Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The 76-year-old musician humorously told fans in Florida on January 2 that he hadn’t intended to perform that evening.
Billy Joel returned to the stage for the first time since disclosing his brain condition in May.
On January 2, the 76-year-old musician appeared at an amphitheater in Wellington, Florida, surprising fans who had come to see a Billy Joel tribute band, according to The Palm Beach Post.
Footage from the event shows Joel wearing a winter vest and black hat. Using a cane, he made his way to the piano as the audience cheered his name.
“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel joked before performing “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot,” joined by the tribute band Turnstiles.
The singer’s two youngest daughters, 10-year-old Della and 8-year-old Remy, were onstage with him, clapping and dancing along as he played.
In May, Joel shared on Instagram that he was being treated for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). He explained that recent concerts had worsened his condition, affecting his hearing, vision, and balance, and that doctors had advised him to pause performing while undergoing specialized physical therapy.
Joel also canceled all upcoming shows to prioritize his health.
When speaking with PEOPLE in July, the musician reassured fans that he was “okay.”
“I know many people are concerned about my health, but I’m doing okay,” he said. “This is a condition that very few truly understand, including myself, no matter how much you try to look it up. I’m focused on managing it and working toward recovery.”
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder caused by an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While the brain normally produces and absorbs CSF continuously, an excess can interfere with key functions such as memory, movement, and concentration.
