party lines

At Billy Joel Hamptons Gig, David Blaine Steals the Show

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Blaine impresses Hamptons concertgoers.Photo: Michael Idov


The $3,000-a-ticket Billy Joel show in the Hamptons Saturday was billed as “the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll fantasy,” and it was — if your idea of rock and roll begins and ends with wretched excess. Upon arrival, guests were whisked to a quasi-secret location in a fleet of chartered buses that came so often they practically formed a train; once inside the perimeter, they had to contend with troupes of caterers, candy girls, cigar-toting Davidoff reps, and the like. We weren’t too surprised to find megamagician David Blaine, bulkier than we remembered him, moodily walking around, but our hearts sank a bit once we realized the guy had been hired as pre-show entertainment. Because Blaine is mostly famous for very public acts of endurance, we inquired how long, in his estimation, he’d be able to continuously listen to Billy Joel. “Ha-ha,” said the magician. “Seriously, he’s awesome.” (Actually, later, Billy Joel would prove to be, well, Billy Joel.)

Blaine then demanded a quarter. Luckily, it was for a trick: He made us write our name on the coin and hold it in an outstretched fist. When we opened our hand, the quarter was bent in half. People began to gather; Blaine launched into a series of first-rate card tricks, with us as the accidental sidekick. Strangely enough, the party gig agreed with Blaine: It’s been a while since we’ve been reminded that the dude known for splashy media spectacles is, in his heart of hearts, a talented street magician. So what’s next, we asked. “Moscow,” answered Blaine nonchalantly. “I’m thinking of doing something in Red Square.” He then crouched to come face-to-face with a shy, fast-blinking 5-year-old. “Pick a card,” he said.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Adam Sandler, and Jon Bon Jovi were also at Billie Joel’s show at the Ross School. For more photos and quotes, read Party Lines.

At Billy Joel Hamptons Gig, David Blaine Steals the Show