Billy Joel’s run of shows at Madison Square Garden got unusually political on Monday night, when the Long Island legend took to the stage wearing a yellow Star of David badge for the show’s encore.
The 68-year-old, who reportedly considers himself culturally Jewish, said nothing to explain his decision. But given the recent surge in neo-Nazi activity throughout the country, including the white-power rally that turned fatal in Charlottesville, Va., it’s not difficult to guess the singer’s intentions.
The symbol was used to identify Jewish people in Nazi-occupied parts of Europe during World War II. Joel’s own German-born father, Howard, had to flee the Nazi regime.
This marks a change of tune for the piano man, who in June told Rolling Stone that he didn’t make political statements because he felt uncomfortable “[telling] people how to think.”
By wearing the Star of David, he was able to speak out without actually speaking.
Joel’s next show at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for Sept. 30.