Music Of Benefit Concert Series Honors Billy Joel: All-Star Show at Carnegie Hall
Billy Joel's road band is reuniting for a special all-star show at Carnegie Hall on March 12, 2026. The concert will feature guest vocalists such as Rob Thomas, Alexa Ray Joel, Pat Monahan, and others. This event is part of the Music Of benefit concert series organized by Michael Dorf, which has raised over $2 million for music education programs in New York since 2004.
The upcoming show honoring Billy Joel will be the 21st installment of the Music Of series. Previous honorees include iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Prince. This year's event sold out quickly, even before the guest artists were announced. Fans who missed out on tickets can attend a live rehearsal show at City Winery on March 11, where select artists will preview their performances.
The band for the Carnegie Hall show will include familiar faces like saxophonist Mark Rivera, guitarist Tommy Byrnes, and drummer Chuck Burgi. Billy Joel was originally scheduled to tour in 2025 but had to cancel due to his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis. He is currently undergoing therapy and focusing on his health. Despite his condition, Joel remains optimistic and grateful for the care he is receiving.
During an interview with Bill Maher, Joel mentioned that his balance has been affected by the condition, comparing it to being on a boat. It is uncertain if Joel will attend the tribute show at Carnegie Hall. Past honorees like Bruce Springsteen and R.E.M. have participated in their own Music Of tribute concerts, making it a memorable experience for both the artists and the audience.