Celebrity News
Billy Joel Is Finally Returning to the Stage Amid Health Struggles, but There’s a Catch for Fans
Billy Joel returns to the stage in December amid ongoing health issues, but there’s one big catch for those wanting to attend.
Legendary performer Billy Joel is officially returning to the stage for the first time since health issues caused him to cancel a string of concerts. The “Piano Man” singer took to social media on November 9 to share the news, and fans were thrilled.
The announcement came via a post on Joel’s Instagram page. The caption read, “Florida Atlantic University will welcome singer, songwriter and composer Billy Joel for Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions & Answers…And a Little Music at 7p.m. on Monday, December 14, 2026.”
As much as Joel’s fans from all over the world would love the opportunity to attend the upcoming show, that isn’t an option. The Instagram post indicated that only students who are currently enrolled in Florida Atlantic University will be able to buy tickets.
One fan quipped, “Quickly applying to be a FAU student since this is right down the road from me.”
Another commented, “Love when he does this maybe hopefully this is his way of easing back.”
Someone else wrote, “Billy is extremely generous. Not many artists take the time to talk to students for free, sharing knowledge and wisdom.”
In July 2025, Joel talked with People about his condition, normal pressure hydrocephalus. The “Piano Man” singer sought answers when he started struggling with balance, he told the media outlet. Joel explained, “It was like being on a boat all the time.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, normal pressure hydrocephalus is “a condition that happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside your skull and presses on your brain.”
The condition can cause issues with memory, movement, and concentration and may present similarly to dementia, the Cleveland Clinic noted. It is considered a “treatable condition” in most cases.
On September 30, Joel gave fans a health update via The Billy Joel Channel on Sirius XM. He shared, “I know people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is.”
Joel added, “I’m okay. My balance isn’t that good. Lost a little bit of my hearing…but I’m fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I’m okay.”
While the December event is slated to be Joel’s first official performance since sharing his diagnosis, The Palm Beach Post noted that he surprised fans in January when he joined a cover band performing his songs at an amphitheater in Wellington, Florida.
Fans are hopeful that this upcoming event is a sign of more to come from the beloved entertainer.
