But if the new band's sound wasn't quite perfect, their stage presence more than made up for it. Joel and the band improvised often, and indulged in some creative lyric making: "I go to extremes" became "I go for ice cream," and "I got a new wife, got a new life" became "I got a new wife on the cover of Life"--referring, of course, to Joel's wife, supermodel Christie Brinkley.

Especially entertaining was Crystal Talifero, a new edition who almost stole the show herself. In between playing the sax, beating the bongos and filling out Joel's ever-lower voice, she raced around the stage, engaging in more than a few flirtatious exchanges with Mr. Joel himself.

Typically, the show was short on political message, except for a five-second sermon about fishermen before "The Downeaster Alexa" and a peace sign after "Goodnight Saigon." But Joel bantered with the audience frequently, chatting about life as a rock'n'roll star. With the lucky fans in front, he pressed the flesh.

In recent years, Joel has finished his shows with a fast tune--"Bigshot," "Miami 2017" or "Keeping the Faith." But on Wednesday, Joel ended with "Piano Man"--a sentimental favorite among young and old alike.

Which is what the fans--who ranged from five to 50--wanted. Joel let them sing the last chorus a capella, and they warmed to the chance.

Smiling, Joel waved goodbye and gave the audience his traditional farewell: "Don't take any shit from anybody." And as usual, he meant it.