Big Moment for Long Island Musician
A well-known Long Island musician, who’s been performing with Billy Joel’s band for over ten years, gets a significant opportunity: he will sing the national anthem at the Ryder Cup this Thursday near Bethpage Black.
“I’m absolutely petrified,” Mike Delgidis from Miller Place admitted to the Post just before his first look at the golf course stage in Farmingdale.
He’s sung at multiple sporting events—Rangers, Knicks, Mets, Yankees—but he feels this one is particularly nerve-wracking. Delgidis, who has captivated audiences with his vocal and guitar talents during Joel’s long shows at Madison Square Garden, remarks on the stakes being higher for this occasion.
He’s also excited because, over the past six years, he’s become quite the golfer. “I’ve played nearly 30 courses on Long Island. Whenever I perform at a country club, I try to negotiate for a free round,” he shared.
Delgidis, whose handicap has improved but still finds the game a bit frustrating, also describes himself as an enthusiastic spectator of golf.
During the opening ceremony, he’ll meet some of his golfing heroes at the Bethpage Black Golf Course, including Team USA’s Captain Keegan Bradley, a standout from St. John’s University.
“I really admire Scotty Schaeffler and Bryson DeChambeau. Rory McIlroy’s also one of my favorites. I don’t discriminate; I appreciate all talent,” Delgidis expressed.
While he’s familiar with many musicians and actors from his profession, the excitement of meeting the golfers is something different for him. He humorously recalls his appearance in “Happy Gilmore 2” as well.
As a devoted Mets fan, he draws parallels to singing in front of an audience during the 1986 World Series Championship.
While he’s filmed at numerous iconic courses, he’s yet to take a swing at Bethpage Black, famously known for its challenging play. “After this performance, I think I’ll have to give it a try,” he mused.
Challenges of the Journey
The 54-year-old father recounts his struggles leading up to this moment. “It was tough—really tough. I lived in a trailer in my friend’s backyard after my divorce. There were times I wondered if I should just give up on my music dreams,” he reflected.
“But I didn’t. I don’t know if it’s my Italian heritage, being from Long Island, or just my nature, but I refuse to back down,” he added.
His big break came about two years after starting a Billy Joel tribute band. This caught Joel’s attention in 2002, and they began performing together, solidifying a bond over the next decade. Then, in 2013, during a rehearsal at the Paramount Theater, Joel asked him a pivotal question.
“He walked over and said, ‘I want to talk to Mike.’ Everyone went silent as I realized something significant was happening,” Delgidis recalled.
Now happily remarried, Delgidis is grateful for the path he has taken. “That moment was more than just performing with Billy Joel; it validated all those who doubted I could succeed.”
Looking Ahead
Joel was equally thrilled about Delgidis being selected to perform the national anthem. Delgidis noted that they share a similar vision of how the anthem should be sung.
“We’ve discussed it a lot. We’re both purists, so I want to approach the anthem in the most authentic way,” he emphasized, mentioning his recent single as well.
Delgidis chose to go a cappella for this performance, which he recognizes as challenging. “It all comes down to that first note. There’s no room for error,” he stated.
He aims to keep it genuine and serve the song right, feeling the weight of the moment. His experiences with Joel have prepared him well for this significant occasion.
Thinking back to the nerves he felt during performances in the past, he reflects on the task ahead. “This is my moment. Just stay calm and start strong,” he said, smiling about the honor of representing his country. “I just have to deliver without letting my nerves get the better of me,” he joked.
