CLEVELAND — Friday night, downtown Cleveland hosted some of music’s biggest names. The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, along with Rod Stewart, played in front of thousands at Huntington Bank Field, their music putting fans in a Cleveland state of mind.
“I feel like this is amazing, especially post-pandemic. To be out, with people everywhere, everyone singing and talking—it’s great, it’s really great,” said Mary Wing, a fan attending the Billy Joel concert.
While Joel and Stewart serenaded their admirers, another group stepped up to home plate, looking for a win.
“I’ve been out of town the last few weeks, and the Guardians have been out of town too, so I’m excited to go root for the boys,” said Adam Fishel, a Guardians fan.
Fishel went on to say the energy in the city felt like a home run.
“Coming out of COVID, a lot of restaurants in the area were closing down, but seeing everything come back up is just exciting,” Fishel added.
Amid a sea of Guardians fans walked an army of Barbies, as rapper Nicki Minaj attracted a big audience performing at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
“‘FTCU’ is definitely going to go crazy, and ‘Everybody,’ I think people are really going to lose it,” said Logan Whitaker, a Nicki Minaj fan.
The crowds brought a significant boost to Cleveland’s economy.
“We are full, yeah, we’re full,” said Gia Polo, General Manager at the Schofield Hotel.
Polo said it was all hands-on deck.
“Everybody comes in early and works late. We overstaff in housekeeping, make sure the parking attendants are fully staffed, and ensure the restaurant is stocked with plenty of food and drink,” Polo explained.
But whether you’re here for Rod the Mod or part of Gag City, it’s still rock and roll to me.