In 1987, Billy Joel staged one of the most memorable onstage meltdowns in 1980s rock history, knocking over his keyboard during a concert in Moscow. On Friday night in Denver, country star Morgan Wallen followed Joel's example and knocked over his piano onstage.
Joel's display of defiance was reportedly due to his displeasure with the camera crew covering the audience's performance, while Wallen's piano rebellion appears to have been caused by good old-fashioned technical glitches.
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The Sneedville, Tennessee native was wrapping up his solo concert at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver and began his encore with "Sand in My Boots," his piano ballad about lost love on the beach from album Dangerous: The Double Album 2021. But when Wallen apparently lost hearing the instrument while playing, he changed his plans and finished the song a cappella. Judging by fan-shot videos, the audience loved it, and later erupted in applause when Wallen vented his anger on the piano, knocking it over. Wallen then closed the show with "Last Night" and "Whiskey Glasses.".
One of the most memorable moments of Wallen's stadium concerts is his appearance on stage, often accompanied by a local hero. On Friday night in Denver, he took the stage alongside legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway. Wallen will return to Denver on Saturday night for the second of his two stadium performances.
Wallen's tour continues next weekend in Pittsburgh with two headlining shows at Acrisure Stadium. Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, and Zach John King will open the first night, and Ella Langley will replace B&D on the second night.
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