Living Legends: The Last Three Icons from Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start The Fire
The passing of the legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot has left only three individuals mentioned in Billy Joel's famous song "We Didn't Start The Fire" still alive. Bardot, known for her iconic status as a sex symbol and later as an animal rights activist, passed away at the age of 91 due to a sudden illness at her home in St-Tropez. The cause of her death was not disclosed, but she had undergone a minor procedure in October. This leaves Chubby Checker, Bob Dylan, and Bernie Goetz as the remaining living figures specifically named in Joel's song.
Chubby Checker, known for popularizing "The Twist" dance craze in 1960, Bob Dylan, the influential folk music artist who signed with Columbia Records in 1961, and Bernie Goetz, the "Subway Vigilante" who gained notoriety in 1984, are the only three individuals mentioned in the song who are still alive. While many others mentioned in the song have passed away, some members of groups like The Beatles and U2 are still living, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and all members of U2.
"We Didn't Start The Fire" is a history-themed song by Billy Joel released in 1989, featuring rapid-fire references to major political, cultural, and scientific events from 1949 to 1989. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award. It conveys the message that every generation faces challenges and Joel's generation was not responsible for creating them, but they tried to address them. Despite its success, Joel has expressed his dislike for the song's melody, comparing it to a dentist drill.
The song's lyrics cover a wide range of historical events and pop culture icons, including former US Presidents, significant historical events like the Korean War and Watergate scandal, and popular figures like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. The passing of Brigitte Bardot adds to the list of famous individuals mentioned in the song who have died in recent years, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Fidel Castro, and Doris Day.