Billy Joel suffers shock fall on stage as fans say star ‘didn’t look well’ during gig
Bill Joel sparked concern among concert-goers as he required help to recover from a fall on stage.
Footage from his gig at Mohegan Sun resort in Stamford, Connecticut on February 22 shows Billy – who was described as “frail” at the event – twirl a microphone stand before throwing it across the stage, before suddenly falling over after delivering the wild trick.
The 75-year-old was performing his hit It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me during the worrying moment, which saw him fall directly on his back. Attendees said the star was helped up by his band and managed to sing his final song to end the gig, but was “visibly thrown off” by the fall. “He just didn’t look well hobbling across the stage,” one concerned fan shared.
Photos from the troubling fall seem to show Billy – dressed for the concert in an all-black suit and dress shoes – seeming to stumble before falling hard on his side, and rolling over onto his back before taking a moment to pause once he got back to his feet again.
The New Yorker previously spoke about his continued love of making music, and made it clear he had no plans to retire from the industry. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror in 2023, he shared: “I still write music. I’ve kind of given up on song form because I’ve done it. I tend to like instrumental music, orchestral music. I mean, I’m writing all the time, but I’m not always recording.”
The star also spoke of his stage personality, joking that he often stays seated – in contrast to his very physical show before falling this week. “I have this image of ‘I’m the least glamorous popstar there is’. I just sit at the piano,” he said. “I’m in my 70s, I am not a matinee idol, so why are you coming to see me in the first place? But you know, it all has to do with the music, it’s all about music.”
Alongside explaining his changed tastes in music creation and live shows, Billy opened up about ageing in such a fast-moving music environment while speaking to BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball. Asked if he ate well and exercised, he said: “None of the above. I don’t think I look all that good. But I don’t look in the mirror that often, which helps a lot. There’s a saying ‘things don’t look half bad with one eye closed.'”
Billy has opened up about his past struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, alongside a difficult journey with mental health which culminated in a suicide attempt as he struggled with his career. Asked what he was proud of in his life, the legendary musician summarised: “My ability to move on with life. I’ve had difficulties in my life, but it never stopped me from continuing. Troubles with business didn’t stop me from doing business. I have no bitterness about anything, even people who rip me off, I let it go. I’m content with that I’m happy. I’m having a happy ending.”
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