Billy Joel made a surprise return to the stage on Friday night, performing two songs with a tribute band in Palm Beach County, Florida. It was his first public performance since cancelling all shows in May due to a brain disorder diagnosis affecting his balance.
Dressed in a black cap and winter vest, Joel joined the band Turnstiles to play piano and sing his hits "Big Shot" and "We Didn't Start the Fire." He was accompanied by his wife Alexis Roderick and their two young daughters, Della and Remy, who danced during the 12-minute cameo.
Joel, who walked with a cane, told the crowd he had not planned to perform. The band's frontman asked if Joel wanted to sing, to which Joel replied, "I can give it a try. I know the guy who wrote it." He needed a prompt for some lyrics during "We Didn't Start the Fire" but continued with the song.
The performance took place at a concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the village of Wellington, Florida. Joel owns a home in the area and nearby Middlesea Farms.
Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a buildup of fluid on the brain, leading to the cancellation of all shows indefinitely. In a July interview with Bill Maher, he said he felt fine apart from balance issues, which had caused a fall on stage in February.
