Billy Joel Prioritizes Health — and Family — While Prepping for Big Tour Return

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Billy Joel is itching to get on stage after back surgery, but friends fear his relent-less drive to perform could be a death sentence.

“He loves the spotlight so much, and of course the massive paychecks it brings, and no one is telling him to retire,” says an insider.

“They just want to see him slow down and take better care of himself. He’s all gas and no brakes and it’s going to cost him!.”

The 75-year-old music leg-end — who underwent a delicate back op in 2021 — took a nasty tumble during a February concert when he lost his balance and crashed to the floor while belting It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.

Bronx-born Billy kept the show going — but later announced he was pausing his concerts due to a medical condition requiring surgery and physical therapy, and the tour is set to resume in July.

“Billy pushed himself hard over the last 12 months, and given his age and some of his physical challenges, nobody is surprised he needs a medical break, nor is anybody shocked that he plans to get right back on stage the second he’s fully recovered,” says an insider.

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The Grammy winner isn’t hitting the road just for the love of it, as sources say he wants to rake in money for as long as he can.

“Billy has turned his live performing into the core focus of his life, and he continues to be compensated incredibly well every time he steps on stage,” says a source.

“He intends to keep making incredible money for years to come, and the money and adulation really have kept him going in the many years since he stopped recording new music.”

The Piano man has been married to fourth wife Alexis Roderick, 42, mom of his daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7, since 2015, and is also father of Alexa, 39, from his marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley.

“He feels a big responsibility to set his kids up for life,” says the source. “He’s not going to be around forever and wants to do as much as he can, while he still can.”

But his relentless drive has pals worrying he’ll send himself into an early grave!

“People are begging him to slow down,” notes the source. “He’s up all hours, running around the stage like mad, trying to do fancy footwork like he’s still in his 20s.

“It’s crazy, because he’s put- ting his health at risk.”