Billy Joel made an unexpected return to the stage on January 2, 2026, delivering his first live performance since revealing his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in mid-2025. The 76-year-old music legend appeared at a 30th anniversary celebration for the Village of Wellington, Florida, where he joined a Billy Joel tribute band called Turnstiles at the Wellington Amphitheater. Joel surprised the crowd by performing two of his well-known songs, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot,” during the event.

Joel’s appearance marked his first public performance since he canceled all scheduled tour dates following his brain disorder diagnosis, which had caused him to step back from live shows due to symptoms affecting his balance, hearing and vision. He walked onstage with the assistance of a cane and sat at the piano to play, joking to the audience that he “wasn’t planning on working tonight.” His wife, Alexis Roderick, and their daughters, Della and Remy, were present as he performed, and his children danced onstage alongside him.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, the condition Joel disclosed in May 2025, involves a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that can lead to neurological symptoms and often prompts medical intervention and therapy. Following the diagnosis and tour cancellations, Joel underwent physical therapy and provided occasional updates on his health, describing his balance challenges while maintaining that he was feeling generally well.

The surprise performance was brief and informal, underscoring Joel’s continued connection with his fans and his presence in music even as he manages his condition.