Jan 3, 2026 11:34am PT Billy Joel Takes Stage With Tribute Band for Two Songs, Performing Publicly for First Time Since Brain Disorder Diagnosis By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest Billy Joel Takes Stage With Tribute Band for Two Songs, Performing Publicly for First Time Since Brain Disorder Diagnosis 1 hour ago Stephen Schwartz Pulls Out of Kennedy Center’s 2026 Lineup: ‘There’s No Way I Would Set Foot in It Now’ 1 day ago BTS to Return in March With First Album in Nearly Four Years 3 days ago See All Billy Joel proved that his performing days are not entirely behind him Friday night, taking the stage for two songs with a tribute band at an outdoor show in Florida’s Palm Beach County, his first time singing in front of a crowd since his touring was called off in May due to a brain disorder diagnosis affecting his balance. Bundled up in a black cap and a winter vest, Joel got up on stage with the group Turnstiles to sing and play piano on a pair of his major hits, “Big Shot” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” He was joined on stage by his wife, Alexis Roderick, and introduced two young daughters, Della and Remy, who improvised dance routines throughout the crowd-rousing 12-minute cameo. Related Stories George Clooney Says He's No Longer 'Kissing Girls' in Movies: 'When I Turned 60 I Had a Conversation With My Wife' 'SNL' Parodies Variety's Actors on Actors Series With Holiday Characters Edition, Featuring The Grinch, Scrooge and Rudolph Joel reportedly asked permission to come up to join the group that is named after one of his most popular 1970s albums.
