Billy Joel Pulls Off Surprise Return To Stage With Turnstiles Cover Band In Florida

Billy Joel surprised fans when he joined the tribute act Turnstiles for two of his songs at the Village of Wellington’s 30th birthday bash in Wellington, Florida on Friday, January 2. The legendary rocker had previously been sidelined from performing publicly since he announced he was diagnosed with the brain disorder Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

Turnstiles headlined the concert celebrating Wellington’s 30th anniversary in the village where Billy Joel owns a home. “I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel quipped as he sat at the keys. He made his way slowly to the stage with the help of a cane and his wife, Alexis Roderick.

Joel’s daughters, Della and Remy, danced on stage next to the piano as Billy led Turnstiles (a band named after Joel’s 1976 album) through his 1989 hit “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” The tribute act convinced Billy Joel to stick around on piano and vocals for “Big Shot” from 1978’s 52nd Street.

The Piano Man revealed the diagnosis on May 23, 2025 and cleared his touring schedule. Billy Joel’s most recent full concert took place on February 22, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NPH is an excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brain ventricles, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The condition has led to problems with Joel’s hearing, vision and balance.

Many in the crowd chanted “Bill-y! Bill-y! Bill-y!” after the two-song performance. “I want to see you on stage soon,” said Turnstiles band leader Tony Monaco, who shared with the audience that it was a dream come true for him. As for now, Billy Joel’s schedule is still clear.

Watch audience-shot video of Billy Joel’s surprise performance with Turnstiles in Wellington, Florida below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNCO-jtB_Ss