The singer made a surprise cameo during a Billy Joel cover band’s show in January
Billy Joel will be joining the students at Florida Atlantic University in December to answer questions and possibly perform some music. This will be the singer’s first official appearance after he announced his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnoses and stepped away from the stage last year.
A post shared to his social media said that the college “will welcome singer, songwriter and composer Billy Joel for Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions & Answers…And a Little Music” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14. Tickets will be available exclusively to students currently enrolled at the university beginning Nov. 12.
While this is the singer’s first official event, he previously showed up unannounced in Wellington, Florida, during a Billy Joel cover band’s show in January. The Palm Beach Post reported the Joel walked on stage with the help of a cane and joined tribute band Turnstiles as they performed his beloved hit, “We Didn’t Start The Fire” and “Big Shot.”
Last month, Joel shared an update about his health during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter and said that at the moment, he’s not allowed to drive. When discussing when he would perform again, the singer said, “I have to take a series of tests before I know,” adding, “I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive.” He said a neurologist informed him that “every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.”
After canceling his previously scheduled 2025-2026 tour, Joel said back in September that he didn’t want people worrying about his health. “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,” he said on SiriusXM when answering calls from fans. “I’m okay. My balance isn’t that good. Lost a little bit of my hearing, but that may have to do with my age, too, and the rock and roll life and the loud volume probably didn’t help. But I’m fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I’m okay.”
