Billy Joel, the iconic piano man, is making headlines once again with his latest music video release for 'Turn the Lights Back On.' The video, exclusively revealed by PEOPLE, showcases Joel's incredible talent and pays homage to his past while embracing his future.
Directed by Warren Fu and Freddy Wexler, the music video takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through different decades of Joel's life. Utilizing groundbreaking technology from the artificial intelligence startup Deep Voodoo, the video seamlessly transitions between Joel's younger and older selves, truly capturing the essence of his musical journey.
The video starts with a glimpse of Joel flipping through a notebook, revealing the lyrics for his song 'Famous Last Words.' As he stumbles upon a blank black page, he begins to play the piano chords of 'Turn the Lights Back On.' The scene then shifts to an older version of Joel as he belts out the emotionally charged ballad.
What makes this music video even more special is that 'Turn the Lights Back On' is Joel's first original song in 17 years. Co-written by Joel, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector, the ballad has been two years in the making. The Grammy-winning artist debuted the song live at the 2024 Grammy Awards, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
In an interview on the GRAMMY Live! from the Red Carpet show, Joel shared his experience of rediscovering the joy in songwriting. He credited Freddy Wexler for helping him find the passion and excitement that had been lost over time. The writing process, as Joel described it, can be self-centered, lonely, and even torturous at times. However, the end result is always worth the effort, leaving him fulfilled and satisfied.
This music video release comes as Joel wraps up his record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden. With a total of 150 performances at the iconic venue, Joel's residency has truly been a remarkable achievement. Reflecting on the milestone, he expressed his amazement and gratitude for the decade-long run, which he did not anticipate lasting as long as it did.
But that's not all for Billy Joel fans. The talented musician has also announced new North American tour dates, with his final show set to take place on September 27 in St. Louis, Missouri. It's an exciting opportunity for fans to catch him live and witness his incredible talent firsthand.
Billy Joel's music video for 'Turn the Lights Back On' serves as a reminder of his timeless artistry and enduring legacy in the music industry. With his ability to captivate audiences across generations, there's no doubt that this latest release will only add to his already impressive repertoire. As we eagerly await his upcoming tour, let's continue to celebrate the remarkable career of a true musical legend.
