Billy Joel releases ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ video

The clip uses groundbreaking technology to show performance through the ages of Joel’s life

Columbia Records shares Billy Joel’s first new music video in decades for his new single “Turn the Lights Back On.” Directed by Warren Fu (Daft Punk, Dua Lipa) and Freddy Wexler, the video utilizes groundbreaking technology from Deep Voodoo (Kendrick Lamar, Juice Wrld), and showcases Joel performing the beloved track throughout the different decades of his life.

The six-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Kennedy Center honoree took the stage a few weeks ago at the 2024 Grammys for the debut performance of “Turn The Lights Back On.” The single exploded on radio, hitting No. 1 on classic hits, classic rock, and more. It is currently No. 8 on the adult contemporary chart for the second consecutive week, the highest AC chart position for Joel, since 1993. It is also Joel’s first song to break the Billboard Hot 100 since 1997.

Joel initially alluded to the song on TikTok, following his debut on the platform. Now, he delivers a classic Billy Joel-style tune, embodying the hallmarks of his signature sound and ushering in the next chapter of his story. “Turn The Lights Back On” was produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler and written by Wexler, Arthur Bacon, Wayne Hector, and Joel.

CBS will celebrate Joel’s 100th consecutive Madison Square Garden concert with a special on Sunday, April 14th. The 100th: Billy Joel at Madison Square Graden – The Greatest Arena Run of All Time celebrates his historic franchise run which concludes in July with his 150th lifetime performance at the historic New York City venue. It marks his first broadcast network concert.

The 74-year-old Piano Man will headline a series of stadiums throughout 2024. Solo dates and concerts with both Stevie Nicks and Sting are scheduled through the fall, including a one-off show at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday, August 9th, joined by special guest Chris Isaak.

Billy Joel remains one of the most influential artists of all time and a generational storyteller without comparison. Beyond selling over 160 million albums around the world and emerging as “the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States,” he has garnered six Grammy Awards out of 23 nominations. Among dozens of accolades, he earned induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. Moreover, he became the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2002 and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013. Making history, his double-diamond Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II stands out as “the sixth most-certified album of all time.” Hits such as “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “We Didn’t Start The Fire” have resounded through eras, even enshrining him among the Top Artists on Spotify. Upon his 100th sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, the state of New York (his home) declared July 18th Billy Joel Day.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn