Classic Albums Live recreates Billy Joel's The Stranger note-for-note at Southam Hall

Classic Albums Live brings Billy Joel's The Stranger to Southam Hall on Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m. EDT. The series faithfully recreates classic rock albums note-for-note with elite session musicians, then follows with the artist's greatest hits.

The Stranger, released September 29, 1977, was Joel's fifth studio album and the first produced by Phil Ramone, who would go on to produce five subsequent Joel records. The album came at a critical moment for the artist — his previous record, Turnstiles, had peaked at only #122 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and sold modestly, prompting Columbia Records to consider dropping him if The Stranger performed poorly.

Classic Albums Live, founded by Craig Martin, honours historic records by delivering performances that sound exactly like the original recordings. "These albums are historic and stand the test of time," Martin said. "CAL honours these records and their fans by delivering performances that sound exactly like these records."

The ensemble features high-level musicians who have performed on elite stages and collaborated with industry icons. The show structure dedicates the first half to a faithful recreation of the chosen album, then pivots to a dynamic set of the artist's greatest hits. "We pay homage to the album in the first half, then let loose with the hits in the second," Martin explained. "These albums and artists hold sacred places in people's hearts, and as fans ourselves, we aim to exceed expectations and deliver an unforgettable experience."

Classic Albums Live celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 and has expanded to over 45 different records in its repertoire, delivering more than 200 performances annually across North America.