Me and my friends were just having this debate...
Who's a better piano player, Billy Joel or Elton John?

I hate to say this because I'm a huge Billy fan but Elton, in my opinion, is a better player. Billy has a "weak left hand" - as he's admitted in interviews. You can also notice this in their sheet music - Billy tends to do left hand octaves while Elton get's a bit fancier with the bass.

But the above is my opinion on playing - I think Billy is better overall musician.

L1037 - was my vid any help with M Sally? - Elton -v- Billy - no idea.. both hugely successful.. different styles.. difficult to say either is better

I just want them to both be on stage together like they did many years ago.

My opinion for what it's worth; Billy Joel is the better pianist. I really don't think Elton John would be able to play the 'Root Beer Rag'. Even though Billy states his left hand is weak, this piece appears to be quite a workout.

Anyway, I like Billy Joel's music better. Elton used to write good rockers with Bernie Taupin's help but I find his more recent music to be too mundane and MOR oriented. Just my opinion.

Probably impossible to say who's the better player, but considering their entire career, I would say Billy has put the piano more at the frontend of his music than Elton. In any case, I love and admire them both.

I love both, but am a bigger fan of Billy's music though Elton has a lot going for him as well. As for the better pianist, I think they're both equally great--Billy Joel has the whole "I can play that too" thing going for him and Elton has the whole "WOW. What a machine!" thing. hehe

I can't say for sure about the piano playing. As far as composition goes, though, I'd say Johnny boy can suck Billy's boots!

It was great, Thank you!

What criteria would you use to gauge if someone at that level is better than someone else at that level? Personally, I like both of them and the thought of which one plays better never even entered my mind. I will say that I like Billy's music more though.
MULLY

It seems to me there are more technically difficult chops in Billy's music. E.J. is a great tunesmith still I think Bill has the edge there too for the most part.

They are amazing showmen and exponentially moreso when performing together! I saw them back in 1994(?) and would jump at the chance to see them again. They played a mean Dueling Pianos, to be sure!
I love this photo of them, which hints at their silliness together...


Tina

I like more Elton John's songs and his piano playing, but I have listened few songs by Billy Joel.

I didn't see them on tour together, but friends of mine who had a chance to go said that Billy played rings around Elvis.

Two entirely different styles and types of music. Billy's music much more complex. Elton's music much more sensitive. Personally, I like Billy's playing better becuase I perfer playing his music, but it really is a toss-up.

Elvis? Did I say Elvis? Where did that come from? I'm an idiot. Obviously I meant Elton. :duh:

:D

You are not an idiot!
It was just those rustytypingfingers of yours

Tina

In my opinion it's impossible to compare two different styles. You like what you like and each has their good points.

swingal

In the same style? That's an easy one. Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston, and especially Richard Tee.

Bruce Hornsby plays a similar style of comp in some tunes, but obviosuly is influenced by Keith Jarrett's rhythmic comps and sense of rhythmically diverse melodies and fills.

And what does your reply have to do with the question?

Anyway, I dont know who is better, but I think Billy Joel once said that he wished he would play as good as Elton.

I enjoy them both, and I agree in concert together they put on a fantastic show (saw them in Hartford, CT a few years ago).

I'd personally give a slight edge to Billy, but that's just my opinion.

I play the Root Beer Rag (well ok, I try) and although I'm sure our classical members would think it was simplistic, I can tell you it's a pretty good workout.

BTW, Billy is coming to Mohegan Sun (big casino here in CT). He sold out 5 shows, instantly!

Now...
Between Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman