Skip to content 
- February 5, 2024
Billy Joel shines at the 2024 Grammys, breaking a 30-year hiatus with the live debut of “Turn the Lights Back On.” Collaborating with Freddy Wexler, Joel’s return captivates with a heartfelt ballad. Enjoy the exclusive experience with a special ticket discount from Tickets Countdown. Witness the Piano Man’s resurgence, blending nostalgia and fresh melodies, marking a triumphant return to the Grammy stage.
The Piano Man Returns: A 30-Year Grammys Hiatus Ends
In a musical resurgence, the iconic Billy Joel graced the stage at the 2024 Grammys, marking his return after a three-decade hiatus from the prestigious awards ceremony. The highlight of the evening was the live debut of Joel’s latest single, “Turn the Lights Back On.”
The Origin Story: A Unique Collaboration
Preceding the performance was a captivating video package, unraveling the origin story of the newly unveiled song. Co-writer Freddy Wexler shared the serendipitous tale of fulfilling his dream to meet Billy Joel. This dream became a reality when Wexler’s wife introduced him to a chain of connections that eventually led to a lunch meeting with the legendary musician. From this seemingly casual encounter, an “unlikely friendship” blossomed, culminating in the collaborative creation of “Turn the Lights Back On.”
Convincing the Legend: Billy Joel’s Hesitation
Joel, known as the Piano Man, initially hesitated to embark on the journey of co-writing the song. It took some persuasion, as he admitted, “It took him awhile to talk me into it.” After recording the song and surprisingly not disliking his own voice, Joel found joy in the process once again. The collaboration involved Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector, with Wexler also taking on the role of producer. Notably, this release marked Joel’s first song with lyrics since 2007’s “All My Life.”
Rediscovering Joy: Joel’s Reflection
Reflecting on the creative process, Joel shared, “The whole point of doing what I do is because it was so much fun to do when I first started. I kind of lost that after awhile. Freddy got me to find the joy in it again.” The performance showcased Joel at the piano, delivering the ballad with a voice that, while reflecting the passage of time, retained its richness and authenticity. The camera occasionally cut to Wexler, visibly immersed in the music, singing along to the heartfelt lyrics. Adding to the ensemble was Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey, a Grammy winner for best traditional pop vocal album earlier in the evening.
A Nostalgic Finale: ‘You May Be Right’
Billy Joel concluded the 2024 Grammys with a memorable finale, treating the audience to a rousing rendition of his 1980 classic, “You May Be Right.” The timeless hit brought the evening to a triumphant close, showcasing Joel’s enduring musical prowess and the indelible impact of his contributions to the industry.
In essence, Billy Joel’s return to the Grammy stage was not merely a performance but a celebration of a musical journey spanning decades. The live debut of “Turn the Lights Back On” and the nostalgic echoes of “You May Be Right” affirmed Joel’s enduring legacy in the realm of music.
The Unveiling of Billy Joel’s 2024 Tour Dates
Get ready for a musical extravaganza as Billy Joel takes to the stage once again, embarking on a North American tour that promises to be a sensational experience for fans. After the success of their co-headlining tour in 2023, Billy Joel is back with a series of exciting new shows, featuring none other than the legendary Stevie Nicks and Sting. Let’s dive into the details of this highly anticipated musical journey.
The Dynamic Trio Takes Center Stage
Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, and Sting are set to create magic in a series of tour dates for 2024. This musical rendezvous guarantees an unforgettable experience for fans across North America. Following their triumphant co-headlining tour in 2023, Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks are reuniting for a spectacular concert at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 21st. And that’s not all – the excitement reaches new heights as Billy Joel shares the stage with Sting at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on September 27th.
Billy Joel and Sting Unite for One Night Only
Prepare for two extraordinary “one night only” concerts featuring the iconic duo of Billy Joel and Sting in 2024. This classic rock spectacle is set to unfold at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on February 24th and San Diego’s Petco Park on April 13th. Despite both artists gracing the music scene in the ’80s, this marks their inaugural co-headlining experience, adding an extra layer of significance to this iconic event.
As the stage is set for this dynamic trio to take center stage, fans can anticipate a night filled with timeless hits, electric performances, and the unparalleled energy that only these music legends can deliver. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic musical journey that promises to be a highlight of the 2024 concert season.
Stay Updated With Breaking Recording Artist News, Tour Announcements, Weekly Featured Concert Tickets and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to stay connected with your favorite artists.
