Billy Joel's Metal Days: The Attila Years and Beyond

Billy Joel's Metal Days: The Attila Years and Beyond

Before becoming the Piano Man with hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Uptown Girl,” Billy Joel was part of a metal band called Attila. He started his rock journey with the Hassles in 1966 and later formed Attila with Jon Small, playing heavy rock inspired by bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Butterfly. Their loud performances drove people out of clubs, and their debut album featured tracks like “Godzilla” and “Amplifier Fire.”

After the release of Attila, Joel decided to focus on songwriting and left the rock star life behind. Despite the band's short-lived success, Joel and Small collaborated again in the future. Joel's early metal days were remembered in his later works, with the track “Amplifier Fire, Part 1 (Godzilla)” making an appearance in his 2005 box set.

Three notable songs from Attila include “Wonder Woman,” a tribute to the superheroine, “Tear This Castle Down,” a metaphorical battle within, and “Holy Moses,” a story of lost love. These tracks showcase Joel's early metal influences and his transition to a successful career as the Piano Man.