Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Billy Joel surprises fans with first performance after brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel, a famous singer, surprised his fans by performing two songs at a special event in Florida.
This was his first time performing in public since he found out he has a brain problem called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
He performed with a band that plays his songs and was joined by his wife and two daughters.
Before his performance, he had to cancel all his concerts to get better.
He said he feels okay but is still working on his health.
His last big concert was in February 2025.
Billy Joel made a surprise appearance at a village amphitheatre in Wellington, Florida, performing two songs with a tribute band.
This was his first public performance since revealing his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in May 2025.
Joel was accompanied by his wife, Alexis Roderick, and their two daughters, Della and Remy, who danced beside him during the performance.
The tribute band had teased the audience about a surprise guest appearance before Joel emerged on stage.
Joel had cancelled all scheduled concerts following his diagnosis to undergo physical therapy and manage his condition.
- Who
- Billy Joel, a 76-year-old singer-songwriter, and his family
- What
- A surprise two-song performance at a village amphitheatre in Wellington, Florida
- When
- During the venue's 30th anniversary celebrations, after his diagnosis in May 2025
- Where
- Wellington, Florida, USA
- Why
- To celebrate the venue's 30th anniversary and to make his first public performance since his diagnosis
- Artist
- Billy Joel
- Location
- Wellington, Florida
- Venue
- Village amphitheatre
- Occasion
- Venue's 30th anniversary
- Songs Performed
- We Didn't Start the Fire, Big Shot
- Diagnosis
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
- Last Full Concert
- February 2025
- Current Status
- Ongoing treatment and physical therapy
