Billy Joel not dead, confirms publicist after Google hoax

Billy Joel’s publicist has confirmed that the singer is still alive, following a Google glitch that claimed the 77-year-old had passed away on Thursday. The search engine included an information box on the ‘Piano Man’ legend, which stated his date of death as yesterday (September 17). This sparked a flurry of concern online, with Joel’s publicist confirming to Newsday that he is still among us. “Billy’s not dead,” Claire Mercuri said. “I was just emailing with him.” Joel is yet to address the error himself on social media. Don’t worry, Billy Joel is alive. Search results for "Billy Joel" on Thursday included an informational box that read: "Died Sept. 17, 2026." "Billy’s not dead," the singer’s publicist, Claire Mercuri, said firmly. "I was just emailing with him." On his SiriusXM channel last… pic.twitter.com/7HFOKXTRej — Newsday (@Newsday) September 17, 2026 Joel has been battling health issues recently, which caused him to cancel tour dates last year. On social media, he announced he had been diagnosed with a brain disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which affects a brain disorder that can cause problems with hearing and balance. In January, he played live for the fir...