Billy Joel plays first live performance since brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel kicked off the new year with a surprise performance in Florida – his first since he had to cancel a series of shows in 2025 due to a neurological issue.
The 76-year-old “Piano Man” got back into shape Friday night at an amphitheater in Wellington, Fla., where he took the stage to perform “Big Shot” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” as part of the village’s 30th anniversary celebration, according to a video posted by TMZ.
The footage also shows Joel’s youngest daughters — Della, 10, and Remy, 8, whom he shares with wife Alexis Roderick — grooving next to the piano to their father’s legendary tunes.
After rocking the house, Joel received cheers from the crowd as he was escorted off stage using a cane.
In May, Joel canceled all upcoming shows, announcing that he had been diagnosed with a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus. The National Institutes of Health describes the disease as “an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid deep in the brain,” with symptoms including vision problems, difficulty walking and memory loss.
Joel said at the time that his “hearing, vision and balance” had been affected by the disorder and had only been exacerbated by performing live.
It’s unclear when Joel plans to return to the stage in full force, he has said he hopes to return this year to play previously postponed shows.
