Iconic singer Billy Joel has declared the presidential campaign of Donald Trump to be “very entertaining”.
In fact, Joel has been so amused that he’s repeatedly dedicated his hit song “The Entertainer” to the real estate tycoon and presidential hopeful when playing it live in concert.
After his most recent Trump dedication, the Donald himself jumped on the free publicity and gave Joel a shout out via social media.
Thank you @BillyJoel– many friends just told me you gave a very kind shoutout at MSG. Appreciate it- love your music!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2016
It may have been meant as a tongue in cheek tribute by the “Piano Man” singer, but if so the irony was lost on the literalism of Donald Trump, a man all too willing and quick to accept praise wherever and whenever he can get it, especially from celebrities…
To his credit, Billy Joel offered a refreshingly apolitical explanation to his Trump tribute, something out of the norm for opinionated celebrities.
“I’m in the entertainment business. Donald Trump’s campaign has been very entertaining,” Joel told TIME in an email on Saturday. “Aside from that, who cares about the political opinions of a piano player?”
Although on other occasions Joel hasn’t shied away from obvious digs at politicians, as Joel also dedicated “New York State of Mind” to Texas Senator and former presidential candidate Ted Cruz after he made disparaging comments about “New York values” in reference to Donald Trump.
