needs does for our veterans.
Big Shot
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot kicked off their elaborate set with “Angry Young Man.” “Huntington, how are you?” he asked. “It’s great to be here, and to have the horn section.”
He picked up the pace with “Tell Her About It,” which featured Joe DeJesu on harmonies and acoustic guitar, and the liberating “My Life.” “C’mon Paramount. How are you doing?” he asked. “Hey everybody, Salud.”
DelGuidice took the Long Island audience on a trip to Billy Joel’s “52nd Street” album with “Half a Mile Away.” The horn section killed this song, and they were just as divine on “Easy Money,” which was the theme song for the 1983 comedy starring Rodney Dangerfield.
He went on to express his gratitude to the Paramount, TD Bank, and the veterans for all that they do for our country, and dedicated the gorgeous ballad “This is the Time” in their honor.
It was followed by a soaring rendition of the power-ballad “Vienna” and Bryan Steele on saxophone helped put The Paramount in a “New York State of Mind.”
DelGuidice included a few of his originals in his set such as the pristine love ballad “Mona Lisa,” which was sheer bliss. “Thank you so much,” he said, following the warm reception.
He also introduced the new song “Liarcracker” to the audience. He introduced the classic rock portion of the show where he took the audience back the early ’70s with Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.”
“Speaking of the New York Mets, here’s a song for them,” DelGuidice said and belted out Aerosmith’s “Dream On” in full force.
The highlight moment in the show was when he invited veterans on stage with him and he dedicated “Goodnight Saigon” in their honor. Everybody was chanting “USA” in unison, and it earned a raucous response, and rightfully so.
Equally dynamic was his take on Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” with drummer Mike Sorrentino’s drum solo.
DelGuidice incorporated “She’s Always a Woman” as a crowd singalong and he praised them for their efforts. “Bravo, that was fucking great,” DelGuidice exclaimed.
He continued with a controlled solo rendition of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which was heavenly, and it was followed by a superb version of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.”
With the help of Billy Joel’s lead guitar player Tommy Byrnes, the band gave the fans a history lesson with “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and they continued with such smash hits as “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “Keeping the Faith,” and “Only the Good Die Young.”
The fan-favorite songs of the evening were “You May Be Right,” as well as Billy Joel’s signature tunes “Piano Man” and “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.”
The Verdict
Overall, Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot were incredible at The Paramount in Huntington that was gloriously entertaining. They were able to pay a moving tribute to the veterans, along with TD Bank. This tribute band is the real deal and they are worth seeing whenever they come to town. Their live set garnered an A rating.
