Carnegie Hall's Billy Joel Tribute Had Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Yola, & More

Skip to ContentNewsBilly Joel Tribute At Carnegie Hall Had Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Yola, & MoreBy Chris DeVille11:39 AM EDT on March 13, 2026Share on FacebookShare on RedditShare on EmailShare on BlueskyEvery year, City Winery owner Michael Dorf picks an artist to honor with his annual "Music Of" tribute concert at Carnegie Hall, a benefit for music education for underserved youth programs. Last year, the honoree was Patti Smith.This year's 21st installment of the series celebrated Billy Joel. The all-star tribute took place Thursday night on the Perelman Stage in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium. Though the Piano Man himself did not perform, he was in attendance. According to Page Six, he was seated in the balcony with his one-time collaborator Pink and her daughter, Willow Sage Hart. Joel received a standing ovation.Lots of big names turned out to honor Joel. Performers included Rufus Wainwright, Rob Thomas, Natalie Merchant, Yola, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Wyclef Jean, John McLaughlin, Matt Nathanson, Bettye Lavette, Train's Pat Monahan, O.A.R.'s Marc Roberge with Itzhak Perlman, Ledisi, David Rosenthal, Neil Francis, Sammy Rae, Andrew McMahon, Lawrence, Curtis Harding, Gavin DeGraw, Joel's live band, and his daughter Alexa Rae Joel.Joel, 76, canceled all his shows last year due to the health condition normal pressure hydrocephalus. Joel later clarified that he's not dying, but his "balance sucks." He gave a surprise performance Jan. 2 with the Billy Joel tribute band Turnstiles (not Turnstile) but hasn't resumed his normal performances yet. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Alexa Ray gave an update on her father's health: He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter. He’s always been a fighter and talks in his documentary about how life’s like a fight.Below, check out footage from the show and Wednesday's rehearsal at City Winery, as well as the full setlist, as reported on Reddit.SETLIST:Yola - “Movin’ Out”Rob Thomas - “Vienna”Pat Monahan - “She’s Always A Woman”Mary Chapin Carpenter - “And So It Goes”Matt Nathanson - “I Go to Extremes”Matt Nathanson - “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)”John McLaughlin - “Everybody Loves You Now”Alexa Ray Joel - “This Night”Rufus Wainwright - “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)”Ledisi - “Turn the Lights Back On”Marc Roberge with Itzhak Perlman - “Downeaster, Alexa”Bettye Lavette - “She’s Got A Way”David Rosenthal - “For the Longest Time”Wyclef Jean with the Music Will students band - “My Life”Neil Francis - “Stiletto”Sammy Rae - “River of Dreams”Sammy Rae - “Get it Right the First Time”Natalie Merchant - “Allentown”Billy Joel Band - “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”Curtis Harding - “Uptown Girl”Gavin DeGraw - “Big Shot”Lawrence - “Only the Good Die Young”Andrew McMahon - “Piano Man”Full Ensemble - “You May Be Right”Share on FacebookShare on RedditShare on EmailShare on BlueskyChris DeVille@chrisdevilleRead More:Alexa Rae Joel,Andrew McMahon,Bettye LaVette,Billy Joel,Curtis Harding,David Rosenthal,Gavin DeGraw,Itzhak Perlman,John McLaughlin,Lawrence,Ledisi,Marc Roberge,Mary Chapin Carpenter,Matt Nathanson,Natalie Merchant,Neil Francis,Pat Monahan,Pink,Rob Thomas,Rufus Wainwright,Sammy Rae,Wyclef Jean,YolaGET THE STEREOGUM DIGESTThe week's most important music stories and least important music memes.EmailSign upMore from NewsExplore NewsNewsJack Harlow Explains New R&B Era: “I Got Blacker”March 13, 2026NewsSturgill Simpson Says New Johnny Blue Skies Album Will Probably Go On Streaming With Bonus TracksMarch 13, 2026NewsMy Chemical Romance Reportedly Working On Secret Theater ProjectMarch 13, 2026NewsLykke Li – “Knife In The Heart”March 13, 2026NewsLabrinth Blasts Columbia And Euphoria: “I’m Done With This Industry”March 13, 2026NewsCan You Spot The Metallica Funko Pop Error?March 13, 2026