Christie Brinkley Supports Billy Joel During Recovery After Stage Fall

Piano Man Billy Joel needs all the friends he can get as he recovers from surgery, and his ex Christie Brinkley was among the first to rush to his side to help him recover, sources tell GLOBE.

During a concert in February, the 75-year-old crooner was twirling his microphone stand while performing It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me when he lost his balance and fell to the floor to the horror of fans.

“He needed emergency surgery, by the sound of things,” an insider says. “They’re being quite mysterious about the exact nature of Billy’s injury, but his health situation is more serious than anyone thought.

“One thing’s for sure: He’s going to need a lot of time to recover, and Christie will be there to see him through.”

Sources spill that the exes have remained friendly. The former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl, 71, has attended many of his shows, and Billy has even serenaded her from the stage.

Although Billy’s rep insists that Christie doesn’t have a presence in the singer’s life, our snitch reveals: “They’re close friends and he’s finding her infectious laughter soothing during this awkward time. She’s comforting him and lifting his spirits and giving him some of that Zen healing power. Christie is proud of him for making the decision to postpone shows for four months.”

He’s also getting a boost from current wife Alexis and his daughter Alexa, his only child with the Uptown Girl.