Billy Joel surgery recovery delays 8 concerts
Christie Brinkley dances as Billy Joel performs ‘Uptown Girl’
Billy Joel’s muse and original “Uptown Girl” Christie Brinkley, danced as he performed the song he wrote about her.
The Piano Man has to push off several of his 2025 tour dates.
Billy Joel announced on his Facebook page Tuesday that he had to reschedule eight concerts due to a medical condition, with Joel needing time to “recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.”
Joel, 75, is expected to make a full recovery, according to the statement, and dates that had been scheduled this year from July 5 on will proceed as planned.
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” Joel said in a statement. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
More details on Joel’s health weren’t provided, but he had a scare last month after falling on stage during a concert in Connecticut. At the time, he was able to recover and continue performing.
New dates have been announced for seven of Joel’s rescheduled concerts, which will first pick up in November in Detroit and span through at least early July 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. But the April 26 concert that had been scheduled for American Family Field in Milwaukee has yet to be rescheduled.
Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates, and refunds for first-hand tickets will be available.
Joel previously postponed a show at Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in January “because of a medical procedure.” The concert was rescheduled for November.
“I’m disappointed to share that I must postpone my concert at Hard Rock Live,” he said at the time. “I appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone in November.”
The “Uptown Girl” singer wrapped his residency at Madison Square Garden in July after 10 years.
“I’m going to miss doing it a lot,” Joel told USA TODAY last year. “I love it. The band loves it. The crowd is a New York-crazy crowd. The minute you walk onstage you’re aware they’re rooting for you. The only way you could mess up that gig is to try to screw it up.”
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Melissa Ruggieri
link
