Billy Joel Returns with New Single “Turn the Lights Back On”

Billy Joel has released his new single “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first new studio offering in 17 years. Joel shocked fans with the announcement of his official return on Jan. 22, following up on a tease from the artist’s first TikTok post, in which he coyly intoned, “we got a little something we’re working on.” Joel’s release preludes his performance at the 66th Grammy Awards on this Sunday, Feb. 4.

Joel’s new release exposes the artist’s interiority after a spell away from the spotlight. This long-awaited return arrives by collaboration, with production by Grammy-nominee Freddy Wexler and songwriting by Joel, Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and renowned pop hitmaker Wayne Hector. To accompany the release, Joel has dropped a limited edition vinyl 7” and an animated lyric video, which illustrates his journey from the shadows back to center stage.

This Sunday, Joel will celebrate this new chapter in his career with a performance at the 66th Grammy Awards. This marks Joel’s first set at the ceremony since his 2002 “New York State of Mind” duet with Tony Bennett. Though he is not up for an award this year, the artist has been the recipient of six awards and 23 nominations through his illustrious career, including the coveted Legend Award in 1991, of which Joel is one of only 15 total recipients. Other performers at this year’s awards include Billie Eilish, Luke Combs, Burna Boy and U2, which will broadcast a selection from its acclaimed ‘U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere’ concert.

“Turn the Lights Back On” is available to stream now. Joel has several performances planned throughout the year following his Grammy performance, including the final dates of his Madison Square Garden residency and several shared bills with Sting. For tickets and more information, visit billyjoel.com/tour.