-By Kim Parnell-
Entertainer and performer Anthony Mara has been a Billy Joel fan for as long as he can remember.
“What really drew me in was the storytelling,” he says. “In two or three minutes, Billy Joel can tell an entire story. I was always drawn to singer-songwriters like Richard Marx and artists like that, but Billy was just top of the pops for me. And obviously, the piano playing and everything else that went with it was incredible.”
That admiration eventually turned into something much bigger.
In 1994, Anthony joined Adelaide-based cover band Keep the Change (a band that he is still part of), performing across South Australia and Victoria. Anthony describes the experience as a lot of fun – but the comparisons started early.
“People would always point out that I played keyboard and looked a bit like Billy Joel,” he laughs. “So, it was always in the back of my mind that maybe one day I’d pay tribute.”
That “one day” arrived about a decade ago when a theatre company was searching for a new show.
“They were asking for ideas, and I mentioned Billy Joel. They jumped at it — and that’s how it started. It’s been great ever since.”
Creating a Billy Joel tribute, however, is no small task. With a catalogue spanning decades, choosing the setlist proved one of the biggest challenges.
“Choosing the songs was probably the hardest thing,” Anthony says. “But ultimately, we choose what Billy chooses for his live concerts.”
Interestingly, many of Billy Joel’s most adored songs weren’t chart-topping number ones.
“A lot of the hits, as we call them, weren’t even top 10 songs. They became famous because of how he performed them live. Everyone knows Uptown Girl and Piano Man and Tell Her About It — but then there’s Allentown, Movin’ Out, and songs that are synonymous with his live shows.”
One standout is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant — a seven-minute epic that wouldn’t get played on the radio yet was adored by fans worldwide.
“It’s massive,” Anthony says. “It showcases everything about Billy — from ballads to rock and roll. It’s the epitome of storytelling. I never get sick of performing that one.”
Striking the right balance in a tribute show is crucial. For Anthony, authenticity matters — but so does staying true to himself.
“I always say I’m not a Billy Joel impersonator,” he explains. “I might look a bit like him and sound like him, but I don’t go out there with an American accent or try to be someone I’m not. I’m myself — but Billy comes out of me when I perform his songs.”
That distinction is important.
“It’s a fine balance. We’re paying tribute to his music, but I don’t want to be up there pretending to be someone else.”
Just as Billy Joel’s live performances are powered by his band, Anthony’s show relies heavily on the musicians around him.
“It’s a six-piece band — bass, drums, guitar, sax, percussion and vocals. The band is a huge part of it. We try to recreate that concert experience with authenticity and showmanship.”
After ten years of touring, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I wouldn’t still be doing it if we weren’t getting great feedback,” Anthony says. “The genuine Billy Joel fans love it — and that’s important. But I also love seeing people who only know a couple of songs suddenly realise, ‘Hang on, I didn’t know he did that one!’ We’re almost educating some people about how deep his catalogue really is.”
Honouring the music is always the priority.
“We don’t change the songs too much. If something’s different, it’s because that’s how Billy performed it live. We just want to honour the way he told his stories.”
At the Odyssey Festival, audiences will be treated to an extra special moment when two musical worlds unite. After their individual sets, Anthony’s Billy Joel Experience and Greg Andrews’ Elton John Experience come together on stage — a nod to the legendary “Face to Face” tours Billy and Elton performed together in Australia back in 1998. The energy doubles, it’s incredible and brings a great dynamic to the show. The audience absolutely love it.”
At Festival’s sets are obviously shorter, but the impact remains.
Behind the scenes, Anthony is disciplined about protecting the instrument that makes it all possible — his voice.
“I try not to talk too much,” he laughs. “It sounds funny, but talking actually does more damage than singing. On show days I rest, keep quiet and warm up properly. Then I can get on stage and bang it out.”
But Anthony’s preparation extends beyond vocal care.
A little-known fact is that he is also living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a diagnosis he received around the time the Billy Joel show was launched.
“I wasn’t even sure if I’d get it off the ground,” he admits. “I had some fairly heavy symptoms early on and didn’t know how it would progress. At that stage, I didn’t know much about MS.”
Over time, he has learned how to manage it — and to listen carefully to his body.
“Everyone’s MS journey is different. For me, it’s about protecting my energy levels. I’ve got to look after more than just my voice — I’ve got to look after my body.”
Fatigue is one of the biggest challenges.
“When I say I hit a wall, I mean I hit a wall. I just have to lie down and sleep. I also get sensations in my leg and a bit of brain fog — that’s MS. It’s a brain and nerve disease.”
Despite this, Anthony stays remarkably positive.
“If you understand what’s going on, you act accordingly. I never really feel rested, but you have to maintain a positive mindset for the best outcome.”
Over the years, his openness has connected him with others quietly navigating the same condition.
“Once people find out I have MS, they often reach out and we talk about it. At this stage, I seem to be managing it well.”
Perhaps that resilience adds even more depth to his performances — because when Anthony steps onto the stage, it’s pure energy.
“We’re so excited to perform at the Odyssey Festival,” he says. “We did the Adelaide version a couple of years ago and it was fantastic.”
Sharing the lineup is The Australian Bee Gees Show, Gold – The Ultimate ABBA Show, The Art of McCartney and the Elton John Experience, Anthony knows the night will resonate with audiences who grew up with this era of music.
“It’s the same era, the same audience — and it’s going to be a big night.”
From the storytelling brilliance of Piano Man to the driving rhythm of We Didn’t Start the Fire, Anthony Mara doesn’t just perform Billy Joel’s songs — he honours them. And for audiences at the Odyssey Festival, it promises to be a night where the music, the memories and the energy come together in spectacular harmony.
Odyssey Festival
Saturday, July 25
Maryborough Showgrounds
