While chatting with Howard Stern this week, Billy Joel revealed one major bucket list item he has yet to achieve — forming a supergroup with some of his favorite fellow musicians.
Currently in the midst of an ongoing tour, Joel explained, “I thought about putting together a band: Me, Don Henley, and Sting, and maybe John Mayer on guitar.” When asked by Stern if he’d consider inviting his good friend Paul McCartney into the mix, Joel shut down the suggestion. “He was in the super-est group of all-time. I don’t have the nerve to do that.”
However, Ringo Starr is still fair game to him. “He’s a great drummer,” noted Joel. “He doesn’t get the credit he deserves.” Watch the full segment below.
Joel has at least one member of the envisioned supergroup on lock, as Sting recently joined him for his tour stop in Tampa and will be appearing again with him in San Diego and St. Louis. The shows in Arlington, Texas and Chicago will feature appearances from Stevie Nicks.
It’s been a particularly busy month for the Piano Man, who released his first new song in 17 years before taking the stage at the Grammy Awards for the first live performance of “Turn the Lights Back On.”
Also during the interview with Howard Stern, Joel reflected on jumping back into the studio with producer Freddy Wexler. “This is an interesting vocal for me… I never like my own voice. I’m always disappointed,” he admitted. “I actually heard the vocal on this recording and I didn’t hate it. That’s one of the first times that’s ever happened to me.”
The singer is also gearing up for a record-breaking 100th consecutive performance at Madison Square Garden. The show, taking place on March 18th, will air as a special on CBS one month later on April 18th, and will be available to stream on Paramount+ the same day.