The story behind Billy Joel’s FDNY helmet photo, 25 years later
As Joel performed “New York State of Mind,” an FDNY helmet rested atop his piano, creating an image that would become an enduring symbol of post-9/11 resilience and remembrance.
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In the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, New Yorkers searched for ways to honor the victims, support grieving families and recognize the heroism of first responders. On Sept. 21, 2001, just 10 days after the attacks, Billy Joel took the stage during "America: A Tribute to Heroes," a nationally televised benefit concert that raised money for victims and their families.
As Joel performed “New York State of Mind,” an FDNY helmet rested atop his piano, creating an image that would become an enduring symbol of post-9/11 resilience and remembrance. For photographer Kevin Mazur, who captured the moment, the photograph would remain unforgettable for another reason: for two decades, he did not know who the helmet belonged to.
Mazur, a world-renowned photographer whose work for Getty Images has taken him around the globe and placed him alongside some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, remembers the moment vividly. The image was not carefully planned. Instead, it was a spontaneous tribute to New York City firefighters, including his father, Edward Mazur, a retired member of the FDNY.
The helmet belonged to FDNY Lt. Neil Skow.
On the day of the concert, Mazur had been photographing Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora during a visit with first responders at Skow’s firehouse on Manhattan’s East Side. While there, he borrowed the helmet for the tribute concert and returned it after the event ended.
Skow, however, was not at the firehouse that day. Like many others, he was surprised when he later saw his helmet appear on television during Joel’s performance.
“I was kind of amazed why they picked my helmet,” Skow said. “But I guess it was the oldest, saltiest helmet there. And so I was proud to share.”
As the years passed, the photograph became part of the visual history of 9/11 remembrance. But despite its significance, Mazur still did not know the identity of the firefighter whose helmet had become such a recognizable symbol.
That finally changed in 2021.
Twenty years after the attacks, Mazur returned to the firehouse where he had borrowed the helmet and was able to track down Skow.
“It was an amazing feeling to meet him 20 years later because I always wondered whose helmet, who was this guy,” Mazur said.
The meeting marked the beginning of a friendship built around a shared piece of history.
The story came full circle months later at Madison Square Garden.
During a Billy Joel concert, Skow’s helmet was once again placed on Joel’s piano, recreating the iconic image exactly 20 years after it was first captured. Skow and his wife attended the performance and watched from the audience as the tribute honored the memory of the firefighters who gave their lives responding to the attacks.
The moment served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the FDNY on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I want people to realize how dedicated we were,” Skow said. “Three hundred forty-three guys went in and never came out.”
