(Credits: Far Out / Columbia Records)
Long before Billy Joel became a household name and one of the moast celebrated musicians of all time, his journey began in a place far removed from the polished piano ballads and heartfelt lyrics that would later define his career. In the late 1960s,Joel was just another young artist trying to find his voice—literally and figuratively. His early days were marked by experimentation, ambition, and a band that was as unconventional as it was unforgettable: Attila.
Formed with his friend Jon Small, Attila was Joel’s first serious foray into the music world. The duo set out to emulate the raw energy of rock giants like Led Zeppelin, but with a twist. Instead of relying on a guitarist, they leaned heavily on Joel’s vocals, Small’s drumming, and a Hammond organ played by Joel himself. This unusual setup was amplified—literally—through powerful amplifiers, creating a sound so intense that it became their signature.
Their live performances were nothing short of chaotic. The music was so loud and abrasive that it often drove audiences out of the venue.Joel later recalled, “It was horrible. I could see blood coming out of people’s ears.” Despite this, Attila managed to secure a deal with Epic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1970. The record was a bold statement, aiming to be louder and more aggressive than anything else on the scene. Joel, though, now views the project as a “colossal failure.”
Reflecting on that time, Joel has been candid about his feelings. “if you’re going to assault the rock world and crush it under ten Marshall amps, wouldn’t Attila the Hun, who plundered Italy and Gaul and slaughtered quite a few innocents along the way, work as a role model?” he once quipped. He added, “I was 19, and at that age, if you’re loving your heavy metal, it’s all about thrash, kill, metal, slash, burn, pillage, repeat.”
While Attila may not have been a commercial success, it was a pivotal chapter in Joel’s evolution as an artist. The album’s cover—featuring Joel and Small in a meat locker surrounded by beef—was as audacious as the music itself. It was a far cry from the introspective and polished imagery that would later define Joel’s solo career.Yet, this early experiment taught him valuable lessons about identity and artistic direction.
Attila wasn’t about crafting timeless melodies or profound lyrics.It was about making noise—loud, unapologetic noise. Joel wanted to grab attention, and he succeeded, even if it wasn’t in the way he initially envisioned. The experience helped him realize that his true calling wasn’t in heavy metal but in creating music that resonated on a deeper, more personal level.
Looking back, Joel’s time with Attila serves as a reminder that even the most iconic artists frequently enough start with humble—and sometimes bizarre—beginnings. It’s a testament to the power of experimentation and the importance of learning from failure.For Joel, Attila was more than just a band; it was a stepping stone that helped him discover the artist he was meant to become.
What inspired you to delve into Billy Joel’s early years,particularly his time with the band Attila?
Interview with a Fictional Professional Alex Reed: Dr. Evelyn Harper, Music Historian and Author of “The Evolution of Billy Joel: From Attila to Icon”
Archyde News Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Harper. Your recent book, “The evolution of Billy Joel: From Attila to Icon,” has been making waves in the music community. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to delve into Billy Joel’s early years, particularly his time with the band Attila?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Thank you for having me. Billy Joel’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. While most people know him as the Piano Man, his journey to that point is frequently enough overlooked. Attila,the band he formed in the late 1960s,is a fascinating chapter in his life. It was a time of experimentation, both musically and personally, and it laid the groundwork for the artist he would become. I wanted to explore how this unconventional band shaped his identity and set him on the path to stardom.
Archyde News Editor: Attila was certainly unconventional.For those who may not know, the band was a duo—Billy joel on keyboards and vocals, and Jon Small on drums. Their sound was a mix of hard rock and psychedelia, which is quite diffrent from the piano-driven ballads Joel is known for today. What do you think drew Joel to this style of music at the time?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: The late 1960s were a time of musical exploration. The Beatles had just released Sgt. pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and the boundaries of what music could be were being pushed every day. Joel was young, enterprising, and eager to make his mark. Attila’s sound was a reflection of that era—loud,experimental,and unapologetically bold. It was also a way for Joel to distance himself from the more traditional pop and jazz influences he had grown up with. He was searching for his own voice, and Attila was a crucial part of that process.
Archyde News Editor: Attila only released one album, which was met with mixed reviews and limited commercial success. How do you think this experience influenced Joel’s career moving forward?
dr.Evelyn Harper: The failure of Attila was a turning point for Joel.It taught him the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. After the band dissolved, Joel went through a period of self-reflection. He realized that trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t his own wasn’t lasting.This led him to return to his roots—piano-driven melodies and storytelling lyrics. Songs like “Piano Man” and “New York State of Mind” wouldn’t exist without the lessons he learned during his time with Attila.
Archyde News Editor: That’s a fascinating viewpoint. Do you think Joel’s time with Attila is often overlooked because it doesn’t align with the image of the polished,mainstream artist he later became?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Absolutely. Attila is often dismissed as a footnote in joel’s career, but I believe it’s a vital part of his story. It shows that even the most prosperous artists have moments of uncertainty and failure. Joel’s willingness to take risks and embrace the unconventional is what ultimately set him apart. Attila may not have been a commercial success, but it was a creative success in many ways. It allowed Joel to experiment, grow, and ultimately find his true voice.
archyde News Editor: your book also touches on the personal challenges Joel faced during this time, including financial struggles and relationship issues. How did these experiences shape his music and his outlook on life?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Joel’s early years were marked by hardship. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet, and his relationship with Jon Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber, added a layer of complexity to his life. These struggles gave him a depth of experience that he later channeled into his music. Songs like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “She’s Always a woman” are filled with vivid storytelling and emotional nuance, which can be traced back to the challenges he faced during this period.
Archyde News Editor: As we look back on Billy Joel’s career, what do you think is the most important lesson we can take from his journey with Attila?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: The most important lesson is the power of perseverance and self-finding. Joel’s story reminds us that success is rarely a straight path.It’s filled with twists,turns,and even dead ends. But every experience,no matter how challenging,contributes to who we become. Joel’s time with Attila may have been short-lived, but it was a crucial step in his evolution as an artist. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, you have to take risks and embrace the unknown to find your true calling.
archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for sharing your insights. Your book is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold stories behind one of music’s greatest icons.
dr. Evelyn Harper: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing Billy Joel’s astounding journey with you.
End of Interview
(credits: Archyde / Far Out / Columbia Records)
