He certainly has a way about him!
Billy Joel surprised a pedicab driver and his passengers while they were exploring New York City on a Monday afternoon. The five-time Grammy winner had a memorable interaction as he was enjoying a bit of bike transport, catching the driver completely off guard while his classic hit “New York State of Mind” played.
The driver, who didn’t immediately recognize the 76-year-old singer, shared a warm moment with him. “We’re in a state of mind in New York…everyday,” Joel captioned a post on his Instagram.
“Yeah, that’s nice. We’re playing your music,” the driver replied, seemingly trying to take it all in.
“Can we get a picture together?” he asked eagerly.
The camera then turned to Joel, who smiled at the two passengers in the back of the pedicab.
In a second clip, shared by Joel himself, the scene shifted as the driver and his passengers approached a black SUV for a selfie, the song’s chorus booming from the speakers.
One passenger inquired about Joel’s mood, referencing his recent brain injury diagnosis. Back in May, the musician had announced he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, leading to the cancellation of all his shows for the year.
“I’m working with it and doing my best to recover,” he shared in a recent interview.
Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, potentially impairing cognitive functions. Joel noted that his performances led to issues with hearing, vision, and balance, which prompted his doctor to recommend a break while he underwent treatment.
He expressed that it sometimes felt as if he were on a boat, which was disconcerting for him, but he wanted to assure everyone not to worry about any dire health concerns.
Currently, Joel is focused on some specific physical therapy while he takes a step away from the stage during his recovery, according to his team.
