Billy Joel Surprises with New Song and Reflects on the Journey

Billy Joel has made a striking comeback with his new song 'Turn the Lights Back On,' marking his first fresh track since 2007. The song was introduced to the public on February 1 and came alongside an interview with Herb Ivy, a DJ from WBLM-FM, a radio station in Portland, Maine.

The Inception of 'Turn the Lights Back On'

During the conversation with Ivy, Joel disclosed that his original plan didn't involve him singing the song. In fact, he had envisioned giving it to another acclaimed artist, mentioning Adele as a potential candidate. Joel expressed a firm stance against recording the song himself, motivated by a desire to see someone else take on the vocals.

Freddy Wexler Encourages Joel's Voice

Freddy Wexler, the co-writer and producer of 'Turn the Lights Back On,' also partook in the interview, where he expressed bewilderment at Joel's initial reluctance to be the voice of his own creation. Wexler's persistence ultimately urged Joel to perform the song, leading him to finally record the track.

After hearing his recorded vocals, Joel was taken aback by the pleasant surprise of not disliking the sound of his own voice, something he had grappled with in the past. This marked a moment of transformation for the artist, who had previously been hesitant to listen to his own performances.

Collaborative Roots

The duo of Joel and Wexler embarked on their collaborative journey after Joel's family doctor introduced them. Bonding over songwriting ideologies, Wexler managed to convince Joel to dig up some unfinished tracks for completion, setting the stage for their partnership.

Breaking Past Resistance

Joel admitted multiple industry legends like Rick Rubin, Clive Davis, and even Elton John had encouraged him to re-enter the studio but to no avail. It was Wexler who was successful in nudging Joel back towards recording.

A Welcoming Nod to Adele

Despite Joel ultimately recording the song himself, Wexler remains hopeful and eager for Adele to cover 'Turn the Lights Back On,' positing that her rendition would be remarkable.

Joel's Performance Schedule

Billy Joel is not only gracing fans with a new song but also has an array of live performances lined up, including his residency at Madison Square Garden and a variety of headlining and co-headlining shows with other legendary artists. His tour is set to deliver memorable experiences for fans across different locations.

comeback, song, collaboration