BILLY JOEL'S DEBUT ALBUM REIMAGINED IN A WORLD FIRST

BILLY JOEL’S DEBUT ALBUM REIMAGINED IN A WORLD FIRST

BY CELEBRATED MUSICIAN ELIO PACE

Celebrated singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace has achieved a world-first with the release of Cold Spring Harbor Live - a reimagining of Billy Joel’s 1971 debut album, available now at eliopace.com

Reuniting original Cold Spring Harbor musicians Rhys Clark (drums) and Don Evans (guitar), the album delivers a faithful yet fresh interpretation of an often-overlooked classic.

Long overshadowed by technical flaws, Joel’s debut has always hinted at what might have been. The 1971 original was hampered by a mastering error that sped up Joel’s vocals, leaving him famously disappointed. A 1983 remaster added overdubs and removed some original musical elements but still failed to capture the album’s true spirit.

For decades, fans had only these two flawed versions - until now, with the release of Cold Spring Harbor Live!

Track Listing for Cold Spring Harbor Live:

She’s Got a Way

You Can Make Me Free

Everybody Loves You Now

Why Judy Why

Falling of the Rain

Turn Around

You Look So Good to Me

Tomorrow Is Today

Nocturne

Got to Begin Again

Cold Spring Harbor Live finally allows listeners to experience the songs as they were meant to be heard – with full arrangements, restored fadeouts, and renewed emotional depth.

Broadcaster Tony Walker hails Elio Pace as “one of the finest interpreters of another songwriter’s work, on par with Roger Daltrey singing Pete Townshend.” More than a tribute, the album is a true restoration of legacy, finally giving Joel’s underestimated debut the recognition it deserves.

Currently touring the UK with his award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook, Elio treats fans to a track from the new live album at every performance. Following overwhelming demand, the tour has been extended into 2026, featuring 14 dates across the UK and Ireland - including a night at the world-famous London Palladium.

“Releasing Cold Spring Harbor Live has been such an amazing journey,” says Elio. “Revisiting Billy Joel’s debut with two of the original musicians has been really special — especially when Rhys Clark, who played on the original album, told me, ‘This is really how it could have been.’ Hearing that from him meant the world.”

Elio added: “The tour has been fantastic so far, and I love giving audiences a little taste of the album by performing one track live at each show, with a few extra surprises thrown in along the way. The energy in every venue has been incredible, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going into 2026, including a very special night at the London Palladium!”

For more information about Cold Spring Harbor Live and The Billy Joel Songbook tour, visit eliopace.com

Remaining: The Billy Joel Songbook 2025 - Tour Dates

22 Oct Bradford, St George's Hall

24 Oct Llandudno, Venue Cymru

The Billy Joel Songbook 2026 - UK & Ireland Tour Dates

02 Mar Harrogate, Royal Hall

24 Mar Sheffield, City Hall

03 Mar Nottingham, Theatre Royal

26 Mar Belfast, Ulster Hall

06 Mar Hull, City Hall

27 Mar Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre

13 Mar Guildford, G Live

28 Mar Wexford, National Opera House

15 Mar Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

01 Apr Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall

18 Mar London, Palladium

03 Apr Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall

22 Mar Edinburgh, Usher Hall

04 Apr Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre

Elio Pace continues to thrill audiences around the world with his soulful voice and amazing piano playing.

His critically acclaimed, self-penned debut album, ‘A Seat At My Table’, captured the attention and hearts of music lovers everywhere and his Christmas single, ‘What A Day’, labelled a modern classic by celebrated broadcasters and commentators, features on worldwide radio playlists every December.

Throughout 2010, Elio appeared live-on-air to millions as the ‘featured artist’ on BBC Radio 2's 'Weekend Wogan' and in 2013 and 2014, he was invited to ‘fill Billy Joel’s shoes’, starring in five very special reunion concerts in the USA with Joel’s original 1971-72 touring band. Following on from the huge success of these American shows, Elio embarked upon the debut tour of his brand-new show, 'THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK®'; the world’s first EVER national, theatre concert tour of Billy Joel songs. Shortly afterwards, Elio and the band were featured in Sky Sports’ TV and online BAFTA-winning coverage of the 2015 Ashes cricket tournament with two specially re-written versions of Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’.

Elio is one of those rare artists that appeals to all generations. His appearance on BBC's flagship hit children's show 'ZingZillas' as "the greatest Boogie Woogie player in the land" turned him into a household name... well at least to every CBeebies-loving under five-year-old and their parents! From Elstree Studios to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Radio 2's 'Elvis Forever' to 'Proms In The Park' and from The Bitter End in New York to the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Elio thrills wherever he performs.

In 2018, Elio released his hugely-anticipated double CD album and DVD 'THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK® LIVE' and in 2019 he released his second live double CD album and DVD within a year, ‘ELIO PACE presents ELVIS PRESLEY: The World Premiere, 16 August 2017’.

Elio's sensational concert film 'THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK® LIVE' won a prestigious award at The 17th Annual Independent Music Awards for 'Best Overall Long Form Music Video' in New York City on 22 June 2019.