Billy Joel has kicked off the new year with an unexpected return to the stage, delighting fans just months after health issues forced him to cancel shows.
The 76-year-old music legend made a surprise appearance on Friday at an outdoor amphitheatre in Wellington, Florida, joining Billy Joel cover band Turnstiles during celebrations for the city’s 30th birthday. It marked his first public performance since revealing a brain condition diagnosis in May.
According to local reports, Joel was met with loud cheers as the crowd chanted his name. Walking on stage with a cane, he sat at the piano and told fans he “wasn’t planning on working tonight” before performing We Didn’t Start the Fire and Big Shot.
Last year, the five-time Grammy Award winner cancelled all upcoming shows after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain that can affect balance, vision and hearing. At the time, Joel said doctors had advised him to stop performing while undergoing treatment and physical therapy.
His wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, later thanked fans for their support, saying the family was hopeful for his recovery. In July, Joel reassured fans he was “okay”, describing the diagnosis as scary but not life-threatening.
The surprise performance has given fans renewed hope of seeing the Piano Man back on stage again.
