We know all the words to “Piano Man,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Uptown Girl” and “New York State of Mind.” The legendary Billy Joel is responsible for these hits and the guy is still touring the world. He doesn’t look it, but Billy is 70 years young and is still selling out shows. But I didn’t interview Billy. Not yet, anyway. This interview is with a guy named Mike DelGuidice, a musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, best known as rhythm guitarist and vocalist of Billy’s band, and as the lead vocalist and pianist for the Long Island band Big Shot.
Mike started singing Billy Joel songs in high school and the rest is history. In 2000, he started Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band. Imagine being a musician… A musician as successful as Billy Joel only to find another band out there playing your songs. What a thrill… I am not sure how Mike and I got connected, but we were practically neighbors when I lived in Naples, Florida. A few weeks ago we reconnected and he agreed to sit down for an interview. This was fun and I really enjoyed learning more about him, more about Big Shot and more about his history with Billy. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Mike DelGuidice.
You have quite a long history. Start by giving us an overview of Mike DelGuidice, how Billy Joel influenced you and what Big Shot is all about.
I was raised in a small town called Miller Place on the north shore of Long Island. Started loving music very young… That was a long time ago. I now live in Florida with my ex-wife Christina, reunited about three years ago. I have four children. Victoria (26), Samantha (25), Colby (18), my son with Christina, and Noah (15).
Big Shot started out of a love for Billy’s music and necessity on my part. It was time to either make a living doing music, or find something more lucrative, which for me meant boring and status quo. So I obviously choose music. (Laughs.) I had already had my fair share of humiliating but humbling jobs from landscaping to deli clerk to Burger King burger maker! The worst was dressing up in a chicken outfit for Pudgie’s Famous Chicken, out in front of a shopping center. I did love that chicken. Let’s end that there. (Laughs.) Good times.
Tell me about the first time you saw Billy live in concert. Also, tell me about the first time you met.
I first saw Billy live on a video called Live from Long Island. I had just started 9-10th grade and started learning how to play piano for my church youth group. I had many of his previous albums and of course wore them out, but that video was super inspirational.
In 2002 Billy invited us to perform on his equipment and do a sound check for him at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. That was our first actual meeting. I had run into him back in 1995 when Doug Stegmeyer passed away. We ran into each other there at Christiano’s Italian Restaurant on the island. A brief hello there, Billy had first heard on News 12 morning show. He went out of his way to show his kindness and invite us down to soundcheck. I was also being considered as a possible alternative down the line chair on “Movin’ Out,” but was rundown vocally shot the week of auditions after five shows. Living a bit hard at the time didn’t help. (Laughs.)
What can fans expect from a Billy Joel concert? I’ve not had the chance to see him life… Yet.
You can expect an evening of music you grew up to, and a world class band that backs him. Seeing Billy perform live is a treat for anyone. His charisma and just his pure talent is amazing. His songs and stories translate to arenas and stadiums as easy as they do on a lonely ride upstate on the radio. They just hit you that hard. 40,000 people all feeling oneness… Pure brilliance… And he is egoless. He’s a kind soul, and more wise than almost anyone you’ll meet… And it doesn’t take much time to realize that. He’s just as down to earth as they come. You’ll love the show.
You, Tommy and Chuck are currently on tour with Billy Joel. John is currently on tour with Diana Ross. Carmine is working with Alexa Ray Joel, Billy’s daughter, and Nick is from the band Nine Days. Needless to say, you are working with some impressive talent there. Tell me more about the other band members. How did you all meet and how often do you see each other?
Yes, I am surrounded by immense talent. In Big Shot or with Billy, everyone leaves their heart on that stage every night. I met Tommy Byrnes back in those”Movin’ Out” days in early 2002. We hit it off and it took years until I’d see and work with him again. Eventually with Big Shot and Billy full time. He helps everyone. He tried to hook everyone up with a gig. (Laughs.) His guitar playing is as fine as anyone I’ve ever heard. Nobody I know can put what is in their head down to the strings that quickly the way he does it. His hands are merely an extension of his creativity and thoughts and indulgences, and all in a split second.
I met John Scarpulla in Huntington one night early in 2002. He sat in. His charisma and screaming high notes exudes so much confidence it didn’t take long until he found his way into the mix. Crowds love him… I love him. He’s an amazing player and a solid bandmate. As you can tell by his long list of great acts he’s played with.
Carmine is just pure talent and feel from piano to Hammond B-3. One word… TASTY!!! Everything has his signature feel, and I LOVE IT!
Nick Dimichino… Solid as a rock. As a person, as a soul, as a bass player. He sounded so much like Doug Stegmeyer the first time I heard him, and his approach to bass playing, and as I said, my God I need that tone. He lays it down. He’s a beautiful person. As humble and kind as they come. I’m blessed to have him. And as of late, we’ve had different drummers doing different gigs and it’s such a pleasure to play with them all. It’s the one instrument I must say, that I scrutinize the worst during a gig. Partially because drums where my first instrument and more, because I’m a singer, and it’s so important to have tempos where they need to be.
Chick was in the fold up until very recently, with all the Billy work it just seemed a break was in order but from 2011 until a few months ago, he added an amazing driving sound to the band. SOLID timekeeper and very consistent. He hits the drums!!! and a sweet sound as well. There’s a reason he’s Billy’s drummer right now. He’s obviously doing plenty right. (Laughs.) And Mike Sorrentino does a ton of gigs with us. Known as one of the most to go guys in the music scene because of not only his pretty crazy chops, but to me, his ability to really cover different feels well. And he’s a monster soloist, and plays every style of music the way it’s intended. As a bass player, I played with Mike for many years… And it was like bread and butter. Great feel, great time.
Ken Cino was in the band Kid Gloves back in the 90s, we’ve played together forever it seems. He fills in for Tommy now when Tommy can’t make it but was the main guitarist for Big Shot from 2001 to 2012 and does all the Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall shows with us as well. One thing Big Shot has is a deep bench on every chair when our guys can’t make it. The 2nd chair players are not 2nd at all. They would all have this gig if timing would have happened that way.
When you start a tribute band, do you need permission to sing someone else’s songs? I’ve always been curious how that works for tribute/cover bands.
It’s more defined now than it used to be. Some artists get pissed and send cease and desist letters. Which I find ridiculous and egocentric to the core. How the hell does a cover band hurt a major artist in any way? I’ll just never get that. But most artists, like Billy, find it to be the ultimate compliment. Egoless as I said before. So I think it’s up to the artists. But if people stopped covering other people, that must would never exist to the current generation and the next. Keeping it in the consciousness of humanity and of course we pay fees for use and likeness on website stuff. And venues pay a percentage also to BMI or ASCAP. From what I believe.
You get the chance to perform at Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. Do you still remember the first time you played there? Does that feeling ever go away, or is it as impressive every time you take the stage.
The feeling is complete awe and satisfaction. And chills. It’s been almost 7 years and I can safely say IT WILL NEVER GET OLD. There aren’t any other arenas likes it. The arena literally dances with the crowd. It literally moves and can give you motion sickness! (Laughs.) THAT can never get old and the first time was just bone chilling. It’s the loudest audience on the planet.
Have you and Big Shot Considered releasing any original tunes or is it just Billy Joel songs? Also, is Billy working on any new singles or perhaps a new album?
Performing covers with a cover band and playing with Billy is my job and the best one anyone can have. But writing and recording, I’ve always considered my passion and career. I have two CDs and some singles for sale. I’ve been more about releasing singles this day and age. Worrying more about having a quality song that I can live with rather than full albums. Where great songs seem to just get lost on and the singles get the play, why not just release less, then every song is a single. I like that better and writing a lot, just banking ideas on voice memos. I was fortunate enough to land the theme song to the Kevin James sitcom “Kevin Can Wait,” and recently released a new single called “Mona Lisa” that Kevin also starred in. He’s been a great friend and very supportive. He even gave me two acting cameos on the show. One of them being the final episode of the show, which also featured Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Kevin… All of us in a band called Smokefish. (Laughs.) Acting has always been a huge passion of mine and one that I wish I could pursue more in the future.
I am sure being on the road with Billy has led to some long nights. I bet it has led to some fun stories along the way, too. Tell me a story about life on the road.
One would be, almost not making it on a flight on his private plane when the landing gear didn’t come down… Turbulence! And anyone that knows me knows my fear of flying. We aborted the first landing and as we were banking left, you could see Pinelawn Cemetery and all the graves, and Billy with his amazing sense of humor, says, “Well, at least we won’t have to go far,” as he gazes at the cemetery. It was a lot easier to laugh after the fact!!! (Laughs.) Also many nights of late night jams, singing harmonies with Bill and the group around a grand piano, weather in his house or usually at a hotel bar after a show. More memories than anyone should be allowed. I’m so blessed.
Billy has a lot of great songs. What are some of your favorite singles? Do you have a favorite album?
My favorite album is River of Dreams. My favorite singles are “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “Vienna,” “Until the Night,” “Great Wall of China,” “Shades of Grey,” “Two Thousand Years” (maybe the best ever) and so many others. Depends on the day.
Have you ever made a mistake on stage?
The better question would be, “Have you ever not made a mistake on stage?” (Laughs.) Too many to count.
Tell me about your relationship with Tom Cavalier and Miracle Concerts.
I met Tom twenty years ago when he first got us to play at a bar called Humphrey’s in New Haven. But I believe the kinship came from an equal love for original music. He was very complimentary towards my original music and I liked that he liked that about me first, and not the Billy thing. It gave me a good sense about who he was. He asked if he could book the band. I said yes and the rest is history. My ability to trust him, as well as a great friendship has since developed. He works hard and most of all is trustworthy. In this business that is so rare to find. He’s a gem.
Has touring with Billy helped grow your fan base when touring with Big Shot?
Absolutely. It also electrificed the following we already had. Like a massive shot of adrenaline to the business. Crowds have always been good, but I got the sense that once I joined Billy’s band, that the respect level changed immediately. From fans to venues, and it just added a certain validity to us, that we weren’t just your average cover band anymore. Which I guess is natural, although in my head I was still the same, just hoping people would show up every night. I’ll always worry about that. (Laughs.) In my head, I’ll never quite being satisfied with my own performances. All I do is micromanage every note and it can get very frustrating when you’re only hearing the things wrong. All I hear in my own head is, well, that sucked… That was sharp, you hit a wrong note, slow down, speed up, etc. Ugh.
Not only do you have a great voice, you also play bass guitar, guitar, piano and drums. What instrument did you learn to play first and what instrument was the hardest to master?
Thank you very much. I played drums first, then guitar and bass. From guitar I learned and performed “Tom Sawyer” at a 6th grade talent show. I was hooked! Piano came in the teenage years. Fourteen or so and the are of gospel music started for me. I would consider bass my most confident instrument. I’ve always admired bass players who sang lead, and it was something I was very much attracted to early on to get me better at because of how massively challenging it is. Drums are my favorite by far. Set a click track and just play… So therapeutic, and to me by far the most important instrument in a band. Which is why I think I’ve went through quite a few drummers in the band. Ultimately my voice is my main instrument, and the most challenging. One that always needs constant fine tuning and thought from pitch to tone to dynamics to where the notes are placed. Very challenging. I’m just happy to get through any song alive without a major squeak or break. (Laughs.)
Do you know who started the fire? My wife wants to know!
Clearly in the case at hand, Harry Truman. (Laughs.)
Your single “Ordinary Guy” is the “Kevin Can Wait” theme song. How did that come about and are you working with any other movies or TV shows at the moment?
I was in London and Kevin sent me a text message asking if I had a song that would work as a theme song. “Ordinary Guy” was it. I knew it. Why? Because I hate it as a full song. It is one of my worst as a complete song. (Laughs.) But I thought it had a lot of fun parts. It worked well for the sitcom format. And it seemed to really match the character Kevin played. I was so grateful he asked me. After he played it for his crew and family, 30 minutes later he said yes. It was exhilarating and because of the time change in London I was so jet lagged. It was the middle of the night and I was wide eyes and excited. There’s always new offers for different things on the horizon, and I’m just being selective and trying not to burn out from doing too much. And making sure I get proper time with my family.
Speaking of Big Shot, has Billy ever come to a shot? That’d be a fun twist on things for the audience. Would be fun if he joined you on stage for a song, too!
He has! At The Paramount last year, it was off the charts. I can’t tell you the energy and honor I felt. He is truly the best for doing that and just the level of humility, there are a few times in your life where you say, “Did that just really happen?” We played The Rolling Stones. We played Cocker. We played Billy. I am so grateful for him for that night. I waited 18 years for THAT!!! (Laughs.)
What’s next for Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot?
Keep rocking and rolling! ALWAYS MAKE IT BETTER. Maybe some symphony shows or just tiny little shows where I can just be me and do my stuff. Also to continue my Facebook Live series “Live from the Porch” and for me and to take that type of show on the road. It gets a lot of views on Facebook and people seem to dig the reality aspect and the fact that its unscripted. Tons of laughs and mistakes and also beautiful musical moments.
Thank you for doing this. I know you are busy. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
My last word is… I want to be the best father I can be and the best man I can be for my family. I want to stay close to the universe’s plan as possible. I am so grateful for my life, just being alive, surviving so many life threatening moments as a child, just a kids from Suffolk County, New York and along comes this guy BIlly Joel, and plucks me out of my universe and into his. Words will never describe my gratitude to him. As for my career I leave that up to God. He’s done a good enough jon getting a schlep like me to the point I’m at. I figure he will be good at the rest also. (Laughs.) I trust Him completely. I’ll never stop writing, I’ll never stop pursuing my passion. Maybe one day I’ll be able to make a living just playing my own stuff. That’s definitely a nice thought. But I’m blessed enough for a lifetime just being where I’m at now.
Connect with Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot:
Website: https://bigshottributeband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billyjoeltribute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyjoelbandmembermikedel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikedelguidice1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deljuicy0309
