In an unexpected turn of events, Billy Joel took the stage for two songs in Florida over the weekend.
The legendary musician’s impromptu performance with a Palm Beach County tribute band marked Joel’s first time singing in front of a crowd since his touring was called off in May due to a brain disorder diagnosis that affects his balance.
Donning a black cap and winter jacket, the 76-year old got up on stage with the group Turnstiles to sing and play piano on ‘Big Shot’ and ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire,’ along with his wife, Alexis Roderick, and their two young daughters, who improvised a dance routine.
Named after one of his most popular 1970s albums, Billy reportedly asked the group’s permission to come up on stage, telling the crowd “I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” before starting his two-song set.
Walking with the aid of a cane, the multi-Grammy award winner asked the band “What are we doing?” The group’s frontman replied “A Billy Joel song, how about?” as Joel replied with a laugh “I can give it a try. I know the guy who wrote it,” before launching into ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire.’
With a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Joel’s May exit from touring last year was the result of a buildup of fluid on his brain that led to the cancellation all his future shows.
In his July interview with Bill Maher, the native New Yorker confirmed that he felt fine apart from having difficulty keeping his balance, something that had become apparent when he had a fall on stage in February 2025.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Al Dente
Photo: slgckgc