Billy Joel may be stepping away from touring as he continues to recover from normal pressure hydrocephalus, but his longtime touring band will reunite on March 12, 2026, for a special all star concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. The night will celebrate Joel’s catalog, with his songs performed by a wide range of guest vocalists including Rob Thomas, Alexa Ray Joel, Pat Monahan, Gavin DeGraw, Marc Roberge, Matt Nathanson, Rufus Wainwright, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tanya Tucker, The War And Treaty, Joy Oladokun, Bettye LaVette, along with additional names still to be revealed.
The concert marks the 21st Music Of benefit event organized by veteran promoter Michael Dorf since the series began in New York in 2004. Over the years, the shows have raised more than $2 million in support of music education initiatives. Past tributes have honored artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, R.E.M., Joni Mitchell, Prince, and Patti Smith.
This year’s tribute to Billy Joel is notable for selling out before a single guest performer was announced. Fans who were unable to secure tickets can still attend a live rehearsal show at City Winery on March 11, where a selection of artists from the main event will preview their performances. Both shows will feature Joel’s core band members, including saxophonist Mark Rivera, percussionist and vocalist Crystal Taliefero, guitarist Tommy Byrnes, bassist Andy Cichon, drummer Chuck Burgi, horn player Carl Fischer, guitarist and vocalist Mike DelGuidice, and keyboardist David Rosenthal, who will also serve as musical director.
Joel had initially planned to tour extensively throughout 2025, with stadium dates scheduled across North America and England. Those plans were put on hold after he revealed his diagnosis in May and ultimately canceled the tour. “This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” read a statement from Joel’s team. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
In July, while promoting his new two part, five hour documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, Joel spoke openly with Bill Maher about his health. “I feel fine,” he said. “My balance sucks. It’s like being on a boat.” At the final show Joel played in 2025 before canceling the tour, he fell at the close of “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”
At this point, it remains uncertain whether Joel himself will attend the Carnegie Hall tribute. Other artists honored through the Music Of series, including Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., and Patti Smith, have made appearances at their respective tribute concerts.
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