THE FRONT ROW PRINCIPLE: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM BILLY JOEL ON BUILDING GREAT TEAMS

Music legend Billy Joel doesn’t sell front row tickets — and his surprising reason holds a powerful leadership lesson. Instead of rewarding status, he rewards passion, inviting the most enthusiastic fans to the best seats. This post explores how his approach applies to building great teams: surround yourself with people who want to be there, not those who think they deserve to be. It’s a simple but game-changing principle for creating energized, loyal, and high-performing teams.

Billy Joel is a music icon.

His songs are nothing short of legendary.

Piano Man.

It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.

Uptown Girl.

Only the Good Die Young.

These are just some of the songs that make up the playlist of our lives.

But Joel does something odd.

He doesn’t sell tickets to the front row of his concerts.

You read that right — front row tickets are not for sale.

For years, Billy Joel did sell those seats. But he noticed something: the people sitting up front didn’t seem to enjoy the show. They acted like they deserved to be there. Like that seat was their birthright.

No passion. No energy. Just entitlement.

So he changed things.

An hour or so before the concert begins, Joel sends his crew to the nosebleed section. They find fans who are buzzing with excitement — and invite them to the front row.

These are the people who saved and sacrificed to buy their tickets. And when they’re moved to the front... they laugh, cry, sing, clap — and fully experience the show.

There’s a powerful leadership lesson from Billy Joel here.

Surround yourself with people who want to be part of the organization — not those who think they deserve a seat at the table.

Think of your team like a performance on stage.

Some people believe they belong in the front row. They expect recognition. They offer opinions, not effort. They act like their presence is a favor to the group.

Then there are the ones who want it. They work hard. They show up early, stay late. They’re hungry, eager, and passionate.

They may not be the most qualified — yet — but they’re willing to learn. Their enthusiasm fuels their growth.

Avoid those who feel owed a place near the stage. They lose their drive quickly. They rarely stay hungry.

Instead, build your front row with people who want to be there.

Because on this journey, you don’t need passengers. You need people excited for the mission.

So… who’s in your front row?

Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,

CHRIS ADAMS

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