Billy Joel Returns to Stage After Tour Cancellation
Billy Joel made a surprise appearance on stage Friday night in Florida’s Palm Beach County, marking his return to performing after canceling his tour earlier this year. This performance was his first public singing engagement since May, when he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that affects balance.
Billy Joel’s Surprise Comeback
During the concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of Wellington, Florida, Joel joined the tribute band Turnstiles for a memorable 12-minute set. Wearing a black cap and a winter vest, he performed his hits “Big Shot” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Introducing Family and Sharing Moments
- Joel’s wife, Alexis Roderick, joined him on stage.
- His daughters, Della and Remy, entertained the crowd with improvised dance moves.
Before performing, Joel humorously mentioned he wasn’t planning to work that evening. He interacted with the audience, saying, “I can give it a try. I know the guy who wrote it,” in reference to his songs.
Health Challenges and Future Plans
Joel’s exit from the touring scene was due to a buildup of fluid in his brain related to his NPH diagnosis. He is undergoing physical therapy to help manage his balance issues, which also led to a fall on stage in February. Despite these challenges, he expressed positivity about his health in a July interview.
Continued Popularity
Although he canceled his planned arena performances, Joel remained in the public eye. In 2025, he captured attention with the release of the acclaimed HBO documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which appealed to both fans and newcomers.
As Joel concluded his performance, he left the stage to applause, confirming his enduring connection with audiences and hinting at a hopeful return to more live shows in the future.
