Speaking with the voice of Billy Joel, Anthony Marafioti, and guitar master and Griffithite, Robert Fattore, we learnt that they are one of only a few Billy Joel tribute bands in Australia – a travesty, one might say.

The band came together with the sole aim: bring Billy Joel to Australia, and started in Melbourne where their show sold out.

It was then that Robert Fattore joined, after seeing the show for the first time. He had been touring with a Roy Orbison tribute band at the time.

“The crowd loved it,” Mr Fattore said.

They had decided to expand the show, bringing in a percussionist and saxophone player.

“We want to take the audience down memory lane,” Mr Marafioti said of the tour.

“We tell some stories behind the songs.”

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A lot of different generations have come out to see the Billy Joel tribute band.

“I hope Griffith can come,” Mr Fattore said.

“I was the one that stuck my neck out and said, look you gotta come to Griffith – you gotta bring the show to Griffith.”

“It would be good to have a packed crowd.”

When asked what he thought was the biggest Billy Joel song with the fans, Mr Fattore responded without a beat:

“It has to be Piano Man – that’s the biggest one.”

But, Mr Fattore’s favourites are Movin’ Out and Big Shot.

And, when asked what tribute band Australia would next be ready for, Mr Fattore thought hard on it but in the end said:

“It’d be good to do an Australian rock tribute show, which included everyone – from The Easybeats, to The Angels, to ACDC.”

But, Mr Fattore said he would love to play with Kiss one day.

The world of Billy Joel will be at our doorstep, Griffith Regional Theatre for a one-night-only concert, on Saturday 26th of May.

Billy Joel himself, who knows about the tribute band, is excited to see his work so appreciated, and that kind of pressure must certainly get to Mr Fattore and the other band mates.

Mr Fattore spoke about the pressure in performing – how many artists make mistakes on the stage.

“The best of them have a mind block. You’re in the moment and enjoying yourself and not focusing,” he said.

Manager of the Griffith Regional Theatre, Raina Savage commented on the event.

“The show features Anthony Mara – a world class Billy Joel performer and amazing musician in his own right. And of course our own local musical maestro Rob Fattore who was instrumental in bringing this great show to Griffith, will be rocking the line up as well,” Ms Savage said.

In 2016, Mr Marafioti was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and the PIANO MAN: Billy Joel Tribute Concert tour is helping to raise awareness, and part of the proceeds from the tour will be donated towards funding research for MS.

Tickets are available from Griffith Regional Theatre.

www.griffithregionaltheatre.com.au

Tickets are $57.50, concessions/seniors $52.50.