Billy Joel returned to performing live Friday night for the first time since he was diagnosed with the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus in May. Making a surprise appearance, the Piano Man sang “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot” at an event in Wellington, Florida, celebrating the village’s 30th anniversary, The Palm Beach Post reported.
He was accompanied by the Turnstiles, a cover band that takes its name from Joel’s 1976 album of the same name. His young daughters, Della and Remy, danced along as he sang.
He wore a winter jacket and a black cap and walked with the help of a cane, The Post reported. But his voice appeared strong, according to a video posted from the event. “I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel told the crowd.
The show took place at the Wellington Amphitheater. Joel owns a horse ranch in the village.
Andy Edelstein, Newsday’s entertainment editor, supervises coverage of TV, celebrities, movies and pop music. He has written three books on popular culture, including “The Brady Bunch Book.”
