SOUTHOLD, NY – Longtime Billy Joel crew member Jeff Schock died suddenly Wednesday, November 15, of a heart attack. He was 64.
Schock’s history with Joel goes back to 1976, when he started out as his tour manager. He would handle many jobs during the decades, including product manager, art direction and associate producer for the live album from the final concert at Shea Stadium.
Most recently he was the director of Joel’s archives, taking photos and videos at all Joel’s performances. He also did promotional work with the Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins and Reba McEntire.
“He was a generous spirit in our longtime musical family – ever the enthusiast, always optimistic,” wrote Joel, who dedicated his Nov. 18 show at Madison Square Garden to Schock, on his website. “He loved the roar of the crowd and he took such pride in our success. His kinetic energy and his constant good cheer will be missed by all of us.”
A memorial service was held Nov. 21 at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York. In lieu of flowers, donationas can be made in Jeff Schock’s memory to the Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org).
