Billy Joel Breaks Silence on Fall Out Boy’s Cover of ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ – Here’s What He Really Thinks
Legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel has finally shared his thoughts on Fall Out Boy’s modern remake of his iconic 1989 hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and his reaction might surprise both his fans and critics.
In a recent interview, Joel was asked how he felt about Fall Out Boy’s bold decision to create a contemporary version of the rapid-fire anthem, updating the lyrics to include major world events from 1989 to 2023. The original song famously chronicled key moments from Joel’s birth year in 1949 through to the late 1980s, packed with historical references, pop culture nods, and political milestones.
Joel’s response? Pure class.
“I didn’t expect anyone to cover that song, to be honest,” Joel said with a chuckle. “It’s a pretty specific list tied to my own lifetime. But Fall Out Boy did something clever — they made it their own. I think that’s the only way to do it.”
Rather than critique their musical approach or lyrical choices, Joel focused on the creativity behind the band’s decision to give the song a fresh perspective for a new generation.
“Songs like that are like time capsules, and they built their own capsule for their time. It’s not about comparisons; it’s about continuing the story,” Joel added.
Fall Out Boy’s version, which quickly went viral upon release, sparked mixed reactions. Some praised the band for reviving the format and making it relevant for Gen Z and Millennials, while others criticized it for the perceived randomness of the events chosen. However, knowing that the original songwriter himself respects their effort adds a layer of validation to the band’s creative risk.
Billy Joel emphasized that he has no plans to update his original version, joking, “I’m retired from history lessons. They can handle it from here.”
Fans have applauded Joel’s gracious and open-minded take, praising him for supporting younger artists who dare to reinterpret classics in their own voice. His response serves as a reminder that music is a living art form — always evolving, always open to new storytellers.
