Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Bruce, Billy and Barack Rock Out at Hammerstein
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 17, 2008
Modified Oct 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 17, 2008
Modified Oct 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last night both Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel took the stage for Barack Obama at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The Daily News reports back that the two were "singing together for the first time ... to the delight of 2,500 people at the fund-raiser." The Boss told the audience to "Palin-ize" their expectations for the night, since the two had only rehearsed a little. Michelle Obama looked on from a balcony, as everyone was urged to "rise up and take back this country." The good seats cost $10K, and the likes of Anna Wintour and Harvey Weinstein were on hand, while Marc Jacobs-designed Obama tees were being peddled at the merch table. Joel invited his daughter Alexa Ray onstage and thanked "Sen. Obama for finally getting my kid into politics." Obama himself appeared on stage around 11:30 p.m., and warned the audience: "Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Don't underestimate our ability to screw it up. I want everybody running scared."
Tagged
barack obama
billy joel
bruce springsteen
concert
fundraiser
hammerstein ballroom
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .