I finally got around to putting up our first xmas tree as a couple. It has flashing lights and everything.

It just doesn’t feel like Christmas to me unless there’s a tree up in the house.

Last night my father-in-law – Ray – and I went and saw my childhood hero Billy Joel play at the B.E.C.

I first fell in love with Billy’s music when I was about 11 and spent my drum-learning years playing everyday to all of his hits.

As we arrived last night we thought we might not have the best vantage point as our seats were directly behind the stage, but as it turned out we ended up having the best seats in the house. They had set up two big screens on either side of the stage that showed the action up close for both sides of the audience plus Billy had a rotating piano and spent a fair bit of time accommodating our side of the stadium.

Billy’s not only an awesome musician – his fingers dancing up and down the keys so effortlessly – but a fine singer and excellent shows-man. He took the time to understand a little of Australian culture and mixed in appropriate references during his between song banter. Working the crowd, he even introduced one of his roadies, who came up on stage to sing a beltering version of ACDC’s Highway to Hell with the band. The crowd went nuts.

Seeing him live last night was the biggest thrill. He and his band put on the most awesome show.

Thanks to Ray and Maree for this most awesome birthday present.